The F-101 Voodoo was a supersonic jet fighter developed for the U.S. Air Force during the Cold War, with 807 units produced. Initially designed as a long-range bomber escort, it was adapted into roles such as tactical reconnaissance (RF-101) and all-weather interception (F-101B/F). The Royal Canadian Air Force operated 66 CF-101 Voodoos - 56 F-101Bs and 10 F-101Fs—acquired in 1961 and later replaced by lower-hour models in the early 1970s. The CF-101 served as Canada’s primary NORAD interceptor until retirement in 1984. The USAF used the RF-101C variant extensively during the Vietnam War, beginning in 1961. These unarmed aircraft conducted high-speed reconnaissance missions over North Vietnam and Laos, often at great risk, until replaced by the RF-4C Phantom II by 1970. Capable of exceeding Mach 1.7, the Voodoo combined speed and versatility, making it a key Cold War asset for both American and Canadian air forces.
