Canadian Warplanes 6a: Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter Squadrons

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter Squadrons

Initially No. 433 Squadron and No. 434 Squadron were the only two squadrons to operate the CF-116 (CF-5). It was intended that three squadrons would fly the aircraft, but due to budgetary restrictions, the excess aircraft were put into storage in CFB North Bay and CFB Trenton, Ontario, some later being sold to other countries. No. 434 Squadron was assigned to do lead-in tactical fighter training for the Canadair CF-104 Starfighter, but was transitioned to the role of a rapid reaction squadron, being ready to deploy to Europe at short notice in the event of hostilities. The squadron moved to CFB Bagotville, Quebec, with No. 433 Squadron, for a short time, and then on to CFB Chatham, New Brunswick.

The training role was adopted by No. 419 Squadron at CFB Cold Lake, Alberta, where it would continue to provide jet training, dissimilar air combat training (painted in Soviet style "aggressor" schemes), and serve as a lead-in fighter trainer for the McDonnell Douglas CF-188 Hornet until retired in 1995. All remaining airframes were put into storage at CFD Mountain View.

While originally intended to be deployed to Europe, due to budgetary limitations the CF-116 became a rapid deployment reinforcement, to be deployed to central Europe or later Norway in time of war. CF-5s did deploy to Europe for several reasons many times during the Cold War: in 1970 six CF-5As deployed to CFB Baden–Soellingen in Germany, later flying to Norway in early 1971; in 1973 eight CF-5A and CF-5R flew to Norway; in 1974 four CF-5A and CF-5Rs participated in a NATO reconnaissance exercise at Leck, Germany; two Canadair CF-5R visited Leeuwarden, Netherlands in 1974; sixteen CF-5As flew to Europe in 1977; in 1978 eight CF-5As deployed to Norway to participate to NATO's Arctic Express exercise; in 1980 eight CF-5As participated in the Anorak Express exercise in Norway; in 1985 and 1986 CF-5As deployed to NATO exercises (Brave Lion) in Norway, and finally, the last deployment to Europe was in 1987 when four CF-5As arrived at CFB Baden–Soellingen; in June, 1988 the CF-5A was replaced in the rapid deployment force by the McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet.[14] Additionally, CF-5R photo reconnaissance aircraft participated in Best Focus exercises in Europe during 1978, 1980 and 1985, with a Canadian pilot winning the NATO "Photo Derby" in 1985. (Wikipedia)

Variants

CF-5A: Single-seat fighter version for the Canadian Forces, designation CF-116A. 89 built. 13 sold to Botswana and 16 sold to Venezuela.

CF-5A(R): Single-seat reconnaissance version for the Canadian Forces. 50 interchangeable camera noses built to swap the CF-5A's twin 20mm cannon nose with a quad 70mm Vinten camera nose. Canadian Forces provisional designation CF-116A(R).

CF-5D: Two-seat training version for the Canadian Forces, CF-116D. 46 built. 5 sold to Botswana and 4 sold to Venezuela.

NF-5A : Single-seat fighter version for the Royal Netherlands Air Force. 75 built. 1 sold to Venezuela and 10 donated to Greece.

NF-5B : Two-seat training version for the Royal Netherlands Air Force. 30 built. 6 sold to Venezuela and 2 donated to Greece.

VF-5A : Single-seat fighter version sold to Venezuelan Air Force.VF-5D : Two-seat training version sold to Venezuelan Air Force.

433 Squadron

434 Squadron

(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.

(Mario Dore Photo)

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

(Henk Schakelaar Photo)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116726), with a temporary recce nose, No. 433 Escadre de Combat, home based at CFB Bagotville, Quebec, but in this photo, visiting the Fliegerhorst Leck in Northern Germany, near the Danish border, 2 Sep 1972.  A Luftwaffe VW van is parked behind it. Leck was the home of the Aufklärungsgeschwader 52, a Luftwaffe recce unit equipped with the McDonnell RF-4E Phantom.  116726 is now with the Canadian Air Land Sea Museum (CALSM), Markham, Ontario.

