HOBBY MASTER AIR POWER SERIES

Historical Note: 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. 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.

Built as a CF-104 by Canadair with a s/n 12733 and given the RCAF serial 12733, it joined the Canadian Armed Force at Baden-Solingen Germany in a nuclear role. In 1971 the CF-104 became a ground attack aircraft. In 1986 the CF-104 was being replaced by the CF-18 Hornet so some aircraft were scrapped or placed in storage until they were sold to other countries. In 1986 CF-104 104733 was sent to Turkey where it became 62-733 and flew until 1996 when it was preserved at Askeri Muzesi, Harbiye, Istanbul.

Info: CF-104 Starfighter - 1 Canada Air Group, Canadian Armed Forces, West Germany, 1964