Canadian Warplanes 6a: McDonnell CF-101 Voodoo Squadrons in RCAF and CAF service

McDonnell CF-101 Voodoo Squadrons in RCAF and CAF service

(DND Photo)

McDonnell CF-101B Voodoo (Serial No. 101067), No. 414 Squadron, (Serial No. 101014), No. 425 Squadron, (Serial No. 101043), No. 416 Squadron, and (Serial No. 101057), No. 409 Squadron.

There were three versions of the Voodoo: the CF-101B two-seat all-weather interceptor, the CF-101F two-seat, dual control trainer, and the EF-101B electronic warfare fighter. They were assigned to the following Squadrons: No. 409 Squadron RCAF – CFB Comox, British Columbia, No. 410 Squadron RCAF – CFB Uplands, Ontario, No. 414 Squadron RCAF – CFB North Bay, Ontario, No. 416 Squadron RCAF – CFB Chatham, New Brunswick, No. 425 Squadron RCAF – CFB Bagotville, Quebec.

The McDonnell CF-101 Voodoo was an all-weather interceptor aircraft operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Canadian Forces between 1961 and 1984. They were manufactured by the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation of St. Louis, Missouri for the United States Air Force (as F-101s), and later sold to Canada. CF-101s replaced the obsolete Avro CF-100 Canuck in the RCAF's all-weather fighter squadrons. The Voodoo's primary armament was nuclear AIR-2A Genie unguided air-to-air rockets, and there was significant political controversy in Canada about their adoption. Although they never fired a weapon in wartime, the CF-101 served as Canada's primary means of air defence from Quick Reaction Alert facilities at Canadian airbases. The CF-101s were retired in the 1980s and replaced with McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet fighters. Many examples are preserved in museums and parks in Canada and the United States.

After the cancellation of the CF-105 Arrow program in February 1959, George Pearkes, the Canadian Minister of National Defence, officially maintained that the existing Avro CF-100 interceptors and the Bomarc missiles that had been ordered in September 1958 would be adequate for Canada's air defence needs. Unofficially, it was recognized that there was still a bomber threat, and talks had been underway prior to the Avro Arrow's termination on the RCAF acquisition of an "off-the-shelf" interceptor from the United States.

The USAF indicated its readiness to supply 56 F-101B interceptors and 10 F-101F trainers (by employing Convair F-102 Delta Daggers in less demanding NORAD sectors) for Canada. The deal was delayed by over a year by negotiations over offsets and acquisition costs, as well as debate within the Diefenbaker government about Canada adopting nuclear weapons systems, which had been agreed to in principle in 1958. The financial arrangements were settled by Canada taking on the staffing and funding of 11 Pinetree Line radar stations within Canada that had formerly been operated and funded by the USAF. An agreement signed in June 1961 covered the transfer of the aircraft, meant to equip five front-line squadrons (replacing nine CF-100 squadrons) and an Operational Training Unit (OTU).

The issue of nuclear weapons in Canada had not been resolved in June 1961, thus the CF-101s were armed only with their secondary AIM-4D Falcon missiles. In April 1963, the issue led to the collapse of the Diefenbaker government. The succeeding Pearson government signed an agreement with the United States concerning nuclear arms for Canada on 16 August 1963. The agreement did not actually state that Canada was acquiring nuclear weapons; the Canadian government usually refused to confirm or deny that there were any nuclear arms in Canada. The agreement specifically stated that the AIR-2A Genie rockets were the property of the United States and would only be released to Canada for actual use with the joint agreement of Canada and the United States through NORAD. The stringent training requirements meant that it took until June 1965 for the Genies to become operational in Canada. The Genies were kept in the custody of the USAF, with detachments of the 425th Munitions Support Squadron located at each of the Canadian bases.

