Canadian Warplanes 6: Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter

(DND Photo via James Craik)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighters firing CRV-7 rockets, Primrose Lake, Alberta.

The Canadair CF-5 (officially designated the CF-116 Freedom Fighter) is a Canadair license-built version of the American Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter aircraft flown primarily by the Canadian Forces (as the CF-5) and the Royal Netherlands Air Force (as the NF-5).  The CF-5 was upgraded periodically throughout its service career in Canada.  The Canadian Forces retired the type in 1995, although CF-5s continue to be used by other countries.

The CF-5 was ordered by the RCAF, which became part of the Canadian Forces on 1 February 1968.  The new unified force took delivery of the first CF-5s (it was almost universally referred to as the CF-5 except in official documentation) at the end of 1968.  Production by Canadair for the Canadian Forces was 89 single-seat aircraft, 46 dual-seat aircraft and 75 single-seat with 30 dual-seat aircraft for the Royal Netherlands Air Force, a total production of 240.  Some surplus Canadian aircraft were sold to Venezuela.

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (89), Serial Nos. 116701 to 116789, CF-116D (46) Serial Nos. 116801 to 116846, for a total of 136 aircraft.

Canadair CF-116D Freedom Fighter photos are posted on a separate page on this website.

(RAF Photo via Mike Kaehler)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighters refuel from a Handley Page Victor K.2 tanker (Serial No. XH588) of No. 55 Squadron, RAF, in May 1971. The fighters, flown by test pilots Major Ned Henderson and Captain Stan Kerel, No. 433 Squadron, were taking part in air-to-air refuelling trials to test the feasibility of the probe and drogue system used by the RAF. The trials were considered a success and a number of Boeing 707 airframes were converted and entered service as Boeing CC-137s with the Canadian Air Force.

(CAF Photo)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116704) with drag chute deployed..

(Dave Howard Photo via Maj. C. Cottrell / Vince Albert Memorial Library 419 "Moose" Squadron)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116705), No. 419 Squadron, seen "on the hose" after Lt. C. Cottrell (BFCPC 9101) successfully "pokes" for the first time. Of note is the "Photo Nose" installed.

Originally ordered as RCAF 14705, re-marked before completion. Delivered direct to CFB Cold Lake, Alberta for use by No. 419 Squadron. Became instructional airframe A711 on 22 October 1969, returned to flying status on 4 June 1982. Operated in aggressor markings by No. 419 Squadron, and with flight refuelling probe, 1984. With No. 433 Squadron, dates not known. With No. 434 Squadron at CFB Chatham, NB in 1988 and 1989. Stored at CFB Trenton in 1990. Back to No. 419 Squadron by 1992, still there in 1994. Received full Avionic Update Program modifications c.1995. In storage at Bristol Aerospace, Winnipeg, Manitoba in February 1995. Delivered to Botswana on 22 March 1997 by Bristol Aerospace. Botswana Defence Force serial OJ 1. Operated by Z28 Squadron at Thebephatshwa Air Base, near Molepolole, Botswana in October 2002.

(CF Photo via Mike Murphy)

Canadair CF116 (Serial No.116715), No. 419 Squadron, AEC 89 1048.

Originally ordered as RCAF 14715, re-marked before completion. Used at Edwards AFB for company trials. Delivered direct to CFB Cold Lake, Alberta after these trials. With No. 448 Squadron at Cold Lake. With No. 419 Squadron in 1979, 1982, 1983 and 1994. Became instructional airframe A855 on 7 March 1986, but apparently returned to flight status by 1994. Originally scheduled for Avionics Upgrade Program, but did not receive modifications. Replaced by 116764 in this program. In storage at Aircraft Maintenance Development Unit at CFB Trenton by February 1995. Preserved, displayed at CFB Kingston, Ontario by October 2000, still there December 2005.

(CAF Photo via Mike Kaehler)

Exercise Maple Flag. Cpl Dave Bergeron, weapons tech (Air) loads 20mm machine gun on a Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter.

(Mario Dore Photo)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116706), 433 ETAC, air to air refueling, ca 1979-1980.

Originally ordered as RCAF 14706, re-marked before completion. Delivered direct to CFB Cold Lake, Alberta. Later to 433e L'Escadre de Combat at CFB Bagotville, Quebec. Still with this Squadron when seen at Prestwick in September 1977. Later with No. 434 Squadron, seen at Cold Lake with this Squadron in May 1979. With 433e when it was destroyed in non-fatal crash during low level training, near Bagotville, on 13 December 1979. Pilot ejected. Also reported as engine failure on take off.

(CAF Photo via Mike Kaehler)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116707) flying over Cold Lake Air Weapon Range, Alberta.  This aircraft was assigned to the Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment (AETE) at 4 Wing Cold Lake during Project Directive (PD) 87/28. Note the extra large reflective strips on the aircraft.

