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Ok just an idea I had floating around in my head... wanted to bounce it off all of y'all to see what you think.

Now as the 1960's drew to a close the RCAF was left with a pair of less than ideal aircraft the CF-101 Voodoo, and the CF-104 Starfighter. Later they would be joined by the CF-116 a licence produced version of the F-5 Freedom Fighter. The acquisition of the CF-5/CF-116 is generally considered to be one of the more boneheaded moves committed by the Canadian military as it never really had a clearly defined role.

Anyways here's my thought, what about instead of purchasing the CF-5, the Canadian government has the RCAF's existing planes upgraded in order to prolong their service lives? I was initially thinking about only upgrading the CF-101 Voodoo but the CF-104 could be upgraded as well... Here are my thoughts

CF-101 Voodoo Rebuild/Upgrade
-Operation "Peace Wings" occurs earlier than OTL, the 66 "new" Voodoo's receive the following upgrades...
-New Avionics package capable of firing Sparrow/Sidewinder Missiles.
-Modern Electronics
-Better Engines (Canadian Made Orendas?)
-Canadian firms gain a licence to manufacture new parts for the CF-101 Voodoo

CF-104 Starfighter Rebuild/Upgrade
-Control Surfaces redesigned (New Tail configuration, larger wings)
-Lengthened fuselage for more fuel and longer range.
-Improved Canadian built engine?
-Improved Avionics allowing planes to fire Sparrow missiles in addition to Sidewinders
-See Below...

Putting aside costs and the flagrant anti-military attitude of OTL's government. Would such modifications be even allowed by OTL's licencing agreements? If not, could said agreements be amended to allow such modifications?

Let's take for example TTL's modified CF-104 Starfighter, basically it's a CL-1200 Lancer designed a few early. I think it'd be quite popular as it would allow the plethora of countries using the F-104 an opportunity to rapidly improve their existing fleet's combat effectiveness and longevity. There would even be an option for basic, intermediate, and deluxe upgrades

Basic:
-Lengthened fuselage
-Larger wings
-Different tail assembly

Intermediate
-Basic + Improved Avionics

Deluxe
-Intermediate + Canadian Engine

Who would gain the revenues from the sales of such a product? Perhaps Lockheed can strike a deal with Canada in which they agree to help redesign/rebuild the CF-104 Starfighters as a way to get around the USA not choosing to invest in the CL-1200 Lancer? Also revenues get split between Canadair/Lockheed.

Thoughts?
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