National Defence
Symbol of the Government of Canada

Specifications

Aircraft Description

The CF-188 is a multipurpose, high-performance twin-engine fighter that can handle both air-to-air (air defence, air superiority, combat air patrol) and air-to-ground (close air support, battlefield air interdiction) combat. Its on-board computer systems can quickly be re-programmed to the mission at hand.

(Note: The CF-188 is officially designated the “CF188” in Canadian use, although mainly in official or technical documentation.)

Adapted from the American F/A-18, the Canadian version of the jet features:

  • a sidewards-aimed searchlight beneath the fuselage for nighttime visual identifications
  • survival equipment adapted to the Canadian environment
  • various cockpit layout modifications
  • a paint scheme incorporating a “spoof” canopy on the underside of the front fuselage, intended to confuse opponents during aerial combat manoeuvres
Length 17.07 m
Wingspan 12.31 m
Height 4.66 m
Weight 10 455 kg
Power 2 General Electric F404 low bypass turbofan engines
Thrust Standard: 4850 kg (10 700 lbs.)
Afterburner: 7290 kg (16 000 lbs.)
Max. Speed Mach 1.8
Service Ceiling 15 000 m
Range 3700 km
Weapons Air to Air: AIM 9M IR guided missile, AIM 7 radar guided missile, AIM 120 radar guided missile, 20 mm canon
Air To Ground: Mk 82, Mk 83, Mk 84 , GBU 10, 12, 16 and 24 laser guided bombs, GBU 31 and 38 GPS guided bombs and the 20 mm cannon
Crew 1 pilot (CF-188A), 2 pilots (CF-188B)
Year(s) procured 1982 to 1988
Quantity in CF 77 modernized aircraft
Location(s)
  • 3 Wing Bagotville, QC
  • 4 Wing Cold Lake, AB