Originally ordered as RCAF 14707, re-marked before completion. Initial delivery to CFB Cold Lake, Alberta, left Cartierville on 27 October, arrived 29 October 1969. First single seater delivered to Cold Lake. Delivery pilot was Capt. Jake Miller, later to be 434 Squadron solo demo pilot for 1970 to 1974. With No. 434 Squadron at Cold Lake in 1973 and 1977. Stored at CFB Trenton c.1982 to 1985. Back to 434 Squadron at CFB Chatham, NB in 1986. With No. 419 Squadron at Cold Lake in 1988 and 1989. Received full Avionic Update Program modifications in early 1990s. In use with Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment at CFB Cold Lake, Alberta in August 1994, and in February 1995, one of the last operational CF-5s. Stored at Mountain View by 1996. Seen in storage, inside Hanger 1 at CFD Mountain View, Ontario in October 2005. Transported to Calgary in early 2006, reported destined for a local museum. Publicly unveiled in June 2007, on pedestal at Museum of the Regiments, in Calgary.

(Peter Paulsen Photo)

(Author Photo)

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Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116707), mounted on twin pylons.  The RCAF Museum, The Military Museums, 4520 Crowchild Trail SW, Calgary Alberta.

(Canadian Forces Photo)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116703), No. 419 Squadron.

Originally ordered as RCAF 14703, re-marked before completion. Initial delivery to Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment at CFB Uplands, Ontario, on 25 January 1969. With No. 419 Squadron, CFB Cold Lake, Alberta in 1979 and 1985. Stored at CFB Trenton in 1987, back to No. 419 Squadron by 1989. Special markings (red and white all over) in c.1989 to 1990 for air show displays. Was on display at Kamloops Airport, in colour scheme designed by Captain Patrick R. Penley. Stored at Mountain View in 1991. In storage at Air Maintenance Development Unit, CFB Trenton, by February 1995. Seen in storage, inside Hanger 3 at CFD Mountain View, Ontario in October 2005. To Canadian Air Land Sea Museum in Markham in November 2005. Stored outdoors at Markham, Ontario airport by July 2007.

(Alain Rioux Photo)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116703), No. 419 Squadron, CFB Cold Lake, Alberta.

(DND Photo via James Craik)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116710).

Originally ordered as RCAF 14710, re-marked before completion. Delivered direct to storage at CFB North Bay or CFB Trenton. To No. 434 Squadron, CFB Cold Lake, Alberta by 1976. Seen at Prestwick, UK in September 1977. To CFB North Bay for Exercise Roving Fire in November 1977. At Cold Lake in this unit's markings in 1982. In storage at CFB Trenton in 1987. With No. 419 Squadron at CFB Cold Lake in July 1991. Classified as Instructional Airframe 911B on 24 August 1993. CFB Borden by May 2006. Displayed inside the Museum by early 2012.

(Author Photo)

Canadair CF-116A Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116710), CFB Winnipeg, Manitoba, 1975.

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Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116710), training airframe 912B, Base Borden Military Museum, CFB Borden, Ontario.

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No.), Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No.), Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No.), Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No.), Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No.), CFSATE, CFB Borden, Ontario.

(Alain Rioux Photo)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116713), Canadian Air Land Sea Museum (CALSM), Markham, Ontario.

Originally ordered as RCAF 14713, re-marked before completion. Delivered direct to storage at CFB North Bay or CFB Trenton. Later to No. 434 Squadron. With this unit for Exercise Perfect Season at CFB Petawawa in January 1977, basing out of CFB North Bay, Ontario. With No. 419 Squadron, dates not known. Became instructional airframe 774B on 7 September 1979. In use as a training aid at CFB Borden in 1984 and 1994. In storage at Aircraft Maintenance Development Unit at CFB Trenton by February 1995. Seen in storage, inside Hanger 3 at CFD Mountain View, Ontario in October 2005. To Canadian Air Land Sea Museum in Markham November 2005. Stored outdoors at Markham, Ontario airport by July 2007.

(Slavic Historian Photo)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116704), CLAFM, CFB Cold Lake, Alberta.  Flew with 433 Squadron, 434 Squadron and 419 Squadron.  It finished its life with 419 Squadron and was sent into storage at CFB Mountain View in 1995. It was later shipped to the museum, and in 2007, it was assembled and painted in CAF Era Markings by 1 AMS.

Originally ordered as RCAF 14704, re-marked before completion. Delivered direct to storage at CFB North Bay or CFB Trenton. With No. 434 Squadron at CFB Cold Lake by 1975. Seen with camera nose in 1980. Still with 434 Squadron when seen at Prestwick in September 1977, and Nellis AFB in 1981 and 1982. Stored in 1989 and 1991. With No. 419 Squadron, CFB Cold Lake, Alberta in 1992. Stored at Trenton in 1992 and 1995. Originally scheduled for Avionics Upgrade Program, but did not receive it. Replaced by 116754 in this program. In storage at CFD Mountain View in 1997 and 2002. On display at Museum at town of Cold Lake, Alberta by May 2006

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Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116715), camouflage, mounted on a pylon near 1 Canadian Division HQ, CFB Kingston, Ontario.

