Avro Canada CF-100 Canuck Mk. V
Manufacturer:
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A.V. Roe Canada, Ltd.
Malton, Ontario, Canada
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Role/Function:
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All-weather interceptor/fighter
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Serial Number:
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100504 (414 Black Knight EW Sqn.)
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Model Number:
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MK. 5
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Crew:
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2 Crew (Pilot/Navigator) in ejection seats.
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Power Plant:
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2 - Orenda Series 11 or 14 Turbojet with 7,275 lbs. of thrust each.
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Performance:
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Max Speed: 525 Kts (972.3 Km/h)
Cruising Speed: 400 Kts (740.8 Km/h)
Service Ceiling: 41,000 ft (12,496 m)
Range: 2,000 nm (3,706 km)
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Weights:
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Empty: 23,100 lbs (10,487 kg)
Gross: 33,000 lbs (14,969 kg)
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Dimensions:
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Wing Span: 57 ft 6 in (16.31 m)
Length: 54 ft 2 in (16.5 m)
Height: 14 ft 6 in (4.43 m)
Wing Area: 526.6 sq ft (48.92 sq m)
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Armament:
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8 - 50 cal machine guns, provisions for bombs, unguided rockets, and missiles (hard-points under the wing)
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Cost:
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$660,000 CDN (at the time of manufacture)
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# Built:
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148 (MK. 5 and variants)
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The Avro Canada CF-100 Canuck is one of the largest fighters ever built. It was designed to meet the Royal Canadian Air Force's (RCAF) requirement to meet the threat of a trans-polar bomber attack. The CF-100 was the first straight wing fighter to break the sound barrier on December 18, 1952 by S/L Janusz Zurakowski (Avro Canada's Chief Development Test Pilot), but it had to do so in a dive from 30,000 feet.
The Canuck first flew in January 1950 and a total of five versions, or Marks, were produced. The Canuck was affectionately known as "Clunk" for the noise the landing gear made as it retracted into its well after takeoff.
In the 1970s, CF-100s were assigned to an electronic warfare role. The RCAF's 414 Squadron would fly missions in them to simulate enemy attacks, thus testing friendly air defenses.
The aircraft on display at Castle Air Museum is a Mark 5 version which last served with the 414 Squadron. It flew into Castle Air Force Base as a gift to the Museum from the Canadian government in January of 1982 and was gratefully accepted by the Museum. Its presence here marks the friendship between our country and its northern neighbor and allie.
Canada and Belgium were the only countries to ever fly the Avro Canada CF-100 Canuck.
On the web: www.avroland.com
Above (Left & Right): CF-100's in Belgian service in 1959 with 250 Sqn., Beauvechain.
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