CF-100 “Canuck” – Royal Canadian Air Force Interceptor: 19 January 1950

The CF-100 interceptor was the first combat aircraft designed and built in Canada. In 1946, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) issued specifications for a long-range, all-weather jet interceptor. The first CF-100 prototype flew on 19 January 1950. The RCAF took delivery of the first CF-100s the following year, and by 1953, 500 CF-100 interceptors were in service. It was NATO's first operational all-weather fighter. The CF-100 was a commercial success as well. The Belgian government purchased CF-100s for their NATO fighter squadrons. The financial success of the Avro CF-100 “Canuck” was an important consideration when the RCAF and the Avro company decided to develop the CF-105 Arrow.