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Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116721), NMRCAF, CFB Trenton, Ontario.

Originally ordered as RCAF 14721, re-marked before completion. Delivered direct to CFB Cold Lake, Alberta. With No. 434 Squadron at Cold Lake in 1978. Used by Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment at Cold Lake in 1979 and 1982. With 433e L'Escadre de Combat, CFB Bagotville, Quebec, dates not known. With No. 419 Squadron, CFB Cold Lake, Alberta in 1990. Special air show markings (red and white all over) as 1992 to 1994 solo display aircraft, the "Moose Bird". Was seen at Kamloops Airport during an air show in this colour scheme that was designed by Robert Thomson. In storage at the Aircraft Maintenance Development Unit at CFB Trenton by September 1995. At RCAF Memorial Museum in Trenton, Ontario by summer of 2000.

(Author Photo)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116721).  National Museum of the RCAF, CFB Trenton, Ontario.  The museum’s Freedom Fighter initially served as a tactical fighter and trainer for No. 434 Squadron in Cold Lake, Alberta.  In 1976, it was transferred to No. 419 ‘Moose’ Squadron, where it was used primarily for training.  The paint scheme for 116721 commemorates the history of ‘Moose’ Squadron and the colours of our national flag.

Canadair CF-116A Freedom Fighters (Serial Nos. Unknown), Mountainview Storage Centre, CFB Trenton, Ontario.

(Wikiwand Photo)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116724), Canadian Air Land Sea Museum (CALSM), Markham, Ontario.

Originally ordered as RCAF 14724, re-marked before completion. Delivered direct to CFB Cold Lake, Alta. With No.419 Squadron at CFB Cold Lake in 1982, also with No. 434 Squadron at Cold Lake. Favourite demo aircraft of Capt. Jake Miller, 434 Squadron solo demo pilot. Used by Miller to set coast to coast record on 2 May 1970, "Operation Bluenose". Flew Vancouver to Halifax in 4 hours 23 minutes, including fuel stops at Gimli and Val d'Or. Became instructional airframe A 812 on 2 September 1982, later 812B. In storage at Aircraft Maintenance Development Unit at CFB Trenton by September 1987, still there in February 1995. Being disassembled for spares at that time. To Canadian Air Land Sea Museum in Markham November 2005. Stored outdoors at Markham, Ontario airport by July 2007.

(Andre Blanchard Photo)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116730), 419 Squadron, Memorial Military Museum (MMM), Campbellford, Ontario.

Originally ordered as RCAF 14730, re-marked before completion. Delivered direct to storage at CFB North Bay or CFB Trenton. With No. 419 Squadron, CFB Cold Lake, Alberta. in 1978, 1979, 1982 and 1983, and then 433e L'Escadre de Combat, CFB Bagotville, Quebec. Also with No. 434 Squadron, dates not known. In storage at Aircraft Maintenance Development Unit at CFB Trenton by February 1995. Being disassembled for spares at that time. Stored at CFD Mountain view by June 1995. Reported stored outdoors at a "museum" in Cambellford, Ontario in August 2009, in aggressor paint scheme.

(DND Photo via Brian Rempel)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116733).

(Krystle Wilson Photo)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116736), mounted on a pylon, CFB Cold Lake, Alberta.  Originally ordered as RCAF 14736, re-marked before completion.  Initial delivery to CFB Bagotville, Québec.  Served with 433e L’Escadre de Combat, CFB Bagotville, Québec.  Preserved, displayed at CFB Cold Lake, Alberta by April 1995. Originally ordered as RCAF 14736, re-marked before completion. Initial delivery to CFB Bagotville, Quebec. With 433e L'Escadre de Combat, CFB Bagotville, Quebec when it was seen at Prestwick, UK in September 1977. Later with No. 419 Squadron at CFB Cold Lake, Alberta. Stored at CFB Trenton in September 1987. Preserved, displayed at Cold Lake by May 1990. On display at main gate to CFB Cold Lake by 2010.

(Alain Rioux Photo)

(Author Photo)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116739), silver, mounted on a pylon near Highway 401 at Glen Miller Drive, Trenton.  Originally ordered as RCAF (Serial No. 14739), re-marked before completion.  Delivered direct to storage at CFB North Bay or CFB Trenton.  Later to 433e L’Escadre de Combat, CFB Bagotville, Québec.  Visited Portage, in this unit’s colours in 1983.  Preserved, displayed in front of the Holiday Inn at Trenton, Ontario by April 1995.

