Avro Canada CF-100 Mk.5D (100785)

  • A Canadian two-seater, all-weather jet-powered bomber interceptor designed and built by Avro Canada Limited from 1950 to 1958
  • Only Canadian-designed fighter to enter mass production: 692 built
  • Used by the RCAF and the Canadian Forces in Canada and on NORAD and NATO missions
  • Production versions powered by Orenda engines developed by Avro Canada Limited/Orenda Engines Limited
  • Flown by test pilot Janusz Zurakowski in December 1952 when he broke the sound barrier in a dive
  • Known as "the Clunk" after the noise made in its retracting landing gear and "the Lead Sled" due to its heavy controls
  • Avro Canada CF-105 Arrow was its intended replacement; when the Arrow was cancelled, the McDonnell CF-101 Voodoo replaced it
Period
Postwar (1945-1959)
Uses
Interceptor
First Flight
January 19, 1950
Display Status
On loan to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

Background History

The CF-100 and its Orenda jet engines were designed and built in Canada. As an all-weather interceptor with a long range and powerful radar, it was ideal for northern air defence, and was probably the best all-weather fighter of its time. CF-100s also served in Europe with Canadian and Belgian units. On retirement as fighters, some CF-100s were fitted as target tugs and others were fitted with electronic countermeasures equipment. The last CF-100 retired in September 1981. A total of 692 were built.

Although officially designated the "Canuck", the name never caught on. The CF-100 was known universally in the RCAF as the "Clunk" or "Lead Sled". The CF-100 had good stretch which allowed for potential of equipment and armament upgrades. The Mk.5 had wing-tip extensions added to increase its high-altitude capability.

This airplane has been painted black similar to the prototype CF-100.

Museum Example

Registration #
100787 (CAF)
Manufacturer
A.V. Roe Canada Ltd., Canada
Manufacture Date
1958
Construction #
685
Acquisition Date
1982
Provenance
Transfer from CAF
Museum Catalogue #
1982.0028.001

This CF-100 Mk. 5 was manufactured by Avro Aircraft Limited in Malton, Ontario in 1958. It was received by the RCAF in August 1959 and served with No. 414 Squadron at Uplands airport in Ottawa, Ontario.

It was then stored for five years in Trenton, Ontario. In June 1964 in Toronto, it was converted to an electronic warfare aircraft to train fighter pilots and radar operators. After conversion, it was returned to No. 414 Squadron, where it remained for the next ten years. During this time it was stationed in St. Hubert, Quebec; Uplands, Ontario; and finally in North Bay, Ontario.

In 1981 the aircraft was painted black to commemorate the CF-100 prototype that had first flown thirty-one years earlier in 1950. In February 1982 the aircraft's final flight brought it to Rockcliffe airport where it was transferred to the Museum. The aircraft has been on loan to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Mount Hope, Ontario since 1996.

Technical Specifications

 
Wing Span 17.4 m (57 ft 2 3/5 in)
Length 16.5 m (54 ft 1 3/4 in)
Height 4.4 m (14 ft 6 2/5 in)
Weight, Empty 10,478 kg (23,100 lb)
Weight, Gross 15,208 kg (33,528 lb)
Cruising Speed 760 km/h (472 mph)
Max Speed 890 km/h (554 mph)
Rate of Climb 2,670 m (8,750 ft) /min
Service Ceiling 13,720 m (45,000 ft)
Range 3,220 km (2,000 mi)
Power Plant two Avro Canada Orenda 11, 3,311 kg (7,300 lb), static thrust axial flow turbojet engines