Originally ordered as RCAF 14726, re-marked before completion. Initial delivery to CFB Bagotville, Quebec for use by 433e L'Escadre de Combat. Still with this Squadron when it visited Fairbanks, Alaska in May 1972, and Lossiemouth, UK in 1977. With no. 434 and 419 Squadrons, dates not known. In storage at Aircraft Maintenance Development Unit at CFB Trenton by September 1982, still there in February 1995. Being disassembled for spares at that time. At Mountain View by June 1995. Reported assigned to Canadian Museum of Flight, but transferred to Canadian Air Land Sea Museum in Markham.

(Mario Dore Photo)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116728), No. 433 Squadron (ETAC), refueling from Boeing 707, ca 1978-79.

Originally ordered as RCAF 14728, 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 1974, with camera nose. Seen at Prestwick, UK in September 1977. With this unit when it crashed on 11 July 1979 at CFB Cold Lake, Alberta.

(DND Photo via Chris Charland)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116728), No. 433 Squadron (ETAC), over CFS Mont Apica, Québec.

(Toronto Star Photo Archive)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116742) from 433 "Porcupine" ÉTAC based at CFB Bagotville, Quebec, taking part in the 1974 Toronto International Airshow.

Originally ordered as RCAF 14742, re-marked before completion. Delivered direct to CFB Cold Lake, Alberta, where it served with No. 419 Squadron. With 433e L'Escadre de Combat when it visited Lossiemouth, UK in November 1975, and California in 1983. With No. 434 Squadron at CFB Chatham, NB in 1988. Back to No. 419 Squadron, with them in July 1989. Became instructional airframe 900B on 3 April 1993, used as a cockpit procedures trainer. In storage at Bristol Aerospace, Winnipeg, in December 1994. Reported damaged in handling accident at CFD Mountain View in summer of 1995. Front fuselage in storage at CFB Cold Lake, Alberta in May 2006. Still there in 2009, stored for Cold Lake Museum. Nose section on display at Cold Lake Museum by 2010. Reported sold to Botswana, but that may just have been pieces of the airframe for spares.

(DND Photo via Chris Charland)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116733) from 433 "Porcupine" ÉTAC based at CFB Bagotville, Quebec.

Originally ordered as RCAF 14733, re-marked before completion. Delivered direct to storage at CFB North Bay or CFB Trenton. Used to test Canadair designed camera nose. With 433e L'Escadre de Combat, CFB Bagotville, Quebec when it was seen at McChord AFB, Washington in June 1974, at Goose Bay in August 1978 and at Lossiemouth, UK in October 1986. Seen with camera nose and with refuelling probe while with this Squadron. Also with No. 434 Squadron at CFB Chatham, NB in 1988. Stored at CFB Trenton by May 1990. Reported with 433 Squadron in September 1992, possibly just displayed in Squadron markings (Squadron had converted to CF-18 by then). Preserved, displayed at Bagotville by August 1993.

(CF Photo)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116733),  No. 433 Squadron, 1973.  BADM, CFB Bagotville, Québec.  Originally ordered as RCAF 14733, re-marked before completion. Delivered direct to storage at CFB North Bay or CFB Trenton. Used to test Canadair designed camera nose. Later to 433e L’Escadre de Combat, CFB Bagotville, Québec in 1982 and 1983. Seen with flight refuelling probe while at Bagotville. Preserved, displayed at Bagotville by April 1992.

(CAF Photo via Mike Kaehler)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116738), CFB Bagotville, Quebec, 1975. There is a lot going on in this photo. The photo caption states "Combat Turn Around". Cpl Yvon Lavoie, the closest technician standing, has the static wand in his hands used to sweep the windscreen before the pilot touches the windscreen when standing up. The static charge that built up on the windscreen was 40,000 volts but very low amps. I've seen a few guys jump when they were holding the grounding wire while the person swept the windshield lol. The pilot is already out of the cockpit so I am not sure why he has it in his hands unless he is sweeping the gun to disperse any static electricity.. There photo tech lying on his back filming under the nose. The gun is being reloaded, by another tech, and on the tail is a Safety Systems tech reloading the drag chute. Another tech is preparing the wing pylon for another load. (Mike Kaehler)

