The Canadian built CF-104 Starfighter was one of the most successful jet fighter aircraft to serve with Canada's
Air Force. A total of 340 fighters were built under license by the Canadian government. The CF-104 was designed
as a light-weight nuclear strike aircraft. The aircraft were retired from service in 1986 after being used for
over 25 years until they were was replaced by the CF-18.
CF-104 bearing number 104758 served with 439 Sabre Toothed Tiger Squadron, and is painted in the colors of one of several
aircraft during the 439's stay in Europe. The distinctive yellow and black (tiger) stripes represent the squadron's
entry into the NATO "Tiger Meet." Many countries would participate in the exchange and competition by squadron's
in Europe that had the tiger as their symbol.
This aircraft is on loan to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum through the kind cooperation of the Western Canada
Aviation Museum and the Department of National Defense.
The CF-104 in front of the museum, bearing serial number 104641,
is the "D" model built by Lockheed of which there were 39 purchased
for training.
