Nuclear Missions - a Canadian CF104 Starfighter Pilot's Story (369)

Cold War Conversations

Ian Sanders

Society & Culture, Documentary, History

4.8 • 758 Ratings

🗓️ 11 October 2024

⏱️ 69 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Flying at high speed and low level, RCAF pilot Allen French was at the sharp end of potential nuclear bombing missions during the Cold War. Born at the dawn of the baby boomer era, Allen delves into his early inspirations, his father's service in the Royal Canadian Air Force, and the pivotal moments that led him to join the Air Force. From training on the Canadair CT-114 Tutor to flying the iconic F-86 Sabre and CF-104 Starfighter, Allen shares firsthand accounts of Cold War tensions, nuclear deterrence strategies, and the challenges of high-speed, low-level navigation across Europe. Around 50% of over 200 Canadian Starfighters were lost in accidents. You’ll hear about Allen’s near-death experience at a West German airbase and many other personal anecdotes that bring history to life. Thanks to Bernardo Scheliga who put me in contact with Allen. He and Allen are volunteers at the Canadian Museum of Flight. You can find details here https://canadianflight.org/ Episode extras https://coldwarconversations.com/episode369 All our air power episodes in one convenient playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4QVY3bWNLFSd62iBkPzRh9?si=31342ec59eb54762 The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history. Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, We also welcome one-off donations via the same link. Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/ Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Love history? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Welcome to Cold War Conversations, the home of real stories of the Cold War.
0:06.9	Adobe Express is the quick and easy Create Anything app. It has taken my content at the next level,
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0:19.2	logos and flyers, all in just a few clicks.
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0:29.7	Adobe Express, the quick and easy create anything app.
0:36.3	I expected to end up in a ball of fire on the edge of the runway.
0:40.3	I kind of shook my head and the airplane hit the ground,
0:45.3	bounced, and as I opened my eyes again, I'm about 30 degrees off the heading knot,
0:51.3	and flying away. And I actually, I expected to be dead at that time.
0:59.3	This is Cold War Conversations. If you're new here, you've come to the right place to listen to
1:05.8	firsthand Cold War history accounts. Do make sure you follow us in your podcast app so that you don't miss out on future episodes.
1:15.6	Flying at high speed and at low level, Royal Canadian Air Force pilot Alan French was at the
1:20.9	sharp end of potential nuclear bombing missions during the Cold War.
1:24.9	Alan delves into his early inspirations and the pivotal moments that led him to join the Air Forces himself.
1:31.4	From training on the Canadair CT-114 tutor to flying the iconic F-86 Sabre and the CF-104 Starfighter,
1:41.4	Alan shares first-hand accounts of Cold War tensions and the challenges of high-speed,
1:46.4	low-level navigation across Europe. Around 50% of over 200 Canadian starfighters were lost in accidents.
1:54.6	You'll hear about Alan's near-death experience at a West German airbase and many other
1:59.2	personal anecdotes that bring Cold War history to life.
2:03.6	I'm delighted to welcome Alan French to our Cold War conversation.
	...

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