CF-104 "761" of 439 squadron "Tiger" CFB Sollingen during the Tiger Meet held at Bitburg AB in June 1981

CF-104, Canadair model CL-90, Lockheed model 683-04-12, Canadair construction number 683A-1061, RCAF serial number 12761, built by Canadair
taken on service by RCAF as 12761 on March 20, 1962 at Cold Lake; September 4, 1963 first unit 1 Wing of 1 Air Division; May 15 , 1964 to 3 Wing
October 15, 1969 suffered canopy scattering bird strike near CFB Lahr; February 26, 1970 to Baden; reserialed as 104761 effective June 1970
in August 1971 441 Squadron flew to Great Britain for a squadron exchange with RAF 43 Squadron based at RAF Leuchars and flying the F-4 Phantom FG.1
May 6, 1974 to SAL for cannon installation and wing exchange; November 28, 1977 to SAL for variegated painting
1977 a squadron exchange took place between 441 Squadron, based at Baden-Sollingen, flying the CF-104 and the Italian Air Force 10°Gruppo, based at Grazzanise, flying the F-104S
December 6, 1978 to NMI (North West Industries, Edmonton) for DLIR (Depot Level Inspection and Repair); in June 1979 to the IAT as display at RAF Greenham Common
439 Squadron participated during the Tiger Meet held at Bitburg AB in June 1981, Canadian 439 Squadron won the Silver Tiger Trophy
in October flew at Jever AB during a TLP; struck off service by the CAF March 6, 1986
taken on service by Turkey as 62-761 on March 13, 1986, operated coded "8-761" by 8.AJU; on November 20, 1989 it crashed near Diyarbakir AB, Turkey, the pilot survived
(It is possible that this aircraft encountered a midair collision with 62-770, which had been reported as damaged this day and soon be ready for flying again).

copyright © Hans-Peter Jans