Rare Canadair CF-5D Freedom Fighter Listed for Sale

Moreno Aguiari
Moreno Aguiari
The CF-5 was ordered by the Royal Canadian Air Force, which became part of the Canadian Forces on 1 February 1968. Scott Slocum - Aeromedia Group
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Platinum Fighter Sales has recently listed another unique and rare aircraft for sale. However, this time, it’s not an iconic WWII fighter but a Cold War-era supersonic jet—the Canadair CF-5D Freedom Fighter, registered as N840MQ. Originally constructed as a CF-116D, this aircraft served with the Canadian Armed Forces under serial number 116840.

1974 Canadiar Ltd CF 5D 4 Rare Canadair CF 5D Freedom Fighter Listed for Sale
Scott Slocum – Aeromedia Group

The CF-5 Program

In the 1960s, Canada reduced its nuclear capability and European military presence due to budget constraints, prompting the search for a cost-effective supersonic fighter. In 1965, the Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter was selected, with Canadair producing the CF-5 under license. The CF-5 featured Canadian-built Orenda J85 engines with increased thrust, providing improved performance over the standard F-5A. Canadair built 135 CF-5s for Canada and an additional 105 for the Netherlands. The aircraft incorporated various upgrades, including enhanced avionics, retractable air intake screens, and additional armor.

1079px Northrop Canadair CF 116A CL 219 Canada Air Force AN1952661
Canadian Forces CF-5A Freedom Fighter on display at Trenton, Ontario. Image via Wikipedia

Despite initial plans for a broader deployment, budget cuts limited the CF-5’s operational use to just two squadrons. By the late 1980s, the aircraft was phased out of combat roles in favor of the CF-188 Hornet. A modernization program extended its service life, upgrading avionics and other systems, but further defense budget reductions led to the CF-5’s complete retirement in 1995. Most retired aircraft were placed in storage, awaiting resale to foreign operators. For more historical details about the CF-5, visit Joe Baugher’s website.

CF 5 CF 116 Freedom Fighter
The Canadair CF-5 Freedom Fighter was produced between 1968 and 1975, with 240 airframes entering service with the Canadian Armed Forces. In Canadian service, the CF-5 operated with the 419th, 433rd, and 434th Squadrons, supporting Canada’s NATO commitments. The aircraft remained in service until its retirement in 1995. Image via Wikipedia

About N840MQ

This particular CF-5D Freedom Fighter is arguably one of the finest examples of its type. The airframe has a total time since new (TTSN) of 3,096.7 hours and is powered by two Orenda-built GE J85-15 engines. The aircraft is equipped with modern avionics, including a Garmin GTN 750/650 and Garmin G5 displays in both the front and rear cockpits, along with a PS Engineering audio panel.

Rare Canadair CF 5D Freedom Fighter Listed for Sale
Scott Slocum – Aeromedia Group

The aircraft comes with an extensive spare package, including eight new tires, a spare generator, two spare instruments, aircraft and engine covers, all pylons, three drop tanks, an additional cargo pod, and an A/M32-60B power unit. It also includes four core engines, two of which have full logs. The ejection seats are fully operational and “hot,” with all pyrotechnics current. N840MQ has been meticulously maintained by Thornton Corporation, ensuring its airworthiness and preservation. For more information on this exceptional Freedom Fighter, visit Platinum Fighter Sales.

1974 Canadiar Ltd CF 5D 3
Scott Slocum – Aeromedia Group
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Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
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