Originally ordered as RCAF 14738, re-marked before completion. Delivered direct to storage at CFB North Bay or CFB Trenton. With 433e L'Escadre de Combat at CFB Bagotville, QC in 1975, 1982, 1983 and 1984. Also with No. 434 Sqn at CFB Chatham, NB in 1988. Reported used for R&D projects, no further information. In storage at AMDU at CFB Trenton by Sep 1989, still there in Feb 1995. Being disassembled for spares at that time. At CFD Mountain View in Jun 1995. Struck off and transferred to David J. Carlaw’s Memorial Military Museum in Campbellford, ON. It was purchased by Stonehenge Museum owner, James mith, from the Memorial Military Museum in October 1998. Under Mr. Smith’s direction, the aircraft was given USAF markings and on 30 Jul 2015 was mounted on a post near the museum in Crystal Lakes, Montana.

(Author Photo)

Canadair CF-116D Freedom Fighter, CAF (Serial No. 116845), CFB Trenton, Ontario, 1978.

First flight on 28 October 1974. Initial delivery to CFB Cold Lake, Alberta on 19 November 1974. With 433e L'Escadre de Combat, CFB Bagotville, Quebec, in 1976 and 1981. With No. 419 Squadron at Cold Lake in late 1981. Back with 433 Squadron in 1982, and when it visited Nellis AFB in Nevada on 15 October 1984. Received full Avionic Update Program modifications in early 1990s. Still with No. 419 Squadron, CFB Cold Lake, in early 1995, one of the last operational CF-5s. Stored at CFB Trenton by June 1995. Seen in storage, outdoors at CFD Mountain View, Ontario in October 2005. Still stored outside, wrapped in plastic, in September 2007. Stored inside by October 2008. Still inside November 2008, reported being prepared for departure. Left Mountain View on 10 February 2009. Registered to Corsair Enterprises of Peninsula, Ohio in March 2009, as N845PS. To Tactical Air Support Inc. of Reno, Nevada in October 2013.

(Craig Baldwin Photo)

Canadair CF-116D Freedom Fighter, CAF (Serial No. 116834), No.433 Squadron.

(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.

(DND Photo via Francois Dutil)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighters (Serial Nos. 116712, 116762 and 116749), No. 434 Squadron over Schloss Hohenzollern, Germany, ca 1985.

(CAF Photo via Mike Kaehler)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighters (Serial No. 116712) flying over the Bluenose II, Nova Scotia.

Originally ordered as RCAF 14712, 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. Fitted with camera nose for missions over Soviet Arctic research station on 25 April 1977. Still with 434 Squadron when it visited Twenthe, Holland in October 1978, and Montreal in May 1986. With No. 419 Squadron at Cold Lake by April 1987, when it visited Teesside, UK and CFB Baden in Germany. In storage at Aircraft Maintenance Development Unit at CFB Trenton by September 1989, still there in 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. Some pieces reported still at Mountain View in July 2006. Stored outdoors at Markham, Ontario airport by July 2007.

(Henk Schakelaar Photo)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116723), with crew at the German Air base Eggebek, Northern Germany, 2 June 1980.  As a trivial point, the ground crewman in front is going through the 5 finger start check. I've forgotten the what each of the 5 was for now, but possibly control surfaces flaps/leading edge flaps, speedbrakes, pitot heat, ejection seat pins.  (Craig Baldwin)

Originally ordered as RCAF 14723, re-marked before completion. Delivered direct to CFB Cold Lake, Alta. Served with No. 419 Squadron, CFB Cold Lake, Alberta. With No. 434 Squadron in 1980 when it visited Eggebeck, Germany, and in 1990. Received full Avionic Update Program modifications in early 1990s. Operational with No. 419 Squadron at Cold Lake in February 1995, one of the last operational CF-5s. In storage at CFB Trenton by June 1995. Stored at CFD Mountain View by June 1997. Delivered to Botswana c.2000 by Bristol Aerospace, part of a second batch of aircraft for this country. Their serial OJ11.

(CAF Photo)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116704), No. 434 Squadron.

