The apron of San Pedro Sula housed a handful of Sabre 4s of the Honduran air force. FAH-3008 had an accident in 2002, when the ejection seat was accidentally activated, killing two technicians. The aircraft is Canadair built and operated by the RAF as XB827 and the Yugoslav AF as 11079, before it was transferred to Honduras.

Interesting detail of an otherwise uninteresting photo. 78 CL-86 Sabres formerly used by the RAF were supplied to Tito's Yugoslavia by the US through Avio Diepen at Ypenburg. They were kept here for two years but eventually delivered in 1959 with Yugoslav pilots making test flights in the Netherlands. The serial of this Sabre is probably 06-065. This in turn is probably ex XB820, second Yugoslav serial 11077, ending up in Honduras as FAH 3002 or 3009.

Ex Italian Air Force MM19607, XB733, RCAF 19607. Registered in the UK on 24 March 1966, presumably intended for restoration to flying condition. That never happened, and after some wandering it went to the USA where it was eventually scrapped. The UK registration was cancelled on 16 February 1970 as permanently withdrawn from use.

One of several Sabre MK IV a/c in storage at San Pedro Sula in 1984. The First Tactical Group of the Honduran Air Force operated them, but by 1984 they had been replaced with the Cessna A-37B. This Sabre was operated by the RAF as XB697, transferred to the Yugoslavian AF as 11059, and in 1976 transferred to the Honduran AF.

This was one of several Sabre MK. IV a/c in storage at San Pedro Sula in 1984. When I took this slide they had been replaced at the base with Cessna A-37B aircraft. This Sabre was assigned to the RAF as XB978, then transferred to the Yugoslavian Air Force as 11077, and in 1976 transferred to the Honduran Air Force.

Part of the Historic Aircraft Preservation Society's collection at Biggin Hill, donated by the Italian Air Force. This was the second aircraft to be allocated G-ATBF, delivery of the first one MM19477 having fallen through. This airframe was one time XB733 with the A&AEE at Boscombe Down. It was subsequently painted as "17617" in USAF colours and then "JA-120" in Luftwaffe colours. It passed to Lavenham in 1969 and Hullavington finishing up at Blackpool in 1970 where the remains of the collection were auctioned in 1972. Note the people all over the wings of NX611 in the background!

Outside the base on the roundabout

Ex-RCAF Canadair Sabre 4's wearing the markings of No. 444 Squadron awaiting overhaul by Airwork for the RAF at Speke. 19659 became XB805 and later went to Italy as 19659. 19702 became XB864 and later Yugoslavia 11-082. TF-627 is ex 422 Squadron.

Royal Canadian Air Force Canadair Sabre 4 ex 414 Squadron at Airwork Liverpool Speke, retaining 414's fin markings and codes. It was serviced here before handing over to the RAF as XB769. Later briefly to USAF as 19460 and quickly on to Italy acquiring squadron code 4-4.

RAF Sabre F.4 'J' of 92 Squadron (RAF Linton-on-Ouse) prepares to take off from RAF Hooton Park (Cheshire) to give a display to members of the UK's Royal Observer Corps. Its allocated RCAF serial 19771 was not taken up.

Built by Canadair in 1953 with USAF funding with RCAF serial 19612 allocated, but delivered direct to the RAF as XB738, serving No. 3 Squadron with code 'H'. To Speke on 24 October 1955 and overhauled by Airwork General Trading and painted in USAF markings but with RCAF serial. Delivered to Naples in early July 1956 and onwards to the Yugoslav Air Force.

Ex RAF Canadair Sabre F.4 XB577 'V' of 26 Squadron. Overhauled by Airwork General Trading at Ringway and painted in USAF markings, as they financed contruction by Canadair Ltd under an RCAF order with Canadian serial 19484. No USAF serial was allocated. It was passed to the Italian A.F. and served as 4-09 of 4 Aerobrigata, exploding near Anzio on 11.10.58.

Ex RCAF Sabre 4's awaiting overhaul by Airwork for the RAF. AQ-680 and AQ-460 are ex 414 Sqn. 19617 (TF-617) at top left bears the Tomahawk symbol of 422 Sqn and became XB743 with the RAF.