Avro CF-100 Canuck
Summary
| Category | Combat aircraft |
| Origin country | 🇨🇦 Canada |
| First flight | 19 January 1950 |
| Year of introduction | 1953 |
| Number produced | 692 units |
| Average unit price | $1 million |
Description
The CF-100 Canuck, the premier Canadian-designed fighter, was developed to provide Canada with an all-weather capable fighter and replace the aging Vampires. The design of the Canuck began in October 1946, with the aircraft's structure being designed around the future Orenda engines.
The two prototypes were designated CF-100 Mk.1 and were equipped with Rolls-Royce Avon engines. The first prototype, temporarily named XC-100, made its first flight on January 19, 1950, piloted by Bill Waterton. However, some design issues highlighted during flight tests led to the replacement of General John Frost, the project's father, by James C. Floyd. The second prototype crashed in 1951 due to an oxygen failure, resulting in the loss of its crew. Nonetheless, the CF-100 became the first straight-winged fighter to break the sound barrier on December 18, 1952, with Jan Zurakowsky at the controls.
Ten examples of the Mk.2 version were built, with five serving as pre-production aircraft, and production began in 1950. It was intended to continue until 1958, resulting in a total of 693 units. Seventy Mk.3 versions were produced out of the initially ordered 124, equipped with an APG-33 radar and 8 12.7mm machine guns. This version became obsolete with the introduction of the Mk.4 in October 1952, which was further divided into two variants: Mk.4A and Mk.4B.
The CF-100 Mk.4A version, armed with 104 70mm rockets and equipped with APG-40 radar and Orenda 9 engines, was produced in 137 examples. The Mk.4B variant was powered by more powerful Orenda 11 engines and produced in 193 units. Two Mk.4As were converted into Mk.4Bs. This version was deployed by NORAD and later in Europe (including France) starting from November 1956, for a duration of 10 years with 4 squadrons. Its introduction had an impact on the alert capacity, transitioning from diurnal to permanent. It was in service with Canada from 1954 to 1962. Finally, the Mk.5, with an extended wingspan, was produced in 281 units, along with 49 Mk.4Bs that were converted.
The CF-100 entered service in April 1953 and equipped up to 13 Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) squadrons. It served until September 1981, when it was replaced by the F-101 Voodoo. The originally estimated lifespan of the airframe, set at 2000 flight hours, could reach up to 20,000 hours. Some units were converted for reconnaissance and electronic warfare roles, or used as target tugs.
Belgium received 53 used CF-100 Mk.5 aircraft, which served from December 1957 to the early 1960s. Although officially named "Canuck," a name that saw little use, it was mostly referred to as "Clunk" due to the noise produced by the front landing gear retracting after takeoff.
It is worth noting two other projects: the Mk.6, which was supposed to be equipped with Sparrow 2 missiles, and the CF-103, a delta-winged aircraft that served as a stepping stone to the CF-105 Arrow.
Technical specifications
| Version: CF-100 Mk 5 | |
|---|---|
| Crew | 1 pilot + 1 WSO |
| Operational range | 3200 km (1988 mi) |
| Maximum speed | 888 km/h (552 mph) |
| Wing area | 54.9 m² (590.9 sqft) |
| Wingspan | 17.4 m (57.1 ft) |
| Height | 4.4 m (14.4 ft) |
| Length | 16.5 m (54.1 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 13716 m (45000 ft) |
| Empty weight | 10500 kg (23149 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 15170 kg (33444 lbs) |
| Climb rate | 44.5 m/s (146.0 ft/s) |
| Powerplant | 2 × turbojets Avro Canada Orenda 11 delivering 3311 kgp |
| Ejection seat | Martin-Baker Mk 2 |
Current operating countries
No country is operating the CF-100 Canuck in 2024.
Photo of CF-100 Canuck