On 24 July 1961, the first two Voodoos were transferred to Canada in a ceremony at RCAF Uplands in Ottawa, marking the beginning of Operation Queen's Row. 425 Squadron officially began operations at RCAF Namao, Alberta, on 15 October 1961, initially acting as the conversion training squadron for 410, 416, 409, and 414 Squadrons. No. 425 then became an operational unit itself, turning the conversion role over to No. 3 All Weather OTU at RCAF Bagotville, Quebec. By the end of 1962, the squadrons were operating out of RCAF Comox, British Columbia, (409 Squadron), RCAF North Bay, Ontario, (414 Squadron), RCAF Uplands, Ottawa, Ontario, (410 Squadron), RCAF Bagotville, Quebec, (425 Squadron), and RCAF Chatham, New Brunswick, (416 Squadron). Defence cuts in 1964 eliminated Nos. 410 and 414 Squadrons (although a reformed 414 Squadron would operate the Voodoo years later).

Each Voodoo base was laid out to allow aircraft to be kept at immediate readiness at all times. A Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) facility was positioned at the end of the main runway to allow alert aircraft to launch as quickly as possible. Two aircraft and their crews were always on "five minute" alert — they were to be in the air, en route to intercept unknown aircraft, within five minutes of receiving the order. In one instance, 416 Squadron got two alert aircraft in the air only 57 seconds after receiving the alert. Voodoos were regularly dispatched to intercept unidentified NORAD radar contacts, usually off course airliners, although 416 and 425 occasionally intercepted Soviet Tu-95 Bear bombers flying along the Atlantic coast to Cuba. Fortunately, no situation arose in which a CF-101 pilot fired his weapons in anger.

Between 1970 and 1972, Canada traded the 56 survivors of the original CF-101 fleet back to the USAF for 66 replacements under Operation Peace Wings. These replacement aircraft were actually manufactured earlier than the original fleet, but the "new" airframes had a lower number of hours and had received updates that the original Canadian Voodoos had not (such as an IR tracking system). Bristol Aerospace of Winnipeg, Manitoba performed modifications on the incoming fleet such as transferring some specifically Canadian equipment, including engines, from the old aircraft to the new. Most of the old Canadian Voodoos were scrapped in the US, but 22 were converted to RF-101B photo-reconnaissance versions and flew with the Nevada Air National Guard until 1975.

During its service, the CF-101 was a popular performer at airshows and other events in Canada and the United States. In 1967, a CF-101 flew (in company with a CF-104 and The Red Knight T-33) in the Golden Centennaires display team to mark the nation's Centennial. In 1984, each squadron painted a special "show" aircraft to commemorate the type's impending retirement.

Through the 1970s, the increasing obsolescence of the CF-101 and the CF-104 led to the New Fighter Aircraft program. Launched in 1977, the program sought a replacement for the CF-5, CF-104 Starfighter, and CF-101 Voodoo. The Grumman F-14 Tomcat, F-15 Eagle, F-16 Falcon, McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet, Panavia Tornado, Dassault Mirage F1, and the Mirage 2000 were evaluated as potential replacements. Cost considerations reduced the choice to the F-16 and F-18; the F-18 was ultimately selected in April 1980. The Voodoo OTU converted to CF-18 Hornets in June 1982; 409 and 425 Squadrons also stood down in June 1984. In 1985, 416 Squadron moved from CFB Chatham, New Brunswick to CFB Cold Lake, Alberta and converted from the Voodoo to the Hornet.[1] With the stand down, the last nuclear weapons in Canada were returned to the US.

Two Voodoos remained in service after the stand-down: the unique EF-101B "Electric Voodoo" electronic jamming aircraft and a single CF-101F trainer with 414 Squadron at North Bay, Ontario. The EF-101B was a conversion of a regular F-101B, incorporating the electronic jamming suite from an EB-57E Canberra. Only one aircraft was converted before the program was cancelled and this sole example was leased to Canada.[citation needed] The EF-101B was returned to the United States on 7 April 1987, while CF-101F 101006 made the world's last Voodoo flight on 9 April 1987, as it made a delivery flight from CFB North Bay to CFB Greenwood via CFB Bagotville and CFB Chatham for eventual display at CFB Cornwallis, Nova Scotia, where it decorated the parade square at the Recruit School.[citation needed] After CFB Cornwallis closed in 1995, 006 was moved to the Cornwallis Military Museum; in October 2013, due to corrosion and security concerns, 006 was donated to the Jet Aircraft Museum in London, Ontario, where it is presently undergoing refurbishment. (Wikipedia)

