Canadian CF-104 Starfighter Tailplane Static Display at Comox BC Canada
The Canadair CF-104 (CF-111, CL-90) was a modified version of the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter supersonic fighter aircraft built in Canada by Canadair under licence. It served with the Royal Canadian Air Force and later the Canadian Forces until it was replaced by the CF-18 Hornet. Canadair's internal designation was CL-90 while the RCAF's version was initially designated CF-111, then changed to CF-104. Although basically similar to the F-104G, the CF-104 was optimized for the nuclear strike/reconnaissance role, fitted with R-24A NASARR equipment dedicated to the air-to-ground mode only as well as having provision for a ventral reconnaissance pod equipped with four Vinten cameras. Other differences included retaining the removable refuelling probe, use of the fuselage-mounted 20-mm M61A1 cannon and the main undercarriage members being fitted with longer-stroke liquid springs and larger tires. The first flight of a Canadian-built CF-104 (s/n 12701) occurred on 26 May 1961. The Canadair CF-104 production was 200 aircraft with an additional 140 F-104Gs produced for Lockheed. The CF-104 entered Canadian service in March 1962. Originally designed as a supersonic interceptor aircraft, it was used primarily for low level strike and reconnaissance by the RCAF. CF-104 squadrons were stationed in Europe as part of Canada's NATO commitment. Up to 1971, this included a nuclear strike role that would see Canadian aircraft armed with US Nuclear Weapons in the event of a conflict with Warsaw Pact forces. Over the course of the aircraft's lifespan in service, some 110 were lost to accidents, earning the CF-104 the nickname of "Widowmaker," "Lawn Dart or "Flying Coffin" in the air force. Length: 54 ft 6 in Wingspan: 21 ft 9 in Height: 13 ft 5 in ( m) Empty weight: 14,000 lb Max takeoff weight: 29,038 lb Powerplant: 1× Orenda J79-OEL-7 afterburning turbojet Dry thrust: 10,000 lbf Thrust with afterburner: 15,800 lbf
Size: 5620px × 3733px
Location: 19 Wing Comex Air Base Museum Vancouver Island British Columbia BC Canada
Photo credit: © David Gowans / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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