Now that Calgary’s Historic Flight Museum has completed the restoration of their Hawker Hurricane* at their Wetaskiwin facility some 200 kilometres to the north, there is space for their next project: the restoration of an Avro CF-100 Canuck. Disassembly of the aircraft is currently underway in Calgary, ahead of its shipment to Wetaskiwin where the restoration project is expected to last four years.

According to museum executive director Brian Desjardins, the aircraft will be displayed to full static display status, meaning it will not be restored to flying status.

The model that is being restored is the Mk 3D, the ‘D’ representing the word ‘dual’, meaning it was equipped with dual controls for use as a training aircraft. Originally built as a standard Mk 3, it was converted to a dual-control configuration, initially named the Mk 3CT but later renamed the Mk 3D. It is the only such model in existence. The restoration budget is set at $400,000, with the city of Calgary contributing $300,000 of that amount.

The Canuck is a subsonic all-weather twin-jet interceptor/fighter designed and built by A.V. Roe Canada, the precursor of Avro. Conceived in 1946, the Canuck began service in the RCAF in 1952, forming part of Canada’s NORAD commitment as well as its NATO commitment, with some of the Canucks based in Europe.

In total, 692 Canucks were built, with 53 Mk 5 models being sold to the Belgium air force. With such a high production run, and its visually aesthetic appearance, over 30 Canucks form static displays, and can be found inside or outside of museums and military bases across Canada as well as in the United States, England and Belgium.

* The Historic Flight Museum is holding an unveiling event for its newly restored Hawker Hurricane on November 8, 9 and 10. A number of speakers are lined up over the three-day event. Admission is free. Check their website for more details.

Photo credit: RCAF