McDonnell CF-101 Voodoo - Obsolescence and Retirement

Obsolescence and Retirement

Through the 1970s, the increasing obsolescence of the CF-101 and the CF-104 led to plans for their joint replacement by a single type. The New Fighter Aircraft program was launched in 1977 with the intention of finding a replacement for the CF-5, CF-104 Starfighter and CF-101 Voodoo. The Grumman F-14 Tomcat, F-15 Eagle, F-16 Falcon, McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet, Panavia Tornado and the Dassault Mirage F1 (later replaced by the Mirage 2000) were all considered and evaluated as potential replacements. Cost considerations eventually reduced the choice to the F-16 and F-18, and the F-18 ultimately prevailed, likely because of the additional safety of twin engines when flying in remote areas. The decision, announced on 10 April 1980, was the beginning of the end for the Voodoo in Canada. The Voodoo OTU converted to CF-18 Hornets in June 1982 to begin training aircrew for Canada's new fighter. 409 and 425 Squadrons stood down at the end of June 1984, with 416 Squadron remaining in service until the end of December 1984 as the world’s last front-line Voodoo squadron. With the stand down, the last nuclear weapons in Canada were returned to the United States.