No. 409 Squadron RCAF – CFB Comox, British Columbia

No. 409 Squadron was re-established at RCAF Station Comox on 1 November 1954 providing air defence for Canada's west coast as part of NORAD. Initially equipped with the Canadian designed Avro CF-100 they converted to the CF-101 Voodoo in 1962. The squadron transferred to CFB Cold Lake in 1984 to convert to the CF-18 and then deployed to CFB Baden-Soellingen as part of Canada's NATO commitment. The squadron was then disbanded in 1991 with the withdrawal of Canadian Forces from Europe.

(USN Photo)

McDonnell CF-101B Voodoo (Serial No. 101026) and (Serial No. 101059), No. 409 Nighthawk Squadron & three USN Douglas TA-4J Skyhawks, Fleet Composite Squadron VC-13 Saints, 1970.

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(RCAF Photo via Mike Kaehler)

McDonnell CF-101B Voodoo (Serial No. 17468) and (Serial No. 17409). The alternating blue and yellow rudder stripes represent No. 409 Squadron, Comox, British Columbia.  Both of these aircraft were transferred back to the USAF in 1971. These aircraft have the large maple leaf roundels, RCAF and the red ensign flag so this photo is before 1965.

(RCAF Photo)

McDonnell CF-101B Voodoos RCAF (Serial No. 17447) and (Serial No. 17402), No. 409 Squadron, c1963.

(RCAF Photo)

McDonnell CF-101B Voodoo (Serial No. 17408), No. 409 Squadron, with drag chute deployed.

In Chatham in the early 1970s there was usually an area to release the chute well away from the flight line.  Often it involved a sharp turn, a bit of thrust to re-inflate a limp chute, push the chute deployment handle forward, having pulled it just prior to touchdown if you were willing, wheels touch, chute deploys, all's well.  (Bob Craig)

In Chatham, we would bring the drag chute back to the ramp and dump it right in front of safety systems, so they didn't have to go all over the airfield to retrieve them.  (Donald Nicks)

McDonnell CF-101B Voodoo (Serial No. 101033), ex-USAF (Serial No. 57-0360), No. 409 Squadron on the runway at CFB Comox, British Columbia, drag chute just released.  (Serial No. 101025), and (Serial No. CF-101012) Hawk One in the back ground.  101033 is currently privately owned and partially disassembled, Uxbridge, Ontario.

(CAF Photos)

McDonnell CF-101B Voodoos (Serial No. 101023). On 14 Jan 1978, (Serial No. 101023 of 409 Sqn, CFB Comox, was on a GCA final for a full-stop landing at Comox, the aircraft touched down approximately 70 feet short of the runway and bounced onto the runway. The right main gear separated from the aircraft and the aircraft slid off the right side of the runway where the nose gear was sheared off, the port gear collapsed into the wheel well and the aircraft flipped over onto its back. At approximately the time the aircraft left the runway, the navigator ejected but although seat/man separation did occur, his chute did not have time to deploy. The pilot was rescued from the inverted aircraft. With the undercarriage collapsed the aircraft fell on its side sliding off the right-hand edge of the runway before coming to rest upside down in the snow. During the uncontrollable slide Capt. Littler ejected, and although his parachute did not have time to inflate, his trajectory plus the cushioning effect of the snow combined to see him virtually unscathed. Capt Martin rode the aircraft to its inverted halt and was extracted in good shape apart from a broken collar bone. Both crew members sustained minor injuries. Capt Littler had the perfect timing for his ejection, a tenth of a second earlier or later probably would have been fatal and the fact that the canopy was gone made the extraction of Capt Martin much easier.

(RCAF Photo)

McDonnell CF-101 Voodoo (Serial No. 17451) No. 409 Squadron, as the crew climb down their ladders after a mission. Notice the drag chute deployed and still connected to the aircraft as they parked.

(RCAF Photo via Mike Kaehler)

McDonnell CF-101B Voodoo (Serial No. 17446), No. 409 Squadron.

(DND Photo via James Craik)

McDonnell CF-101B Voodoo (Serial No. 17455), No. 409 Squadron visiting CFB Uplands, Ontario.

