@ Atwater, CA
April 2021
The Castle Air Museum collection contains this representative from our Northern neighbor, a Canadian Armed Forces Avro Canada CF-100 Canuck. The CF-100 was the only Canadian-designed and built fighter to see mass production. First flown in 1952, these all-weather fighters served in the CAF from 1952-1981 along with some serving in the Belgian Air Force. This example had a lengthy service career from 1955-1981, joining the Museum collection in 1982. This Canuck was converted to Mk.5D configuration and was used in an electronic warfare role. Amongst CAF pilots, the Canuck was affectionately known as the “Clunk”, attributed to the noise produced by the forward landing gear during retraction. Another common, less attractive, nickname was the “Lead Sled”, a reference to its heavy controls and general lack of maneuverability.
