The Avro Canada CF-100 Canuck

Determined to eliminate reliance on foreign manufactured aircraft, the RCAF commissioned Avro Canada to design and build the Avro Canada CF-100.A fledgling company, Avro attracted experienced Canadian aviation personel employed during the Second World War. The Avro CF-100 Canuck became a major Canadian aviation success.

This two seat fighter aircraft, affectionately nick-named the "Clunk", was known for its good climb, twin engine reliability and excellent radar and fire control system. Designed to patrol the Canadian frontier, it excelled in its mission as a sub-sonic all weather interceptor.

The first of the two CF-100 prototypes was flown in January 1950. Powerful Canadian designed-and-built Orenda engines replaced the British Rolls-Royce Avon engines in 1952. Today two CF-100 Mk. 5s, CAF 100757 and 100785 are part of the collection of the National Aviation Museum in Ottawa (Canada).

The reverse of the coin, features two Mk. 4Bs of the No. 445 Squadron, RCAF, North Bay emerging from the clouds. The cameo portrays the likeness of Jan Zurakowski exceeded Mach 1 while flying the Mk. 4 RCAF 18112. This was the first straight wing aircraft to exceed the speed of sound without rocket power. Jim Bruce, an internationally acclaimed aviation artist, created the design for this coin.

This coin is the thirteenth issue of Aviation collection and contains 20 coins that have been released between 1990 and 1999.

AVIATION - AVRO CANADA CF-100 CANUCK - 1996 CANADIAN COINS 13 is categorised COINS AND PAPER MONEY / 08- ROYAL CANADIAN MINT / 17- MEANS OF TRANSPORT and sold by l'Imaginaire, a store and specialised website.