• 1/48 scale CF-104D RCAF Starfighter plastic model kit by Kinetic (Kit No. K48095)
• Represents the legendary Lockheed CF-104D Starfighter, a two-seat variant of the Canadian-operated F-104 Starfighter family
• Operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) during the Cold War
• Developed from the famous Lockheed F-104 Starfighter, one of the most distinctive supersonic military aircraft of its generation
• The CF-104D was a two-seat operational conversion trainer, used to prepare pilots for flying the single-seat CF-104
• Features the distinctive extremely slender fuselage, short trapezoidal wings and high-mounted horizontal stabiliser
• Captures the characteristic tandem two-seat cockpit configuration, distinguishing the CF-104D from single-seat Starfighter variants
• Powered by a General Electric J79 turbojet engine, providing high-speed supersonic performance
• The Starfighter family was capable of speeds exceeding Mach 2 at high altitude
• The original F-104 was designed primarily as a high-performance interceptor before being adapted for other military roles
• Canadian CF-104 aircraft were configured primarily for tactical strike and reconnaissance missions within NATO
• The CF-104D provided essential pilot training and conversion support for Canada's operational Starfighter fleet
• Canadian Starfighters entered service during the early 1960s, replacing older combat aircraft in several NATO roles
• RCAF CF-104 aircraft were deployed to Western Europe, supporting Canada's military commitments to NATO
• Canadian Starfighter squadrons operated from bases in West Germany and France during the Cold War
• The CF-104 fleet became closely associated with Canada's contribution to NATO's European air defence and tactical strike capabilities
• The CF-104D's second cockpit allowed instructors to supervise pilots during conversion and advanced flight training
• The aircraft's small wings and high wing loading required careful handling, particularly during take-off and landing
• The Starfighter earned the nickname “Missile with a Man in It” because of its exceptionally streamlined appearance and high-speed performance
• The CF-104D retained the distinctive aerodynamic design that made the Starfighter internationally recognisable
• Following the unification of Canada's armed forces in 1968, Canadian Starfighters continued operating under the Canadian Armed Forces
• Canada's CF-104 fleet remained in service until 1986, when it was replaced by the CF-18 Hornet
• The CF-104D represents an important part of Canadian military aviation history and NATO Cold War pilot training
• 1/48 scale provides an excellent balance between display presence and modelling detail
• Ideal for collectors of RCAF aircraft, Canadian military aviation, Cold War fighter jets, NATO aircraft and Lockheed Starfighters
• Excellent companion to F-104G, CF-104, F-104DJ and other Starfighter variants in a military aviation collection
• Suitable for Cold War NATO airbase, Canadian fighter squadron, aircraft maintenance and pilot training dioramas
• Offers excellent opportunities for historically inspired RCAF natural metal finishes and Canadian military markings, depending on the aircraft and period represented
• Ideal for realistic metallic panel variations, exhaust heat staining, subtle paint fading and operational weathering
• The distinctive two-seat canopy and needle-like fuselage make the CF-104D an attractive alternative to conventional single-seat fighter models
• A fascinating addition to any collection of Canadian Air Force aircraft and Cold War supersonic aviation
• Kit supplied unpainted and unassembled
• Glue and paint not included
• Recommended for experienced modellers aged 14+
