A CF-104D Starfighter Aircraft was delivered to the Alberta Aviation Museum recently.
The plane was acquired from the Netherlands after 18 months of waiting and will provide the public with an opportunity to take a seat in the cockpit of a piece of cold-war-era history.
The plane is one of 60 Starfighters remaining in the world and is one of the fastest ever utilized by the Royal Canadian Airforce. It is thought of by the museum as a fascinating piece of aviation history.
The total restoration and purchase investment is estimated to be in the $75,000 range. The museum sees the investment as justifiable as it will be the only Starfighter in existence in which the public can take a seat.
The Alberta Aviation Museum could certainly take advantage of poster printing services in Edmonton to produce artwork appealing to aviation enthusiasts.
The Starfighter acted as a first line of defense for NATO, functioning as a low-altitude strike aircraft and a high-altitude interceptor. Its short wings and slim fuselage allowed the fighter to travel at speeds of up to Mach 2.35. For reference – the modern day F-18 reaches its top speed at Mach 1.8.
Volunteers will spend the next three months restoring the aircraft. Their time will be spent assembling the 20 pieces it was delivered in, polishing the steel, and repainting the grey, red, and white details which appeared on the plane when it was used at CFB Cold Lake by the 417 squadron.