Originally ordered as RCAF 14739, re-marked before completion. Delivered direct to storage at CFB North Bay or CFB Trenton. With 433e L'Escadre de Combat, CFB Bagotville, Quebec when it was seen at Lossiemouth, UK in September 1974. Visited Portage, in this unit's colours in 1983. With No. 434 Squadron at CFB Chatham, NB in 1988. With No. 419 Squadron at CFB Cold Lake in 1989 and 1990. Stored at CFB Trenton in 1991. Preserved, displayed at CFB Trenton, Ontario by April 1995. On a pole in front of the Holiday Inn in Trenton by 2000. Still there in 2012.

(CAF Photo via Mike Kaehler)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116740), c/n 1040, 419 Squadron.

Originally ordered as RCAF 14740, re-marked before completion. Delivered direct to storage at CFB North Bay or CFB Trenton. With 433e L'Escadre de Combat when it visited California in 1983. With No. 434 Squadron at CFB Bagotville in 1983. With No. 434 Squadron at CFB Chatham, NB when it visited CFB Baden, Germany in April 1987. Used by Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment at CFB Cold Lake in 1989. With No. 419 Squadron, CFB Cold Lake, in 1990. Special air show markings (red and white all over) as "Moose Bird". At London, Ontario air show in this scheme, summer of 1992. Mounted on pedestal at Fulton Field, Kamloops, BC, on 17 June 1995. (Fulton Field is named after first commander of 419 Squadron, W/C J. "Moose" Fulton, lost in action July 1942.) This colour scheme was designed by Robert Thomson.

(Mike Klaybourne Photo)

(Mike Kaehler Photo)

(Mike Kaehler Photo)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116740), c/n 1040, 419 Squadron, mounted on a pylon outside the Airport terminal at Kamloops, British Columbia.  Originally ordered as RCAF (Serial No. 14740), this aircraft was re-marked before completion.  Delivered direct to storage at CFB North Bay or CFB Trenton, Ontario.  With 433e L’Escadre de Combat when it visited California in 1983.  Later with 419 Squadron, CFB Cold Lake, Alberta.  Special airshow markings (red and white all over) as “Moose Bird”.  Stored at Cold Lake in February 1995.  Mounted on pedestal at Fulton Field, Kamloops, British Columbia, on 17 June 1995.  (Fulton Field is named after first commander of 419 Squadron, W/C J. “Moose” Fulton, lost in action July 1942.)  Robert Thomson designed the colour scheme on this aircraft.

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116743) Canadian Air Land Sea Museum (CALSM), Markham, Ontario.

(Alain Rioux Photo)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116744).

Originally ordered as RCAF 14744, re-marked before completion. Delivered direct to storage at CFB North Bay or CFB Trenton. With No. 434 Squadron at CFB Cold Lake by 1975, operated with camera nose. Given temporary all-over camouflage for Maple Flag Eleven, 1983. With 434 Squadron at CFB Chatham, NB in mid 1980s. Stored at CFB Trenton by 1987. Classified Instructional Airframe 906B on 3 April 1993. Had been Canadian Forces 116744. In use at Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering, CFB Borden, Ontario for battlefield damage repair in March 1994. Still there in 2001. Used for battle damage repair training, reported not to be sold.

 (Author Photo)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116746), mounted on a pylon near the Army Reserve HQ, Toronto, Ontario.

Originally ordered as RCAF 14746, re-marked before completion. Delivered direct to storage at CFB North Bay or CFB Trenton. With 433e L'Escadre de Combat at CFB Bagotville, Quebec in 1975. With No. 434 Squadron at cold Lake late in 1975. Served with No. 419 Squadron in 1979, 1982, 1983 and 1989. Stored at CFB Trenton by September 1989. In storage at Aircraft Maintenance Development Unit at CFD Mountain View by February 1995. Being disassembled for spares at that time. Some parts may have been used in aircraft seen in parking lot at Land Force Central Headquarters at Downsview in May 2007, with no visible serials. Still there in 2009. Reported destined for the Museum at Downsview, but had not been transferred there by the time the Museum shut down in 2012.

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116747) Canadian Air Land Sea Museum (CALSM), Markham, Ontario.

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Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116748), ACAM, Halifax Airport, Nova Scotia.

Originally ordered as RCAF 14748, re-marked before completion. Delivered direct to storage at CFB North Bay or CFB Trenton. To Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment, CFB Cold Lake, Alberta in 1972. With 433e L'Escadre de Combat at CFB Bagotville, Quebec when it visited Prestwick, UK in June 1978. With No. 434 Squadron Bagotville in 1983. With No. 419 Squadron at Cold Lake in 1988 and 1990. In storage at Aircraft Maintenance Development Unit at CFB Trenton by February 1995. Being disassembled for spares at that time. To Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum, Halifax International Airport, spring of 1998.  Repainted in 434 Squadron markings from 1980s.