(DND Photo via James Craik)

McDonnell CF-101B Voodoo (Serial No. 17482), No. 409 Squadron.

(CAF Photo)

McDonnell CF-101B Voodoo (Serial No. 17439), No. 409 Squadron, with a ground tech loading the drag chute into the tail.

(RCAF Photo)

McDonnell CF-101B Voodoo (Serial No. 17456) and (Serial No. 17463), No. 409 Squadron, c1960s.

(Bernardd Photo)

McDonnell CF-101B Voodoo (Serial No. 17477), No. 409 Squadron, RCAF Station Bagotville, Air Pageant, 1962.

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(DND Photo via Mike Kaehler)

McDonnell CF-101B Voodoo (Serial No. 17469) ex-USAF 59-0469), No. 409 Squadron, CFB Comox, British Columbia, ca 1960s.  

(RCAF Photo)

McDonnell CF-101B Voodoo (Serial No. 17480), No. 409 Squadron, CFB Comox, British Columbia, ca 1960s.

(RCAF Photo)

McDonnell CF-101B Voodoo (Serial No. 17481), No. 409 Squadron, CFB Comox, British Columbia, ca 1960s.

(Ron C. Miller Photo)

McDonnell CF-101B Voodoo (Serial No. 101050), No. 409 Squadron.

(RCAF Photo)

McDonnell CF-101 Voodoo (Serial No. 17409) and (Serial No. 17464).   The alternating blue and yellow rudder stripes represent No. 409 Squadron, Comox, British Columbia.  Both of these aircraft were transferred back to the USAF in 1971. These aircraft have the large maple leaf roundels, RCAF and the new Canadian flag so this photo is post 1965.  (Mike Kaehler)

(RCAF Photo via Mike Kaehler)

McDonnell CF-101B Voodoo, RCAF (Serial No. 17433). RCAF No. 409 Squadron, RCAF Station Comox, BC, c1968. 17433 is being fueled on the flight line along with other Voodoos. The drag chute door is still open on the tail so the Safety Systems tech has not replaced the drag chute yet, the weapons bay has been rotated to the half-way point and other techs have begun their post flight inspection of the aircraft.

(DND Photo via Chris Charland)

McDonnell CF-101B Voodoo (Serial No. 101010), No. 409 "Nighthawk" AW (F) Squadron based at CFB Comox, British Columbia.  This aircraft was part of Project Peace Wings.  It previously served with No. 425, No. 416 and No. 410 Squadrons respectively, before settling in at CFB Comox on 3 August, 1971.

(CAF Photo)

McDonnell CF-101B Voodoo (Serial No. 101010), No. 409 "Nighthawk" AW (F) Squadron based at CFB Comox, British Columbia.

(CF Photo)

McDonnell CF-101B Voodoo (Serial No. 101025), USAF (Serial No. 57-0340), No. 409 Squadron.

No. 410 Squadron RCAF – CFB Uplands, Ontario

When CF-100s were removed from front-line service in 1961, the CF-101 Voodoo interceptor was introduced for North American air defence. No. 410 Squadron converted to these aircraft and the squadron continued to fly Voodoos until defence cuts led to the squadron being deactivated on 31 March 1964. In 1968, No. 3 OTU (Operating Training Unit) at CFB Bagotville, tasked with training pilots and navigators for the three operational RCAF Voodoo squadrons, was later renamed No. 410 Squadron. No. 410 Squadron moved to Cold Lake, Alberta in 1982, changing aircraft to become the training unit for Canada's new CF-18 Hornet aircraft.

(DND Photo via Darryl Pajot)

McDonnell CF-101 Voodoo (Serial No. 17453) with aircrew from No. 410 Squadron based at Uplands (Ottawa), Ontario, scrambling to their aircraft for a quick launch, ca 1960s.

(RCAF Photo)

McDonnell CF-101B Voodoo (Serial No. 17440), with two AIM-4D missiles under the fuselage, F/O J.A. Pace, Rockcliffe dietician, (in conversation with 2 young Jet Pilots) of No. 410 Voodoo Squadron, Uplands, Ontario, ca 1960s.

