https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avro_Canada_CF-100_Canuck
The Avro Canada CF-100 Canuck (affectionately known as the "Clunk") was a
Canadian jet interceptor/fighter serving during the Cold War both in NATO bases
in Europe and as part of NORAD. The CF-100 was the only Canadian-designed
fighter to enter mass production, serving primarily with the RCAF/CAF and in
small numbers in Belgium. For its day, the CF-100 featured a short takeoff run
and high climb rate, making it well suited to its role as an interceptor.
In the early 1950s, Canada needed an all-weather interceptor (fighter) able to
patrol the vast areas of Canada's north and operate in all weather conditions.
The two-seat fighter crewed by a pilot and navigator was designed with two
powerful engines and an advanced radar and fire control system housed in its
nose that enabled it to fly in all-weather or night conditions.
Role
Interceptor
Manufacturer
Avro Canada
Designer
John Frost
First flight
19 January 1950
Introduction
1952
Retired
1981
Primary users
Royal Canadian Air Force
Belgian Air Force
Number built
692
Variants
Avro Canada CF-103
The Canuck was affectionately known in the RCAF as the "Clunk" because of the
noise the front landing gear made as it retracted into its well after takeoff.
Its less-attractive nickname was the "Lead Sled", a reference to its heavy
controls and general lack of maneuverability, a nickname it shared with a number
of other 1950s aircraft. Others included CF-Zero, the Zilch, the Beast, all
references to an aircraft many pilots considered less glamourous than RCAF day
fighters like the Canadair Sabre.
The aircraft operated under the US/Canadian North American Air Defense Command
(NORAD) to protect North American airspace from Soviet intruders such as
nuclear-armed bombers. Additionally, as part of the North Atlantic Treaty
Organization (NATO), four Canuck squadrons were based in Europe with 1 Air
of operating in zero visibility and poor weather conditions.
When the Korean War started, the USAF was in urgent need of a jet-propelled,
all-weather, interdiction/surveillance aircraft. The urgency was so great that
the USAF was willing to consider two foreign designs: the CF-100 and the English
Electric Canberra. The CF-100 was rejected because of insufficient range and
payload. The English Electric design was selected and developed into the Martin
B-57 Canberra.
The CF-100 served with nine RCAF squadrons at its peak in the mid-1950s. Four of
ferry program, replacing some NATO RCAF squadrons equipped with Canadair Sabre
day fighters to provide all-weather defense against Soviet intruders. Canucks
flying at home retained natural metal finish, but those flying overseas were
given a British-style disruptive camouflage scheme: dark sea gray and green on
top, light sea gray on the bottom.
Specifications (CF-100 Mk 5)
General characteristics
Crew: 2, pilot and navigator
Length: 16.5 m (54 ft 2 in)
Wingspan: 17.4 m (57 ft 2 in)
Height: 4.4 m (14 ft 6 in)
Empty weight: 10,500 kg (23,100 lb)
Loaded weight: 15,170 kg (33,450 lb)
Max. takeoff weight: 16,329 kg (36,000 lb)
Performance
Maximum speed: 888 km/h (552 mph)
Range: 3,200km (2,000mi)
Service ceiling: 13,700 m (45,000 ft)
Rate of climb: 44.5 m/s (8,750 ft/min)
Thrust/weight: 0.44
Armament
Rockets: 2 wingtip pods of 29 x 70-mm (2.75 in) "Mighty Mouse" fin-folding
aerial rockets
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