(Author Photo)

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Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116749), camouflage, mounted on a pylon on the corner of Ness Ave., and Conway St., AFHM&AP, CFB Winnipeg, Manitoba. Originally ordered as RCAF (Serial No. 14749), re-marked before completion.  Delivered direct to storage at CFB North Bay, or CFB Trenton, Ontario.  With No. 434 Squadron in 1982.  With 433e L’Escadre de Combat in 1983. Became instructional airframe A887. Preserved, on display at Air Command Headquarters in Winnipeg, Manitoba by April 1995.

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116750) Canadian Air Land Sea Museum (CALSM), Markham, Ontario.

(Author Photo)

(Ahunt Photo)

Canadair CF-116A Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116757), CWHM, Mount Hope, Ontario; Ontario.  Originally ordered as RCAF 14757, re-marked before completion.  Delivered direct to storage at CFB North Bay or CFB Trenton.  Later to No. 434 Squadron.  After it was retired from the Canadian Forces in 1989, it was moved to the RCAF Memorial Museum in Trenton, Ontario. Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum acquired the aircraft from the Department of National Defence in 1996.

Northrop Aviation designed the F-5 Freedom Fighter in the mid 1950s to meet an anticipated need for a lightweight, well armed, supersonic fighter that was relatively inexpensive. Initially the USAF was not interested in such an aircraft, but did require a supersonic trainer. It encouraged continued development of a two seat version, which became the T-38 Talon trainer. In May 1958, the US Defense Department reconsidered its position and ordered three prototypes for its Military Assistance Program (MAP). The first prototype flew in July 1959 and exceeded Mach 1 during its first flight. After another three years of development, the F-5 was selected by the Defense Department for the MAP in 1962. In 1965 the RCAF decided to replace its home based North American Canadair Sabres with a new aircraft. The F-5 was chosen and Canadair was selected to manufacture it, with Orenda Ltd. of Toronto building its General Electric J85(GE)-15 turbojet engines. A total of 89 CF-5A fighters and 46 CF-5D trainers were purchased by the Canadian Armed Forces. Production of the CF-5A started in Montreal in 1967 and the first aircraft flew from Edwards AFB, California in May 1968. The first CAF unit to receive aircraft was AETE (Uplands), when both fighter and trainer versions were delivered for testing at the end of 1968. No. 434 “Bluenose” Squadron at CFB Cold Lake, Alberta was equipped with CF-5s soon after in 1969. No. 433 “Porcupine” Squadron, reactivated in September 1969 at CFB Bagotville, was the other squadron to receive CF-5s that year. Later on, both No. 1 FTS (Cold Lake) and No. 419 “Moose” Squadron flew CF-5s in both trainer and tactical fighter roles. The CF-5A continued in service as a tactical fighter until 1988, when the CF-18 Hornet replaced it. The CAF continued to use CF-5Ds as advanced trainers until 1995. A total of 2,350 F-5 Freedom Fighters were produced, between 1962 and 1975; 240 of them by Canadair in Montreal (135 for the CAF and 105 for the Royal Netherlands Air Force). The Museum's CF-5A was built by Canadair in Montreal in 1970. After it was retired from the Canadian Forces in 1989, it was moved to the RCAF Memorial Museum in Trenton, Ontario. (Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum)

(DND Photo via Francois Dutil)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116758), No. 419 Squadron over Primrose Lake, Alberta.

Originally ordered as RCAF 14758, re-marked before completion. Delivered direct to storage at CFB North Bay or CFB Trenton. With No. 419 Squadron at CFB Cold Lake in 1979. With 433e L'Escadre de Combat, CFB Bagotville, Quebec, dates not known. Later to 434 Squadron, carried squadron markings on tail. Used by Schooner Bluenose demo team in 1980s. With No. 419 Squadron when it was seen at Teesside, UK and CFB Baden, Germany in April 1987. In storage at Aircraft Maintenance Development Unit at CFB Trenton by September 1989, still there in February 1995. Stored at CFD Mountain View, Ontario by June 1995. Still there, inside Hanger 3, in October 2005. Assigned to Canadian Air Land Sea Museum in Markham in November 2005.

(Francois Dutil Photo)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116758).

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Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116759), inside the Base Borden Military Museum, CFB Borden, Ontario.Originally ordered as RCAF 14759, re-marked before completion. Delivered direct to CFB Cold Lake, Alta. With 433e L'Escadre de Combat, CFB Bagotville, Quebec in `978 and 1981. With No. 434 Squadron when it visited CFB Lahr, Germany in January 1983, and California later in 1983. With No. 419 Squadron at CFB Cold Lake in 1990. In storage at CFB Trenton in August 1991. Back with No. 419 Squadron, in aggressor camouflage, in 1992. Classified as Instructional Airframe 912B on 24 August 1993. Had been Canadian Forces 116759. In use at Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering, CFB Borden, Ontario in February 1995. Parked outside of Museum at CFB Borden by May 2006.

