Canadair Starfighter (Lockheed)

Overview

Late in 1959, Canadair was selected to produce 200 strike, reconnaissance versions of the Lockheed designed F-104 Starfighter, designated as the CF-104, to replace the F-86 Sabres being flown by the RCAF in NATO. The aircraft was known by a wide variety of nicknames some flattering and some not so flattering (for example, “missile with a man in it” referred to the design while “lawn dart” and “widow-maker” referred to the high number crashes the type suffered in the early years). The CF-104s had number of specialized changes plus equipment for the Canadian role. The aircraft was capable of the nuclear strike role and reconnaissance packs could be carried in a special pod under the fuselage. Originally, the standard M-61 gun pod was replaced by a 120 US gallon (455 litre) fuel tank. Later in its Canadian Armed Forces career, the aircraft was returned to a conventional strike role and the 20 mm cannon was re-installed. The CF-104 was replaced in service by the CF-188 Hornet.

Source: Canadian Combat and Support Aircraft: A Military Compendium by T.F.J. Leversedge © 2007. Translated and reproduced with permission of the author.

Technical specifications

Source: Canadian Combat and Support Aircraft: A Military Compendium by T.F.J. Leversedge © 2007. Translated and reproduced with permission of the author.