Description
North American F-86 Sabre Left-Hand Forward M3 .50-Caliber Machine-Gun Trunnion Mount, P/N 151-61030-3
Item Overview
This North American F-86 Sabre left-hand forward gun mount supported the forward trunnion of one M3 .50-caliber machine gun. The triangular aluminum body bolted into the aircraft’s nose structure, while the attached steel clevis engaged and located the gun’s trunnion. This is one individual gun mount and not the complete mounting system for all six guns.
Identification and Features
T.O. 1F-86F-4 identifies this part as “MOUNT, 6 fixed .50 caliber guns front LH.” Figure 144 shows the triangular mount as item 28 in the forward fuselage gun-installation area. Although the official name refers to the six-gun system, each mount supported only one gun. The parts listing specifies that two of these mounts were used on the left side.
- Part number: 151-61030-3
- NSN: 1005-00-248-4391
- Official nomenclature: MOUNT, 6 fixed .50 caliber guns front LH
- Figure identification: T.O. 1F-86F-4, Figure 144, item 28
- Aircraft application: North American F-86 Sabre
- Weapon application: M3 .50-caliber aircraft machine gun
- Mounting position: Left-hand forward gun trunnion
- Quantity used: Two on the left side
- Construction: Triangular aluminum mount with attached steel clevis
- Purpose: Supporting and locating the forward trunnion of one gun
- Component type: Non-firing aircraft gun-mount hardware
How the Trunnion Mount Worked
The triangular aluminum section attached firmly to the F-86’s internal nose structure. Its steel clevis received the forward trunnion of one M3 machine gun and held the weapon in the proper position. This arrangement helped maintain gun alignment while carrying the weight, vibration, and operating forces created during firing. Each gun required its own mounting points, so this single component did not support the complete six-gun battery.
Aircraft and Weapon Application
The F-86’s fighter versions carried six fixed M3 .50-caliber machine guns in the nose. The guns were arranged in groups on the left and right sides and fired forward through ports beside the air intake. T.O. 1F-86F-4 documents part number 151-61030-3 in the left-hand forward mounting position. The 151- part-number prefix originated with the F-86A program, and the -61000 number group was assigned to fixed-gun installation parts. This mount was retained for use on later F-86F aircraft.
Historical Background
The North American F-86 Sabre first flew in 1947 and became the United States Air Force’s first swept-wing jet fighter. It entered combat in Korea near the end of 1950 and became the main American opponent of the Soviet-designed MiG-15. The F-86A, F-86E, and F-86F used six fast-firing M3 .50-caliber machine guns for air-to-air combat. The M3’s high firing rate placed many projectiles on target during the short firing opportunities common in high-speed jet combat. Mounting parts such as this trunnion assembly were essential for keeping each gun secure and correctly aligned inside the crowded nose compartment.
Markings
The part number 151-61030-3 identifies the left-hand forward trunnion mount. A separate ALCAN marking most likely identifies the supplier of the aluminum casting.
This is a military-surplus aircraft gun-mount component that may show scratches, finish wear, oxidation, staining, dents, tool marks, or other signs of age, installation, removal, and storage. Steel and aluminum sections may show different levels of surface wear. Casting marks, stamped numbers, hardware, and finish details may vary. Please check the pictures for the general condition of the item.
Ideal For
This uncommon mount is well suited for collections and exhibits covering the F-86 Sabre, Korean War aviation, early jet-fighter armament, and Browning aircraft machine guns.
- F-86 Sabre restoration projects
- Korean War aviation collections
- M3 .50-caliber machine-gun displays
- Aircraft armament exhibits
- North American Aviation parts collections
- Military museums and educational displays
Approx length 9", Approx width 5", Approx height 4", Approx weight lbs.
Pictures are stock images of our inventory. Unless otherwise noted, you will not be receiving the exact item shown in the pictures. The pictures are representative of the item’s general condition. The item you receive might be slightly better, or worse, condition than was shown in the pictures.
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