The Canadair CF-104 Starfighter (CF-111, CL-90) is a modified version of the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter supersonic fighter aircraft built in Canada by Canadair under licence. It was primarily used as a ground attack aircraft, despite being designed as an interceptor.

Referred to as the "Missile with a man in it", the CF-104 (single seat version) was built in Canada under license by Canadair in Cartierville, Quebec. It was envisioned as a high speed, high altitude point defense interceptor against the relatively poor maneuvering manned bomber threat that existed in the early 1950's.

The CF-104 was an upgraded version of the earlier F-104A with a higher thrust J-79 manufactured under license by Orenda Aircraft Canada. An order for 200 CF-104s (at a price of $1.90 million each) was placed with Canadair Aircraft, Montreal, Quebec who would build them under license from Lockheed.

The CF-104 was fitted with equipment specialized for RCAF requirements. It was optimized for the nuclear strike role rather than being a multi-mission aircraft.

The CF-104 Starfighter served NATO for 25 years during the Cold War Era and is one of the most iconic Canadian-manufactured military aircraft. Its Orenda J79-OEL-7 engine was capable of 15,800 pounds of thrust with the afterburner.

Nov 22, 2019 · 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 Canadair CF-104 - Specifications Engine: The Orenda Engines-built J79-OEL-7 rated at 10,000 lbs. static thrust dry and 15,800 lbs. s.t. with afterburner. Internal Fuel 5,750 lbs - Total with tip and pylon tanks 10,495 lbs. Performance: Maximum speed (dash): 1550 mph (Mach 2.35) at 40,000 feet, 915 mph (Mach 1.2) at sea level.

The CF-104 was selected by the RCAF (Royal Canadian Air Force) in 1959 to replace the aging Sabre MK 6 after the cancellation of the Avro Arrow program. The “Starfighter” provided the speed and altitude capabilities which were desired in an ideal fighter jet.

The Canadair CF-104 Starfighter (CF-111, CL-90) is a modified version of the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter supersonic fighter aircraft built in Canada by Canadair under licence. It was primarily used as a ground attack aircraft, despite being designed as an interceptor.

One of the most revolutionary military aircraft ever produced, the F-104 Starfighter was designed by Kelly Johnson and his team in 1952, at Lockheed’s legendary “skunk works” in Burbank, California. The USAF ordered two prototypes in early 1953 and the …