The CF-116 Freedom Fighter is a Canadian multi-role fighter available to NATO forces.
History[]
The Canadair CF-5 (officially designated "CF-116 Freedom Fighter") is the Canadair license-built version of the American Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter aircraft for the Canadian Forces. It is a twin-engine, single-seat multi-role combat aircraft. The CF-5 was upgraded periodically throughout its service career in Canada. The Canadian Forces retired the type in 1995, although CF-5s continued to be used by other countries into the early 21st century.
The CF-5 was ordered by the Royal Canadian Air Force, which became part of the Canadian Forces on 1 February 1968. The CF-5 order was orginally to replace the CF-104 and CF-101, The new unified force took delivery of the first CF-5s (it was almost universally referred to as the CF-5 except in official documentation) at the end of 1968. Total production by Canadair for Canadian Forces was 89 single-seat aircraft and 46 dual-seat aircraft. These CF-5 had differences with the American made airframe due to the Canadian Forces wanting upgrades which inlcuded two-position nose landing gear, midair refueling probe, General Electric J85-15 engines and a more sophisticated navigation system.
These were used in three Canadian Forces Air Command squadrons which were 419, 433, and 434 Squadrons. 419 Squadron served in training role for CF-5 and F-18 units and 433 and 434 Squadrons served in rapid deployment reinforcement role being stationed in Canada. These two squadrons were deployed to Norway and Central Europe on exercise. Canadian Air-Sea Transportable Brigade Group was planned to be supported by these two squadrons. These were replaced by CF-18 in the reinforcement role in 1988.
Overview[]
AirLand Battle[]
The CF-116 Freedom Fighter is a relatively inexpensive air superiority fighter available to Canadian and NATO decks. The CF-116 carries six AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles, and two 20mm Pontiac M39A2 cannons, making the type an ideal helicopter hunter. The major drawbacks of the CF-116 are its lack of a long-range missile compliment, and lack of ECM. Both of these factors make the CF-116 vulnerable to enemy fighters, or Integrated Air Defense Systems (IADS). At a cost of 70 points per aircraft, however, the CF-116's offensive capabilities against either helicopters or enemy strike platforms largely offset its drawbacks.
Red Dragon[]
The CF-116 in Wargame: Red Dragon is a ground attack aircraft, carrying three Mk. 83 500kg bombs and a pair of 20mm Pontiac M39A2 cannons. The Mk. 83 bombs provide the CF-116 with good striking capability, and can damage or destroy infantry, and lightly or moderately armored vehicles. The CF-116's powerful strike ability for its inexpensive cost (70 points per plane) is offset by its lack of ECM, lack of missiles for close-range defense, and relatively slow speed compared to other strike platforms (750km/h). A fighter escort is highly recommended to cover the CF-116, and destroying enemy IADS prior to striking with this aircraft is paramount to success.
Weapons[]
AirLand Battle[]
| Weapons | 
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Autocannon | AAM | No Weapon |
| Name | Twin Pontiac M39A2 | AIM-9J Sidewinder | |
| Caliber | 20mm AoE | Infrared AoE, F&F | |
| Ammo | x 280 | x 6 | |
| Range | Ground = 2100 m Helicopters = 1400 m  Airplanes = 2100 m
|
Ground = N/A m Helicopters = 1750 m Airplanes = 2800 m
|
|
| Accuracy | 6 | 8 | |
| AP Power | 0 | 0 | |
| HE Power | 1 | 4 | |
| Suppression | 46 | 160 | |
| Rate of fire | 1499 r/min | 30 r/min |
Red Dragon[]
| Weapons | 
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Autocannon | Bomb | No Weapon |
| Name | Twin Pontiac M39A2 | Mk. 83 | |
| Caliber | 20mm AoE | 500kg AoE | |
| Ammo | x 280 | x 3 | |
| Range | Ground = 2100 m Helicopters = 1575 m Airplanes = 2100 m
|
Ground = 3500 m Helicopters = N/A m Airplanes = N/A m
|
|
| Accuracy | 30% | 20% | |
| Stabilizer | 30% | N/A | |
| AP Power | N/A | N/A | |
| HE Power | 1 | 15 | |
| Suppression | 40 | 600 | |
| Rate of fire | 1499 r/min | 33 r/min |
Gallery[]
See also[]
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