Canadair CF116 Freedom Fighter 116730 tip tank grey metal aircraft skin tag
Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter 116730 tip tank grey metal aircraft skin tag Limited Edition of 500 pieces
Introducing the latest addition to the Plane Chains hangar: the Cold War CF-116 Freedom Fighter!
These new Plane Chains are crafted from the tip tanks of RCAF CF-116 116730. Built in Montréal and powered by Canadian Orenda-built J85 engines, this twin-engine supersonic jet trained generations of Canadian fighter pilots. Serving with squadrons like 419 “Moose,” it became part of Canada’s own Top Gun program—an aggressor and lead-in fighter that prepared pilots for CF-104 and CF-18 combat operations.
Each tag measures 3.6cm x 8.8cm and features the original paint, wear, and history of the aircraft—laser engraved with its details.
CF-116 116730 was built at Canadair’s Cartierville plant in Montréal and served through the height of the Cold War. Assigned to squadrons such as 434 “Bluenose,” 433 “Porcupine,” and 419 “Moose,” she trained generations of Canadian and NATO fighter pilots. Later in her career, 116730 joined what many called Canada’s Top Gun program—flying as an aggressor and lead-in fighter trainer from CFB Cold Lake. Painted in adversary schemes, she prepared pilots for CF-104 and CF-18 operations, embodying the skill, discipline, and resolve that defined a generation of Canadian aviators.
ABOUT THIS AIRCRAFT
The Canadair CF-116 Freedom Fighter was a lightweight, supersonic jet built in Montréal under license from Northrop to serve Canada’s Cold War needs. Agile, reliable, and powered by Canadian-built J85 engines, it became the backbone of tactical training and NATO readiness. The CF-116 combined speed with simplicity, proving that Canadian industry could produce a world-class fighter on home soil. Aircraft 116730 carried this legacy forward—serving in both combat and training roles, and later as part of Canada’s Top Gun program at CFB Cold Lake. More than just a fighter, she represented the precision, perseverance, and professionalism that kept Canada’s skies secure.
Plane Chains
Produced by aviation enthusiasts for aviation enthusiasts and collectors, each of these items is a piece of Aviation History.
Throughout 2020, we watched some iconic aircraft like the 747 and A380 withdrawn from commercial service by numerous airlines. The future for many such aircraft is a sad one, after years of sitting in the desert sun before being scrapped and recycled into soda cans. Not exactly a fitting retirement for engineering marvels that safely transported hundreds of thousands, if not millions of passengers over their lifetimes.
These aircraft tags are individual pieces of aviation history, each supplied with durable aircraft grade cable loop for use as key chains. Each comes with a tasteful graphic cardboard backing with a brief type history, and details of the individual aircraft background, and aircraft specifications. Each is a numbered limited edition crafted from genuine aircraft skin, and has not been refinished in any way apart from laser etching of the artwork on the tag. Scratches, dents, corrosion and other imperfections may be present of the Plane Chain. These imperfections are what make Plane Chains special, They are a testament to the aircraft's past life as a real airplane.
Aircrew and flight attendants also love having these as souvenirs of aircraft they have operated in their careers, a great gift idea, for a lasting memory of something special .
Each is approximately 3.5 cm x 9 cm / 1.4” x 3.5” inches in size. The attached cardboard is 10 cm x 15 cm / 4 “ x 6” inches
While we make every effort to maintain our online inventory, If this item is not available to order online, it is likely out of stock. To be advised when an item arrives in stock please use our stock notification tool on the website. When viewing an item on the site, open the green button which says “Send Me An Email When It Arrives” and enter your address. Please Note, this DOES NOT reserve a copy of the item for you.
We would be happy to order it in for you, or confirm availability of the item. Please feel free to email us at [email protected] or call 416-674-5959.
