Canadair CF-104 “Starfighter”

This exhibit has been removed from the museum for restoration and maintenance.

The Canadair (Lockheed) CF-104 Starfighter, a Cold War fighter-bomber was a major Canadian contribution to NATO. It features very thin and stubby wings, a distinctive “T” tail and a powerful engine. While its small wing area resulted in high landing speeds and limited agility, the aircraft displayed excellent acceleration and became the first production aircraft to achieve Mach 2 (twice the speed of sound), and to reach an altitude of 100,000 feet (30,480 meters) following a takeoff under its own power.

The museum example, a single-seat CF-104 model, was produced in 1962 and based at RCAF Station Cold Lake, Alberta; initially with 6 Strike/Reconnaissance Operational Training Unit and then 417 Operational Training Squadron. The aircraft was flown into storage at CFB Mountain View in June 1983 and was struck off strength in 1990. In April 1991 the Starfighter was transferred to the Comox Military Museum, where it remained on display until being donated to the BC Aviation Museum.