CANADAIR CF-116 116730

The Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter was a lightweight, supersonic jet built in Montréal under license from Northrop to serve Canada’s Cold War needs. Agile, reliable, and powered by Canadian-built J85 engines, it became the backbone of tactical training and NATO readiness. The CF-116 combined speed with simplicity, proving that Canadian industry could produce a world-class fighter on home soil. Aircraft 116730 carried this legacy forward—serving in both combat and training roles, and later as part of Canada’s Top Gun program at CFB Cold Lake. More than just a fighter, she represented the precision, perseverance, and professionalism that kept Canada’s skies secure.

CF-116 116730 was built at Canadair’s Cartierville plant in Montréal and served through the height of the Cold War. Assigned to squadrons such as 434 “Bluenose,” 433 “Porcupine,” and 419 “Moose,” she trained generations of Canadian and NATO fighter pilots. Later in her career, 116730 joined what many called Canada’s Top Gun program—flying as an aggressor and lead-in fighter trainer from CFB Cold Lake. Painted in adversary schemes, she prepared pilots for CF-104 and CF-18 operations, embodying the skill, discipline, and resolve that defined a generation of Canadian aviators.

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