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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