No. 414 Squadron RCAF – CFB North Bay, Ontario

On 5 August 1957, No. 414 Squadron was reformed at RCAF Station North Bay, Ontario, where it operated as an all-weather fighter squadron flying the CF-100 Canuck and the McDonnell CF-101 Voodoo until 30 June 1964 when it was disbanded once more. The squadron then reformed on 15 September 1967 at RCAF Station St Hubert, Quebec, as an electronic warfare squadron flying the CF-100. In August 1972 the squadron moved to CFB North Bay where it remained for the next twenty years flying the CF-100, Dassault CC-117 Falcon and the McDonnell EF-101B "Electric Voodoo". In 1992 the squadron was split into two parts with one part going to CFB Comox, British Columbia, as No. 414 Composite Squadron and the other part going to CFB Greenwood, Nova Scotia, as No. 434 Composite Squadron. In 1993 the squadron changed its name to No. 414 Combat Support Squadron when it was equipped with the Canadair CT-133 Silver Star. The squadron was disbanded in 2002 when its duties were contracted out to a civilian company.

(RCAF Photo)

McDonnell CF-101B Voodoo (Serial No. 17458), No. 414 Squadron, with Sir Cedric, the Black Knight, CFB North Bay, Ontario, ca 1960s.

(Bzuk Photo)

McDonnell EF-101B Voodoo (Serial No. 101067), No. 414 Squadron.

(DND Photo via Fred Paradie)

McDonnell EF-101B Voodoo (Serial No. 101067), the CAF "Electric Voodoo" used by No. 414 (EW) Squadron at CFB North Bay as an ECM aggressor aircraft with a distinctive all black paint scheme, to identify it from "friendly" Voodoos.  It was leased from the USAF in 1982 shortly before the Voodoos were retired from the CAF in 1984 and it continued to fly until it was returned to the USAF in 1987.  Ex USAF (Serial No. 58-0300), F-101B-105-MC.   It is currently on display at the Minnesota ANG Historical Museum, Minneapolis-St Paul Airport, Minnesota as a USAF 148th FIG aircraft.  Note that the aircraft on display at North Bay marked as (Serial No. 101067) is actually (Serial No. 101054).

(DND Archive Photo via Richard Girouard)

No. 414 (EW) Squadron formation with a Canadair CT-133 Silver Star, McDonnell ECF-101B Voodoo, Dassault CC-117 Falcon 20C, and a Bombardier CC-144 Challenger, 1987.

No. 416 Squadron RCAF – CFB Chatham, New Brunswick

In 1957, No. 416 Squadron was serving in Europe when it was relocated to Canada at RCAF St Hubert, Quebec, as an air defence squadron flying Avro Canada CF-100 all-weather fighters. In 1962, the CF-100s were replaced with the CF-101 Voodoo and the squadron was moved to RCAF Chatham, New Brunswick, where they flew the interceptor until the end of 1984. No. 416 Squadron was the world's last front-line unit flying Voodoos.

(DND Photo via James Craik)

McDonnell CF-101B Voodoos (Serial Nos. 17467 and 17408), No. 416 Squadron.

(RCAF Photo via Mike Kaehler)

McDonnell CF-101B Voodoo (Serial No. 17467), No. 416 Squadron, c1962.

(DND Photo)

McDonnell CF-101B Voodoo (Serial No. 101047), ex-USAF (Serial No. 57-0388), No. 416 Squadron, CFB Chatham, New Brunswick.

(RCAF Photo)

McDonnell CF-101B Voodoo, RCAF (Serial No. 17401), No. 416 Squadron (first batch) Voodoo being refuelled by Cpl Mike Kavanagh. Note the person to the right wearing oxford shoes. I remember seeing some of the older guys wearing oxford shoes when I first joined up 44 years ago but you won't see that today. (Mike Kaehler)

(RCAF Photo)

McDonnell CF-101B Voodoo (Serial No. 17460), No. 416 Squadron, deployed to Nellis AFB in the USA. The Voodoo has long range fuel tanks on and the luggage carrier is rotated down. There are McDonnell F-4 Phantoms in the background.