(Alain Rioux Photo)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116747), No. 434 squadron, with air-to-air fuel probe mounted on the aircraft

(Alain Rioux Photo)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116742), No. 434 Squadron. This is one of three Freedom Fighters from CFB Chatham, New Brunswick, visiting CFB Summerside, Prince Edward Island, for one last time, on 7 May 1988. Farewell to No. 434 Squadron as it was standing down after having flown the CF-116 for the past 20 years.

(Alain Rioux Photo)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116769), No. 439 Squadron, parked next to one of the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering (CFSATE) hangars, CFB Borden, Ontario, 19 Aug 1993.

(Alain Rioux Photo)

This Freedom Fighter had both the recce nose and refuelling probe installed. It is photographed in front of the 434 "Bluenose" squadron snow covered hangar on a very cold January morning, 22 Jan 1986.

(Alain Rioux Photo)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116742), No. 434 Squadron, CFB Chatham, New Brunswick, visiting CFB Cold Lke, Alberta, 7 May 1988. It is wearing Aggressor colours.

(434 Squadron Photo)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter, CAF (Serial No. 116725), No, 434 Squadron, on exercise with US Navy VF-302 Squadron. It is being refueled by a USAF Douglas KA-3B Skywarrior tanker while a McDonnell F-4B Phantom II flies alongside, c1980s.

Originally ordered as RCAF 14725, re-marked before completion. Delivered direct to CFB Cold Lake, Alberta. Served there with No. 434 Squadron, and later at CFB Chatham, NB with this Squadron. With 433e L'Escadre de Combat, CFB Bagotville, Quebec in 1975. In storage at CFB Trenton on April 1984, still there in June 1990. Classified as Instructional Airframe 904B on 3 April 1993. Had been Canadian Forces 116725. In use at Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering, CFB Borden, Ontario as battlefield damage instructional airframe 904B, in December 1993. Still there in May 2002. Used for battle damage repair training, reported not to be sold.

419 Squadron

(Craig Baldwin Photo)

Canadair CF-116D Freedom Fighter, CAF (Serial No. 116835).

First flight on 10 April 1974. Initial delivery to CFB Cold Lake, Alberta. Served with No. 1 Flying Training School and No. 419 Squadron at that base. With No. 419 Squadron in 1985. to Bristol Aerospace in Winnipeg by September 1989. Received full Avionic Update Program modifications in early 1990s. Still with No. 419 Squadron, CFB Cold Lake, in early 1995, one of the last operational CF-5s. Stored at CFB Trenton by June 1995. Seen in storage, inside Hanger 2 at CFD Mountain View, Ontario in October 2005. At CFB Borden by June 2006, still there in May 2012. On display in Museum at Borden by June 2012. Reported registered as N835AV to Aerovision Holdings of Newark, Deleware in July 2012. Registered to "F-5 835 LLC" of Newark, Deleware in February 2015. Registered to Aerovisions Holdings of Newark, Deleware in March 2016.

(CAF Photo)

Canadair CF-116D Freedom Fighter, CAF (Serial No. 116836).

First flight on 8 April 1974. Initial delivery to CFB Cold Lake, Alberta on 9 July 1974. With No. 1 Flying Training School at Cold Lake in 1975. Used by Aerospace Engineering and Test Establishment in 1979, 1982, 1983, and 1987. With No. 419 Squadron at Cold Lake in 1989. Received full Avionic Update Program modifications in early 1990s. With No. 419 Squadron, CFB Cold Lake, in early 1995, one of the last operational CF-5s. Still in use in June 1995. Stored at CFB Trenton by September 1995. Seen in storage, outdoors at CFD Mountain View, Ontario in October 2005. Still stored outside there in September 2007. Still outside, wrapped in foil, by August 2008. Still there in November 2008. Reported as sold to Aero Vision in USA, but still at Mountain View in June 2010 and October 2010. Left Mountain View on 30 June 2011. Registered as N836LG in February 2012, to Logix Global Inc. of Lewis, Delaware. Sold to Tiger Aircraft of Tucson, Arizona in May 2012. Stored at New Castle Airport, Delaware, on 23 May 2012, reported marked N836MX, not confirmed. Registered as N475TA in July 2012, to Aerovisions Holdings of Newark, Deleware. To Global Aviation International of Jupiter, Florida in July 2103. Noted as new registration pending in July 2015. Reported stored at Tucson in November 2015, disassembled, but not confirmed. Registered as N836LG to Fast Jets LLC of Tucson, Arizona in April 2016.

