In 1946, in response to an urgent USAF requirement for a long range penetration fighter for the strategic Air Command (SAC), the McDonnell Aircraft Company embarked on the design of a heavy two-engine jet fighter designated XF-88, the prototype first flying in October 1948. Even after successful trials the contract was cancelled in August of 1950. The design with a number of changes was brought back in 1951 re-designated as Y5-101A with its prototype first flying on December 29, 1954 under the Tactical Air Command (TAC) hoping to replace their existing Northrop F-89 Scorpion. Seventy-five of these aircraft were built and flown with production and deliveries of 33 RF-101A’s beginning in May of 1957 to 63rd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing. The next Voodoo variant was the F-101B, a two seat all weather interceptor which made its first flight on March 27,1957. Three hundred fifty nine of these aircraft were produced and equipped 16 squadrons of Air Defense Command. In June 1961 Canada bought 56 F-101B’s changing them to CF-101B’s and equipping 3 squadrons of the RCA’s Air Defense Command. McDonnell also went on to produce the F-101C which saw much service over Vietnam. The Voodoo made many accomplishments such as the World Speed Record in 1957 recording 1207.6 mph and extending reconnaissance performance into the supersonic field.

An Interesting fact about the Voodoo: In 1960 two McDonnell F-101’s collided in mid air, inspiring McDonnell firm to devise an airborne collision warning system. The company unveiled its prototype in early 1966 giving pilots a minutes warning of impending collision, and also indicated which way to maneuver. The system included a transmitter, a receiver and a computer, with the key to the system being the oscillator clock, accurate to one thousandth of a second enabling the transmitter to send signals at precise times assigned to it.

The CF 101 Voodoo on display here at the North Atlantic Aviation Museum came from the National Defence Headquarters, Ottawa, Ontario with a Canadian Forces Registration of 101 065.