- Yes
- No
- Other
- 6.7
- 7.0
- 7.3
- 7.7
- Other
- Voted No
- United Kingdom
- United States
- A Canadian Tree/Sub-Tree
- Other
- Voted No
Hello everyone! Today I’ll be returning to the first aircraft I suggested back in 2013, the CF-100 Canuck. Today I will be presenting the CF-100 Canuck Mk.5
History:
The story of the CF-100 goes back as early as 1946 as it became clear that new tensions were flaring between the West and the Soviet Union. Desiring an aircraft that could patrol and intercept Soviet bombers flying over the high arctic, the aircraft was also required to have a state of the art radar operated by a second crew member. On October 13th, 1946 the government issued a contract to the new Avro Canada to develop an interceptor to meet the RCAF’s needs, as no off the shelf aircraft could meet the requirements. Originally known as the XC-100 internally, the aircraft was refined by ex-De Havilland aircraft designer John Frost, as well as aerodynamicist Jim Chamberlin. In 1949, with good initial headway into the program, 10 pre-production aircraft were ordered before the first prototype flew. The prototype CF-100 Mk.1 flew for the first time on January 19th, 1950 making it the first Canadian designed jet to fly in Canada. The designation CF-100, for Canadian Fighter, 100 being the start of a new designation scheme being adopted by the RCAF in which all aircraft would be numbered starting from 100. The official name “Canuck” was given, however pilots would affectionately know it as the “Clunk”. The CF-100 Mk.5 was the ultimate variant to enter service, being derived from the previous Mk.4, the Mk.5 was specialized for high altitude interceptions. The radar and air-to-air armament was similar to the F-89 Scorpion, being equipped with the AN/APG-40 and MG-2 Fire Control System. The MG-2 was able to put the aircraft on a lead collision course and automatically fire the two 29-tube rocket pods at each wingtip to hit enemy aircraft. A pair of Canadian designed Orenda 11 or 17’s powered the Mk.5, both of which produced 7,275 lbf of thrust. Being expected to operate in the thinner higher atmosphere, the aircraft received a larger horizontal stabilizer alongside a 3 foot, 6 inch wingtip extension. Weight reducing modifications included the removal of air-to-ground weaponry, the ventral gun pack, and the removal of RATO equipment. The larger wingspan reduced the G-limits compared to the older Mk.4, increasing maximum permissible height for Mach 0.85 true airspeed from 3,300 ft to 10,000 ft, and lowering G limitations from 7.4 G’s to 6 G’s at 1/2 fuel or less. While a CF-100 Mk.4 dove to Mach 1, the first straight wing jet to exceed Mach 1 without rocket assistance, above Mach 0.85 the aircraft suffered what is known as “Mach tuck”; in simple terms, uncommanded pitch down that could only be corrected by slowing the aircraft. All of these decreased performance figures were outweighed by the better rate of climb which became appreciable above 5,000 ft, and only became more significant the higher the Mk.5 flew. Production of the Mk.5 began in 1955 with 332 CF-100 Mk.5’s were built or converted from Mk.4’s, and was reaching squadrons the following year. CF-100’s would be flown by 12 RCAF squadrons operationally until 1962 when they were retired in their interceptor role. The CF-101 Voodoo would replace them after the planned successor, the CF-105 Arrow was cancelled. Besides the interceptor role, modified CF-100 Mk.5D’s would continue flying in an ECM role until 1981 with 414 Sqn. The CF-100 Mk.5 would also see minor overseas success, where it was adopted by the Belgium Air Force. More can be found on Belgium Air Force CF-100’s here:
In-Game:
The CF-100 Canuck is an iconic Canadian aircraft that served the RCAF faithfully; performance would be similar to the F-89D Scorpion, however the CF-100 attained more thrust without afterburners. It would however be equipped with less rockets, in expendable rocket pods.
Specifications:
General characteristics :
Crew: 2
Length: 54 ft 2 in (16.5 m)
Wingspan: 57 ft 3 in (17.5 m)
Height: 14 ft 6 in (4.4 m)
Empty weight: 23,550 lb (10,682 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 36,750 lb (16,670 kg)
Powerplant: 2 × Orenda 11 or 17 turbojet engine producing 7,275 lbf (32.4 kN) of thrust.
Performance:
Maximum speed: 982 km/h (610 mph) at 1524 m (5,000 ft) at 93% throttle
Range: 3200 km (2000 mi)
Service ceiling: 14,630 m (48,000 ft)
Rate of climb: 51.8 m/s (10,200 ft/min)
Armament:
58x 70mm Mighty Mouse air-to-air rockets
Other:
AN/APG-40 RADAR (42 km (30 mi) max scope range)
Engine Fire Extinguishing System
Sources:
Spoiler
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avro_Canada_CF-100_Canuck
https://www.silverhawkauthor.com/post/canadian-warplanes-6-avro-cf-100-canuck
ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE AIRCRAFT OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS CF100 MK 5, 1 MAR 60, Revised 18 Sep 64