(DND Photo)

McDonnell CF-101B Voodoo (Serial No. 101060), No. 416 AWF Squadron, RCAF, CFB Chatham, NB, 1980.

(CAF Photo via Fred Paradie)

McDonnell CF-101B Voodoo (Serial No. 101043), ex-USAF (Serial No. 57-00380), from CFB Chatham-based No. 416 "Lynx" AW (F) Squadron.

(Henk Schakelaar Photo)

McDonnell CF-101V Voodoo (Serial No. 101021), No. 416 Squadron, CFB Chatham, New Brunswick, 3 Aug 1984.  Ex-USAF (Serial No. 57-0321), delivered to the RCAF in 1971 and struck off charge in 1985.  It later became an instructional airframe.

(DND Photo via James Craik)

No. 416 AWF Squadron, CFB Chatham, New Brunswick.

No. 425 Squadron RCAF – CFB Bagotville, Quebec.

No. 425 Squadron was reformed at RCAF Station St Hubert, Quebec, in October 1954, flying CF-100 Canucks as an all-weather fighter squadron. After re-equipping with the CF-101 Voodoo, No. 425 Squadron became the RCAF Operational Training Unit for this aircraft type at RCAF Station Namao, Albeerta, in late 1961 before transferring to its current base at RCAF Station Bagotville, Quebec, and becoming a front-line squadron a few months later. The squadron was re-equipped with the 8CF-18 Hornet in 1985.

(DND Photo via Mike Kaehler)

McDonnell CF-101 Voodoo formation (Serial Nos. 101008, 101051, 101015, 101012), No. 425 Squadron, Bagotville, Quebec.

(DND Photo via James Craik)

McDonnell CF-101B Voodoo (Serial No. 101009), from CFB Bagotville-based No. 425 "Alouette" AW (F) Squadron.

(DND Photo via Chris Charland)

McDonnell CF-101B Voodoo (Serial No. 101009) from CFB Bagotville-based No. 425 "Alouette" AW (F) Squadron, firing an un-armed nuclear AIR-2A Genie unguided air-to-air rocket.

(DND Photo)

McDonnell CF-101B Voodoo (Serial No. 101014), No. 425 Squadron.

(DND Photo via James Craik)

McDonnell CF-101B Voodoo (Serial No. 101014), from CFB Bagotville-based No. 425 "Alouette" AW (F) Squadron.

(CAF Photo via Fred Paradie)

McDonnell CF-101B Voodoo (Serial No. 101014), from CFB Bagotville-based No. 425 "Alouette" AW (F) Squadron.

(CAF Photo via Mike Kaehler)

McDonnell CF-101B Voodoo (Serial No. 101020), CFB Bagotville-based No. 425 "Alouette" AW (F) Squadron, 1973.

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(DND Photo via James Craik)

McDonnell CF-101B Voodoo (Serial No. 101028), from CFB Bagotville-based No. 425 "Alouette" AW (F) Squadron.

(DND Photo via James Craik)

McDonnell CF-101B Voodoo (Serial No. 101046), from CFB Bagotville-based No. 425 "Alouette" AW (F) Squadron,.

(DND Photo via James Craik)

McDonnell CF-101B Voodoo (Serial No. 101046), from CFB Bagotville-based No. 425 "Alouette" AW (F) Squadron.

(NORAD Photo)

McDonnell CF-101 Voodoo (Serial No. 101038), No. 425 "Alouette" Squadron from CFB Bagotville, intercepting a Soviet Union Tupolev Tu-95 Bear bomber flying near the buffer zone that NORAD monitors around North America.

(RCAF Photo via James Craik)

McDonnell CF-101F Voodoo formation (Serial Nos. 17453 and 17482), No. 425 (AW) Fighter Squadron in formation over the Rockies in the Jasper National Park area.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4118620)

McDonnell CF-101B Voodoos, including (Serial No. 17446) on the flightline, No. 425 Squadron, North Bay, Ontario, while their home base was being repaired, 1966.

(DND Photo via Blair Mp)

McDonnell CF-101 Voodoo formation, No. 410 and No. 425 Squadron, Bagotville, Quebec.