RCAF - CF-104 Starfighter "Coke Bottle", 104868, 421 squadron, CAF, 1981 

• 1981 
• Royal Canadian Air Force 
• CF-104 Starfighter 
• 1:72 models 

7265601

Aviation

RCAF - CF-104 Starfighter "Coke Bottle", 104868, 421 squadron, CAF, 1981

HA1037

1981

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 serial 12868 c/n 683A-1168 went to the RCAF on December 11, 1963. The aircraft was assigned to 2 Wing / 1 Air Division and then 1 Wing until 1968 when it was put into storage. CF-104s were reserialed in June 1970 so 12868 became 104868. In 1971 the aircraft was reactivated and in 1978 104868 was with 441 and then 421 Squadrons. For 1981-82 the aircraft received a red and white paint scheme nicknamed ""Flying Coke Bottle"" or ""Flying Coke Can"". March 2, 1984 a hangar fire destroyed the aircraft.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.