RCAF - CF-104 Starfighter "Toothbrush", 104805, 421 squadron, CAF, 1983  

• 1983 
• Royal Canadian Air Force 
• CF-104 Starfighter 
• 1:72 models 

6811249

Aviation

RCAF - CF-104 Starfighter "Toothbrush", 104805, 421 squadron, CAF, 1983

HA1036

1983

Canada

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. The Canadian version of the F-104 was capable of carrying a ventral mounted Vinten Vicon pod with 4 cameras inside for reconnaissance picture taking. On September 4, 1963 number 12900 was the 200th and final CF-104 produced and entered service on January 10, 1964. The CF-104 retired from service in 1985 when it was replaced by the CF-18 Hornet. 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. CF-104 12805 CL-90 c/n 683A-1105, made it’s maiden flight on June 12, 1962 and was delivered to the RCAF on November 1, 1962. In 1970 CF-104s were given new serial numbers and 12805 became 104805. In 1983 as part of the 421st Squadron / 1 CAG based at Baden-Söllingen, 104805 was given a red paint scheme with an Indian motif to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the 421st Squadron and the 30th Anniversary of CFB Baden-Söllingen. The scheme came to be known as the “Toothbrush” because of the fuselage marking. Specifications for the CF-104 Manufacturer: Canadair Designation: originally a super sonic interceptor but adapted for low level strike and reconnaissance Crew: 1 X pilot - “D” variant 2 crew Dimensions Wingspan: 21’ 11” Length: 54’ 9” Height: 13’ 6” Wing area: 196.1 sq. ft Powerplant 1 X Orenda Engines J79-OEL-7, 10,000 lb. s.t. dry / 15,800 lb. s.t. with after burner Performance Maximum speed: Dash – 1,550 mph (mach 2.35) @ 40,000’ 915 mph (mach 1.2) @ sea-level Climb to 30,000’ – 1.5 minutes Service ceiling: 50,000 ft (12,000 m) Range: 1,630 mi (1,420 nm, 2,630 km) Weights Empty: 13,909 lbs. Clean: 21,005 lbs. Maximum take-off: 28,891 lbs External stores 5 hard points – 1 X under the fuselage, 1 X under each wing, 1 X at each wing tip Armament External bombs and missiles such as: napalm bomb, cluster bomb, BL755 cluster bomb, a 19 rocket rocket-pod, Mk. 82 bomb, MN1A practice bomb dispenser, an M61A1 Vulcan 20mm cannon added to later versions.