Canadair CF-104 Starfighter

Canadair CF-104 Starfighter
Country	Canada
Role	Interceptor aircraft, Fighter-bomber
First flight	26 May 1961
Built	200

The Canadair CF-104 Starfighter (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 was primarily used as a ground attack aircraft, despite being designed as an interceptor. It served with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and later the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) until it was replaced by the McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet.

Source: Canadair CF-104 Starfighter on Wikipedia

Canadair CF-104D Starfighter Walk Around
Photographer	Bill Maloney
Localisation	RCAF Royal Canadian Air Force Museum
Photos	17

Canadair CF-104D Starfighter 1

Canadair CF-104D Starfighter 3

Canadair CF-104D Starfighter 2

Canadair CF-104D Starfighter 4

Canadair CF-104D Starfighter 5

Canadair CF-104D Starfighter 6

Canadair CF-104D Starfighter 7

Canadair CF-104D Starfighter 8

Canadair CF-104D Starfighter 9

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General Characteristics and Role

The Canadair CF-104D Starfighter was the Canadian-built, two-seat training variant of the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter. Known as the “missile with a man in it”, the Starfighter family was characterized by its extremely thin, short, straight wings and its ability to achieve speeds over Mach 2. The CF-104s were primarily used by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and later the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in the European strike/attack and reconnaissance roles as part of Canada’s NATO commitment, rather than the pure interceptor role used by the US Air Force. The CF-104D specifically served as a dedicated conversion trainer, allowing pilots to safely transition to the demanding single-seat CF-104. The “D” model retained combat capability, including the ability to carry external stores, despite its second cockpit.

Property	Typical Value (CF-104D)
Role	Conversion Trainer, Tactical Fighter, Reconnaissance
National Origin	Canada (Based on US Design)
Manufacturer	Canadair (License-built)
First Flight (F-104)	7 February 1954
Crew	2 (Pilot and Instructor/Trainee)
Length	16.69 m (54 ft 9 in)
Wingspan	6.68 m (21 ft 11 in) (Excluding tip tanks)
Height	4.11 m (13 ft 6 in)
Empty Weight	6,350 kg (14,000 lb)
Max Takeoff Weight	12,970 kg (28,600 lb)

Powerplant and Performance

Engine: 1 x General Electric J79-OEL-7 afterburning turbojet engine.
Thrust: 43.6 kN (9,800 lbf) dry; 69.0 kN (15,500 lbf) with afterburner.
Maximum Speed: Mach 2.0 (2,125 km/h; 1,320 mph) at altitude.
Combat Radius: 670 km (415 mi; 360 nmi).
Service Ceiling: 17,700 m (58,000 ft).
Wing Loading: Very high wing loading due to the short wing, necessitating high approach speeds and careful handling, which made the trainer variant essential.

Armament and Canadian Modifications

Armament (CF-104D): Typically did not carry the single-seat variant’s internal M61 Vulcan cannon due to space needed for the second cockpit, but could carry external ordnance.
External Stores: Up to 1,800 kg (4,000 lb) of ordnance on wing stations and fuselage pylons, including bombs, rockets, and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles.
Primary Mission: In Canadian service, the CF-104 series was modified to carry tactical nuclear weapons (which were eventually removed) and specialized photo-reconnaissance equipment.
Retirement: The CF-104 series was replaced by the CF-18 Hornet in the Canadian Forces, with many airframes being sold to NATO allies like Turkey and Greece.