(Henk Schakelaar Photo)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116762) No. 434 Squadron, with recce nose, heavy loaded with five external fuel tanks, taxiing for takeoff.  This aircraft was visiting the German Naval Air Service Base Eggebek, (northern Germany, near the Danish border), when Henk took the photo, 2 June 1980.

Originally ordered as RCAF 14762, re-marked before completion. Delivered direct to storage at CFB North Bay or CFB Trenton. With No. 434 Squadron when it visited Fairford, UK in May 1972, and Eggebeck, Germany in June 1980. To Nellis AFB, Nevada in December 1981 for Red Flag exercise. Seen at CFB Trenton in May 1984. Operated by Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment in August 1984. Stored at CFB Trenton by 1987, and at CFD Mountain View by 1989. Classified as Instructional Airframe 907B on 3 April 1993. Had been Canadian Forces 116762. In use at Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering, CFB Borden, Ontario for battlefield damage repair 907B, in March 1994. In fire training area at Borden by May 2006, still marked 907B and "ABDR TRAINING AID". Still in fire training area in March 2012. Used for battle damage repair training, reported not to be sold.

(CAF Photo via Mike Kaehler)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116763), with the Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment (AETE) at 4 Wing, Cold Lake Alberta, in a light left hand bank over the Cold Lake area during an Internal Project Directive (IPD) 52. Originally ordered as RCAF 14763, re-marked before completion. Delivered direct to storage at CFB North Bay or CFB Trenton. With No. 419 Squadron at CFB Cold Lake, Alberta in 1979, 1982, 1983 and 1985. Operated in aggressor camouflage, coded "63". With No. 434 Squadron in 1988. Back with 419 Squadron in May 1990. Operated by Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment at Cold Lake in 1993 and 1994. In storage at Aircraft Maintenance Development Unit at CFB Trenton by February 1995, still there in June 1996. Assigned to Canada Aviation and Space Museum when struck off, on display at Rockcliffe by May 2007.

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(Alain Rioux Photo)

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Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116763) Canada Air and Space Museum (CASM, Ottawa, Ontario.

Originally ordered as RCAF 14763, re-marked before completion. Delivered direct to storage at CFB North Bay or CFB Trenton. With No. 419 Squadron at CFB Cold Lake, Alberta in 1979, 1982, 1983 and 1985. Operated in aggressor camouflage, coded "63". With No. 434 Squadron in 1988. Back with 419 Squadron in May 1990. Operated by Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment at Cold Lake in 1993 and 1994. In storage at Aircraft Maintenance Development Unit at CFB Trenton by February 1995, still there in June 1996. Assigned to Canada Aviation and Space Museum when struck off, on display at Rockcliffe by May 2007.

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Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116769), in front of the Officer's Mess, Base Borden Military Museum, CFB Borden, Ontario.

Originally ordered as RCAF 14769, re-marked before completion. Delivered direct to CFB Cold Lake, Alberta. Used by No. 434 Squadron at CFB Cold Lake in 1976 and 1981. Stored at CFB Trenton in 1982. Reported back with No. 434 Squadron in 1989, not confirmed. Used as instructional airframe A845 and 845B. Preserved, at CFB Borden, Ontario by April 1995. Mounted n front of the Base Borden Officers Mess by 2006.

(jiggs11 Photo)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116772), Memorial Military Museum (MMM), Campbellford, Ontario.

Originally ordered as RCAF 14772, re-marked before completion. Delivered direct to storage at CFB North Bay or CFB Trenton. With No. 434 Squadron at Cold Lake when it was seen at Prestwick, UK in September 1977. With 433e L'Escadre de Combat, CFB Bagotville, Quebec when it visited Rygge, Norway in June 1978. Still with this unit in 1986. Stored at CFB Trenton by June 1990. In storage at Aircraft Maintenance Development Unit at CFD Mountain View by February 1995. Being disassembled for spares at that time. Reported assigned to Memorial Military Museum.

(DND Photo)

Canada’s first female fighter pilots, Capt Jane Foster (left) and Capt Deanna (Dee) Brasseur, posing in front of a Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter in 1988.

 (DND Photo via Francois Dutil)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter with napalm bombs, 434 Squadron, CFB Chatham, NB.

(DND Photo via Francois Dutil)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter with napalm bombs, 434 Squadron, CFB Chatham, NB.

(NMNA Photo)

Canadair CF-116A Freedom Fighter and CF-116D, Canadian Forces, in formation with two US Marine Corps McDonnell F-4N Phantom II (BuNos. 151514 and 152977).

(Author Photo)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter, 16-plane formation, Cold Lake, 1978.

Aggressor Training

(CF Photo via Rob Shrewsbury-Gee)

Canadair CF-116D Freedom Fighters painted in "Agressor" colours, c1985.

