Lockheed CF-104 Starfighter F-104 CF-104D CL-90

The CF-104 Starfighter came in two versions: CF-104D, the dual trainer built by Lockheed in Palmdale California and the CF-104 (single seat) built by Canadair in Montreal. Both used the General Electric J79 Engine built by Orenda in Malton Ontario Canada.

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 XF-104 first flew in February 1954. Records established by the F-104 Starfighter are impressive: world altitude & speed records of 91,240 feet and 1,404 mph respectively in May 1958, world altitude record raised to 103,395 feet in December 1958 and unofficial world altitude record of 120,800 feet in December 1963.

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. 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.

Canadair's internal designation was CL-90 while the RCAF's version was initially designated CF-111, then changed to CF-104. Although basically similar to the F-104G, the CF-104 was optimized for the nuclear strike/reconnaissance role, fitted with R-24A NASARR equipment dedicated to the air-to-ground mode only as well as having provision for a ventral reconnaissance pod equipped with four Vinten cameras. Other differences included retaining the removable refuelling probe, initial deletion of the fuselage-mounted 20 mm (.79 in) M61A1 cannon (replaced by an additional fuel cell) and the main undercarriage members being fitted with longer-stroke liquid springs and larger tires.

The CF-104 entered Canadian service in March 1962. Originally designed as a supersonic interceptor aircraft, it was used primarily for low-level strike and reconnaissance by the RCAF. Eight CF-104 squadrons were originally stationed in Europe as part of Canada's NATO commitment. Wikipedia

Wikipedia Canadair CF-104 Starfighter

Harold A Skaarup Web Page

YouTube Canadair CF-104 Starfighter

The Starfighter on display outside the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is a CF-104D, a two seat trainer version. The aircraft was acquired from the Department of National Defence in late 1995.

Starfighter CF-104 12861

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439 Sqn Fangs of Death ("Westmount")

History of the Squadron before and during World War II (Aircraft: Hurricane IV, Typhoon IB)

[ Note that during WWII the squadron did not have a badge nor a motto. These were awarded later.]

No 439 (F) Squadron was formed in Rockcliffe, Ontario as No. 123 (Army Co-operation) Squadron RCAF Ontario, on Jan 15 1942. It was the second of six home squadrons transferred overseas without its aircraft, and was re-designated No. 439 (FB) Squadron RCAF at Wellingore, Lincolnshire, UK on December 31, 1943. It flew Typhoon aircraft in the preparation for D-Day and afterwards gave close support to the ground troops by dive-bombing and strafing enemy strongpoints, bridges, and road and rail traffic. They moved with the ground troops through France, the Low Countries, and Germany. The squadron was disbanded at Flensburg, Germany on August 26, 1945.

In the course of operations, the squadron flew 3996 sorties for the loss of 41 aircraft and 37 pilots, of whom 19 were killed, 9 missing, and 6 POWs. They dropped 2108 tons of bombs and accounted for a large number of rail and road vehicles. The squadron amassed 12 DFCs. Battle Honours were: Fortress Europe 1944, France and Germany 1944-45, Normandy 1944, Rhine.Wikipedia, Kostenuk and Griffin

Maps for Movements of 439 Squadron 1943-45

MAP 1: 439 Squadron Movements 1943-45 (right-click on image to display enlarged in new tab)

439 Squadron History Summary 1943-45

439 Squadron History Summary 1943-45

History of the Squadron Post-WWII (Aircraft: Sabre 2, 5, 6, Starfighter, Hornet, Griffon)

The squadron was re-formed as a Fighter unit at Uplands (Ottawa), Ontario on 1 September 1951 equipped with Canadair Sabre aircraft. The squadron joined No. 1 (Fighter) Wing at North Luffenham, Nottinghamshire, England in June 1952. In doing so, it initiated the first of four Operations “Leapfrog” – mass transatlantic flights by Sabre-equipped units to No. 1 Air Division Europe. Despite bad weather throughout the move, the 21 aircraft made the 3560-mile trip without mishap, to complete the formation of No. 1 Wing. Early in 1955, the unit moved with the wing to its French base at Marville . Selected as one of eight squadrons of No. 1 Air Division Europe to be re-equipped with CF-104 Starfighter aircraft, it was deactivated on 1 November 1963 and reactivated as Strike Reconnaissance on 2 March 1964. They moved with 3 Wing to Lahr, Germany on April 1, 1967, then to CFB Baden-Soellingen, Germany in 1971 as 439 Tactical Fighter Squadron. The squadron disbanded in November 1984 and reformed in November 1985 with the CF-18. During the Gulf War, the squadron fought as part of the Coalition of the Gulf War. They were disbanded at Baden-Soellingen on May 15, 1993 and reactivated shortly after at 3 Wing Bagotville, Quebec as 439 Combat Support Squadron.

The role of a Combat Support Squadron is to provide an immediate response to aircraft emergencies for operational squadrons flying out of 3 Wing Bagotville. As a secondary role, the Squadron can be called on to augment Search and Rescue operations in the region, tasked by the Joint Regional Co-ordination Centre. The squadron’s crews train continually in order to ensure an extremely high level of proficiency and this often means training with outside agencies like the Canadian Coast Guard, CASERA/SERABEC or local police. The squadron is only able to reach this level of proficiency thanks to the tireless support of its maintenance personnel who are dedicated to keeping the CH-146 flying. 439 combat support squadron’s crews, maintainers and aircraft are also often tasked with supporting Operation LENTUS in the event of domestic natural disasters necessitating the Canadian Armed Forces’ assistance.