(DND Photo)

Canadair CF-116D Freedom Fighter, CAF (Serial No. 116837), CFB Cold Lake, Alberta.  The red wingtip livery was an "Arctic" paint scheme.

First flight on 25 April 1974. Initial delivery to CFB Cold Lake, Alberta on 29 May 1974. With No. 1 Flying Training School at Cold Lake in 1975. With No. 434 Squadron in 1979, 1985, and 1988. Received full Avionic Update Program modifications in early 1990s. With No. 419 Squadron, CFB Cold Lake, in early 1995, one of the last operational CF-5s. Stored at CFB Trenton by June 1995. Seen in storage, outdoors at CFD Mountain View, Ontario in October 2005. Still stored outside, wrapped in plastic, in September 2007, and August 2008. Still stored outside at Mountain View in November 2008. Reported as sold to Aero Vision in USA, but still at Mountain View in June 2010 and October 2010. Left Mountain View on 15 July 2011. Registered as N837LG in February 2012, to Logix Global Inc. of Lewis, Delaware. Sold to Tiger Aircraft of Tucson, Arizona in May 2012. Stored at New Castle Airport, Delaware, on 23 May 2012. Registered as N475QAM in July 2012, to Aerovisions Holdings of Newark, Deleware. To Global Aviation International of Jupiter, Flrodia in July 2103. Registered as N7R to SSBM LLC of Phoenix, Arizona in October 2015. Registered as N837LG to Fast Jets LLC of Tucson, Arizona in April 2016.

(DND Photo via Tim Gallagher)

Canadair CF-116D Freedom Fighter, CAF (Serial No. 116843).

First flight on 6 September 1974. Initial delivery to CFB Cold Lake, Alberta on 26 September 1974. Used by No. 1 Flying Training School at Cold Lake. With No. 419 Squadron at Cold Lake in 1979, 1989 and 1990. Received full Avionic Update Program modifications in early 1990s. Back with No. 419 Squadron in 1994. In storage at Aircraft Maintenance Development Unit at CFB Trenton by February 1995. Stored at CFD Mountain view by June 1995, still there in June 2004. Scrapped in 2004.

(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.

(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.

(Alain Rioux Photo)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116703), painted in No.419 Squadron Moose colours, 22 June 1990. It was a training squadron at the time.

Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering (CFSATE)

Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering (CFSATE) is a unit of 16 Wing, a lodger unit of Canadian Forces Base Borden and is operationally responsible to 2 Canadian Air Division. The role of CFSATE is to provide the Air Force with qualified personnel to ensure Aircraft serviceability by developing and carrying out individual aerospace engineering training in accordance with approved doctrine and standards. Training is delivered to Aerospace Engineering Officers and Military Occupation Classification (MOC) 500 technicians for both Regular and Reserve Force. Military Training Assistance Program (MTAP), Air Cadet League, and the Air Force Association of Canada are all supported to the extent that resources and policy allow.

The school conducts apprentice level training for various trades, including Avionics (AVS 526), Aviation (AVN 514), Aircraft Structures (ACS 565) and Imagery (IMAGE 541) technicians. Generally several months in length, the courses precede the graduates going directly to flying squadrons where they do on-job-training and on-type courses for their Aircraft type. CFSATE is institutionally bilingual, meaning that French and English can be used in all facets of administration and operations. The organizational structure permits military and civilian personnel to serve and be served to the maximum extent possible in either official language. The vision of CFSATE is to be trainer of choice for all Canadian Forces aerospace technical and engineering training.

(Alain Rioux Photo)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter (Serial No. 116713), instructional airframe at CFSATE although not marked as such. It was fitted with a camera nose. 22 June 1993.

(Alain Rioux Photo)

Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter, seen here with a centerline fuel tank and a nose cone not matching the rest of the aircraft colours. This aircraft is not carrying any squadron colours and seems to have undergone some recent repairs at the root of the vertical stab, 8 Sep 1990.