Why was it important to want to know about former Soviet combat aircraft such as the MiG, Sukhoi, Mil and Tupolev variants that my colleagues and I studied as Intelligence personnel? What could the aircraft brought to the West by various defectors have told us about the opposition forces our Air Force personnel could have faced during the Cold War, and on into the present age of counter terrorism? The years after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, allowed for a great deal of aviation information to come to light – sometimes good – sometimes not so good. Canadian pilots who eventually got the chance to fly some of the former Soviet block aircraft learned, for example, that the Sukhoi Su-27 and later Su-35 Flanker would have killed a Hornet in a vertical climb – a lesson that could have been learned the hard way in aerial combat, but one to be aware of for the future. Appropriate counter measures can be taken once you know the rules to fly by.

RCAF Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk pilots defending Alaska on America’s behalf in 1942 knew that they should not try to dogfight a Mitsubishi A6M Zero on equal terms, but catch them in a dive using speed and hit and run tactics. They knew this because Curtiss P-40 Warhawk pilots in the China-India-Burma theatre had passed on their experiences and hard-won lessons learned.

An examination of combat aircraft brought to the west by defectors from a variety of countries certainly added to our library of knowledge of Soviet-built jets and equipment. The fact that a MiG-25 Foxbat could fly faster than any machine we had in the air only once because the engine burned out was seen in a different light. The Foxbat was crudely and very cheaply made – ten of them could be built for the price of a Hornet. The Russians had a large number of them. Perhaps they only needed to out-fly us once. In the end, quantity has a quality of its own, and if we had lost air superiority over the battlefield, the outcome would not have been pleasant for us. The Kalashnikov machine-gun may seem crude by western standards, but it works even after being dragged through the mud and put together with homemade parts, and there are a lot of them still being used against us with deadly effect in countries we have to serve in on international peace-making missions.

During the Cold War era, the West was at a great disadvantage in gathering information about Soviet aircraft and equipment. There was relative lack of free movement in Warsaw Pact (WP) countries where trained observers could get a view of their equipment in operation. Our Attachés did their best, often at great personal risk (including at least one being forced off the road, their vehicle covered by a tarpaulin and the passengers left to wait inside for more than ten hours).

Shortly after the end of the Second World War, the West opened a Military Liaison Mission based at Potsdam just outside of Berlin, Germany, in the Soviet Sector – a relatively isolated site. The Soviet Military Liaison Missions (SMLMs - fondly referred to as ‘smellums’) were based in Baden-Oos in the French Sector, Frankfurt in the US Sector and near Rheindahlen in the British Sector. These were not isolated locations, so the Russians could often be seen observing base activities along the road at CFB Baden-Söllingen. They could also monitor the base electronically from their nearby mission. Also in the Russian’s favour, particularly in Germany, was a relatively easy ability for them to run WP agents. For Air Shows, the Canadian and other Allied bases were often open to the public with free access, so the Russians didn’t have to work very hard to get information on Western aircraft. For Western nations, then, access to defectors and their equipment provided very valuable insight into Russian thinking, design and perceptions of how an air war was likely to be conducted, not just political prizes.

(The author served as an Intelligence Officer at HQ CFE in Lahr from 1981 to 1983, and again with 4 CMBG at Lahr from 1989 - when the Berlin Wall fell, to 1992 - a year before our bases in Germany closed. We saw SMLMs often during our exercises).

The end result was a recognition that our air combat tactics had to be modified to incorporate the lessons learned from the defectors and their aircraft. American aerial losses in Vietnam, and Israeli engagements in the Middle East added more information to the list of tactics to consider and this in turn led to the development of aggressor squadrons – units using equipment similar to the Soviets (if not the actual MiGs) flown by well-trained pilots using Russian tactics.

The USAF began operating Aggressor Squadrons after recognizing “that far too many aircrew were not surviving their first 10 missions”. The losses were due to a combination of air combat, ground fire and surface-to-air (SAMs) missiles. Advanced aerial combat training designated RED FLAG exercises came into operation, hosted at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, and Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. From 1975, air crews from the USAF other US military branches and allies have taken part in the exercises, each of which is six weeks in duration.

In 1977 Canadian Forces personnel participated in RED FLAG with CF-116s and CF-104s from CFB Cold Lake and CFB Bagotville, their first time there. From 1978, Canadians hosted their own version of this training, designated MAPLE FLAG, initially directed by RED FLAG staff until Canadian Forces staff had learned the ropes.

Canadair CF-116D Freedom Fighter data bank:

The CF-116 (officially designated the CF-116 Freedom Fighter,) was the Canadair licensed-built version of the American Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter, primarily for the Canadian Forces.  The CF-116 was powered by a pair of Orenda-built J85-CAN-15 engines.  The CF-116D Freedom Fighter is the two-seat training variant of the CF-116, also powered by a pair of Orenda-built J85-CAN-15 engines.

