Canadair
CF-104 Starfighter
The Canadair CF‑104 Starfighter was a license‑built version of the Lockheed F‑104, entering service with the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1962 after a 1959 procurement that called for a high‑speed, nuclear‑capable strike aircraft. Over 200 airframes were assembled at Canadair’s Mirabel plant, each equipped with a General Electric J79‑25 turbo‑jet that propelled the sleek, 27‑degree swept wing design to speeds exceeding Mach 2 and altitudes above 50 000 feet. The aircraft’s minimal wing area, slim fuselage, and powerful engine gave it an exceptional climb rate, while the internal weapons bay and four under‑wing pylons accommodated nuclear bombs, conventional ordnance, and later, a pair of AIM‑9 Sidewinder missiles for air‑to‑air defence.
Initially intended for the tactical nuclear role within NATO’s air‑defence network, the CF‑104 proved adaptable, transitioning in the 1970s to a multi‑role fighter‑bomber and finally to a supersonic trainer until its retirement in 1995. Its service highlighted the challenges of operating a high‑performance interceptor in harsh Canadian climates, yet demonstrated Canada’s ability to adopt and sustain cutting‑edge technology. The CF‑104’s legacy endures as a symbol of Cold‑War readiness and a key chapter in Canada’s aerospace industrial history.
Initially intended for the tactical nuclear role within NATO’s air‑defence network, the CF‑104 proved adaptable, transitioning in the 1970s to a multi‑role fighter‑bomber and finally to a supersonic trainer until its retirement in 1995. Its service highlighted the challenges of operating a high‑performance interceptor in harsh Canadian climates, yet demonstrated Canada’s ability to adopt and sustain cutting‑edge technology. The CF‑104’s legacy endures as a symbol of Cold‑War readiness and a key chapter in Canada’s aerospace industrial history.
Classification
Design & Classification
- Manufacturer
- Canadair
- Military Designation
- CF-111
- Operator
-
Royal Canadian Air Force
- Wikidata ID
- Q285638