CANADAIR FREEDOM FIGHTER

In July 1965, the Canadian government selected the F-5 lightweight fighter as the new tactical aircraft in the midst of a great degree of disdain. The F-5 had been designed as a cheap, throw away fighter for developing countries with limited technical expertise. For a country like Canada with a sophisticated aerospace industry, the aircraft selection was seen as a step backward. A substantial number of Canadian unique modifications were added to make the aircraft suitable and the aircraft was subsequently also adopted by the Dutch Air Force with further modifications. 
 The aircraft went on to provide yeoman service for the Canadian Air Force both in the tactical fighter and advanced jet training role. Its small size also made it a valuable adversary training aircraft in exercises. After being removed from front-line service, the aircraft became a lead-in fighter trainer for the CF-18 only to be retired after further extensive overhaul and avionics modification programs.

Manufacturer: Licence - built from Northrop by Canadair
Designation: CF-116 Model No: F-5, CL-219 Marks: 116A,116D
Role: Tactical Fighter & Trainer
TOS: 1968 SOS: 1995 No: 89 CF-116A, 46 CF-116D
Service: RCAF, CF

SPECIFICATIONS CF-116A

Crew / Passengers: 1 or 2 pilots in ejection seats
Powerplant: Two Orenda J-85-Can-15 Turbojets 2,925 lbs thrust (mil) 4,300 lbs thrust (A/B)
Performance: Max Speed: 650 kts ( 1,204 km/h) Cruising Speed: 450 kts ( 834 km/h)
Service Ceiling: 41,000 ft (12,496 m) Range: 195 m (314 km)
Weights: Empty: 8,681 lbs (3,938 kg) Max T/O: 20,390 lbs (9,249 kg)
Dimensions: Span: 25 ft 10 in ( 7.87 m) Length: 47 ft 2 in ( 14.38 m) Height 13 ft 2 in ( 4.01 m)
Armament: Two 20 mm cannon & provisions for tanks, bombs, rockets (unguided), or missiles
Original Cost: Single $1,100,000 Dual $1,200,000