The CF-116 was ordered by the RCAF, which became part of the Canadian Forces on 1 February 1968.  The new unified force took delivery of the first CF-116s (it was almost universally referred to as the CF-116 except in official documentation) after the first Canadair CF-116 jet Fighter, built for the Canadian Armed Forces was rolled out on 6 February 1968 and delivered 5 November 1968.  Deliveries continued until 21 September 1971.  Armed with twin General Motors MN-39 20mm cannons in the nose, the CF-116 was used for fighter ground attack and close support, as well as opposition trainers.  The CF-116s standard weapons included five 5,000 pound M. 82 bombs or four pods each of 19 70mm FFARs, or a combination of these.  Other variants were equipped with a reconnaissance nose with three 70mm aerial cameras, each with 100’ of film.

(CAF Photo via Mike Kaehler)

One of the two 20mm General Motors (Pontiac) M39A2 cannon in the nose of a CF-116.

The CF-116 was upgraded periodically throughout its service career in Canada. The Canadian Forces retired the type in 1995, although CF-116s continued to be used by other countries into the early 21st century.  Total production by Canadair for Canadian Forces was 89 single-seat aircraft and 46 dual-seat aircraft, but many were also built for the Netherlands and Norway as well, and some surplus aircraft were sold to Venezuela.

The CF-116 was considered by many to be the “toy Fighter,” in relation to the capabilities of other Fighter, aircraft under production.  The Canadair product was superior to the early generation of the Freedom Fighter, but less capable than the later F-5E/F.  The two-seat CF-116D varied from the single-seat CF-116A by not having an air-to-air refuelling capacity (starboard side on single-seat CF-116A, the opposite to American built aircraft), guns, changeable reconnaissance nose or the two position nose gear.
AETE located at CFB Uplands received its first CF-116 on 19 December 1968. No. 434 (OT) Squadron was reactivated at CFB Cold Lake on 15 February 1968 and used the Silver Star until receiving its first CF-116 on 5 November 1968.  At CFB Bagotville, 433 Squadron formed to fly the CF-116 on 25 August 1969.  Many of the single-seat CF-116A went straight into storage at CFB North Bay and CFB Trenton.  This was due to a change in policy, from three operational and one training squadron, to only two dual role squadrons.  A further eighteen two-seat CF-116D were produced replacing Silver Star with 1 FTS at CFB Cold Lake by 31 January 1975.  This was possible from funds received from the sale of surplus aircraft (16 CF-116A and two CF-116D) to Venezuela.  A further pair (116827 and 116828) carried serials for acceptance flights by the Canadian Armed Forces for the Fuerzas Aéreas Venezolana.
No. 434 Squadron was the training unit until the role was taken over by a third Squadron, 419 Squadron (Tactical Fighter, Training) which re-designated from 1 FTS on 2 May 1975.  No. 433 Squadron converted to the Hornet in late 1987 - early 1988; 434 moved to CFB Bagotville on July 15, 1982 and then to CFB Chatham, in July 1985, where it stood down on 1 June 1988.  419 Squadron continued as the sole user, providing the lead-in-Fighter, for the Hornet. The CF-116 upgrade program modified CF-116 and CF-116D with instrumentation similar to the Hornet.  The CF-116 fell to budget cuts with 419 Squadron ceasing flight operations at the end of March 1995. The upgrade continued with completed aircraft going directly into storage at CFB Trenton and Mountain View before 13 (705, 716, 719, 732, 734, 754, 764, 765, 784, 801, 802, 829 and 830) were sold to Botswana in 1996.
Serials were assigned to the CF-116 starting with 14701.  Only one aircraft was painted before the numbers were revised to 116701 to 116789 for CF-116A and 116801 to 116846 for CF-116D under the new designation system.

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter memorials on display in Canada:

Kamloops, British Columbia, Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116740).ASMC, Calgary, Alberta, Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116707).

CFB Cold Lake, Alberta, Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116736), mounted on a pylon.

CLAFM, CFB Cold Lake, Alberta, Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116704).

R-AM, Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Canadair CF-116D Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116815).

AFHM&AP, CFB Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116749), corner of Ness Ave., and Conway St.

BBMM, CFB Borden, Ontario, Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116759), Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116769), Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116710).

CALSM, Markham, Ontario, Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116726), Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116724), Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116743), Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116747), Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116750).

CA&SM, Ottawa, Ontario, Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116763).

CFSATE, CFB Borden, Ontario, Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No.), Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No.), Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No.), Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No.), Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No.).

CWHM, Mount Hope, Ontario; Ontario, Canadair CF-116A Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116757).

Kingston, Ontario, Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116715), mounted on a pylon, CFB Kingston.

NAFM, CFB Trenton, Ontario, Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116721).

Mountainview Storage Centre, CFB Trenton, Canadair CF-116A Freedom Fighters (Serial Nos. Unknown).

CASM, Toronto, Ontario, Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No.), Canadair CF-116A Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116739).

BADM, CFB Bagotville, Québec, Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116733).

ACAM, Halifax Airport, Nova Scotia, Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116748).

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