The RCAF received their first CF-104 in March 1962. Although originally designed as a
supersonic interceptor the Canadian Air Force used it primarily for low level strike and
reconnaissance. The Canadian version of the F-104 was capable of carrying a ventral
mounted Vinten Vicon pod with 4 cameras inside for reconnaissance picture taking.
On September 4, 1963 number 12900 was the 200th and final CF-104 produced and
entered service on January 10, 1964. The CF-104 retired from service in 1985 when it
was replaced by the CF-18 Hornet. Over the 25 years of active service 110 aircraft were
lost to accidents earning it nicknames like “Widow Maker” and “Lawn Dart”. The RCAF
CF-104 probably had the most flying time of any variant with an average of 6,000 hours
per plane over their life time compared to the Luftwaffe’s 3,000 hours.

Looking for a supersonic replacement for the RCAF aging Sabre Mk. 6 the Canadian
Government chose the Lockheed F-104. This never was the choice of the Air Force but it
was a decision based more on economics and politics. It was decided that Canadair
would build the Canadian version under contract. Originally designated CL-90 the aircraft
finally became the CF-104. In the spring of 1961 the first Canadian-built CF-104 serial
number 12701 was airlifted to Palmdale, California where on May 26, Lockheed Test Pilot
Ed Brown performed its maiden flight. The Canadair number for this Aircraft was 683a-
1001, the RCAF serial number was 12701 but in July 1970 renumbered as 104701. In
1967 aircraft 12701 was one of 5 aircraft sent to the Central Experimental and Proving
Establishment (CEPE) located at Cold Lake Alberta Canada. These aircraft were used for
evaluations and flight trials of all the aircraft modifications, systems and armaments. Why
this aircraft wasn’t preserved is unknown to me but in 1985, possibly after being
cannibalized, it was struck off the inventory list and later scrapped.

Specifications for the CF-104

Manufacturer: Canadair

Designation: originally a super sonic interceptor but adapted for low level strike and
reconnaissance

Crew: 1 X pilot - “D” variant 2 crew

Dimensions
Wingspan: 21’ 11”
Length: 54’ 9”
Height: 13’ 6”
Wing area: 196.1 sq. ft

Powerplant
1 X Orenda Engines J79-OEL-7, 10,000 lb. s.t. dry / 15,800 lb. s.t. with after burner

Performance
Maximum speed:
Dash – 1,550 mph (mach 2.35) @ 40,000’
915 mph (mach 1.2) @ sea-level
Climb to 30,000’ – 1.5 minutes
Service ceiling: 50,000 ft (12,000 m)
Range: 1,630 mi (1,420 nm, 2,630 km)

Weights
Empty: 13,909 lbs.
Clean: 21,005 lbs.
Maximum take-off: 28,891 lbs

External stores
5 hard points – 1 X under the fuselage, 1 X under each wing, 1 X at each wing tip

Armament
External bombs and missiles such as: napalm bomb, cluster bomb, BL755 cluster bomb, a
19 rocket rocket-pod, Mk. 82 bomb, MN1A practice bomb dispenser, an M61A1 Vulcan
20mm cannon added to later versions.

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