In the timeline I am currently working on CAF is unified as per OTL in 1968 but the efforts to stomp out the pre unification traditions is not as extensive. This coupled with more funding would likely result in the RCAF operating better aircraft types in the later half of the Cold War. Some more logical choices the RCAF would have made if budget and personnel was not as much a concern would have been:
- 6x CC-141 Starlifter as a primary strategic transport, therefore the CC-137 fleet would focus primarily on aerial refuelling.
- 24x P-3 as a direct replacement for the CP-122 Neptune. In this universe there would be no CP-107 Argus as we know it. Purchasing the same aircraft as the USN would allow the RCAF to piggyback on their upgrade programs and there would be no shortage of spare parts associated with operating a unique fleet. Haven't decided yet on a Canadian designation, perhaps CP-103 Orion?
- 65x CF-105 Arrow. This would require an earlier POD in which the RCAF/Avro decide to incorporate the avionics and weapons suite of the F-106 Delta Dart so that while the airframes are unique, money wouldn't be wasted on developing a 100% Canadian system. Same as above in regards to avionics and weapons.
- 200x CF-111 Spectre (F-4E) instead of the widowmaker. Enough aircraft for six squadrons attached to 1 CAD in Germany as well as 1 continental strike and recce squadron.
Some more minor changes would have been:
- Enough Twin Otters for a one for one replacement of Otters in Air Reserve Squadrons.
- More Twin Hueys so that they could also perform base rescue functions.
- Enough attack helicopters (probably Cobras) so there could be one attack flight in each Tac Helicopter Squadron.
- Nike Hercules instead of Bomarc
Some other notes:
- While the RCAF would operate all aircraft in the CAF and the personnel manning flying and flight support units would wear blue and have air force MOCs, tactical aviation would be under command of the CA and likewise maritime aviation under command of the RCN
- The national SAR program would be run entirely by the Coast Guard, therefore the RCAF would focus 100% of its efforts on military aviation.
Now here is what I am not so sure about, instead of operating the CF-5 as a tactical fighter I was thinking of using either the A-4 or A-7 in this role, both of which have their own positive points:
- If A-4s are purchased they could be also fill operational training, aggressor training and a number of other roles that the CF-5 did IOTL. In the eighties when the CF-18 is purchased they could receive the "Super Skyhawk" upgrade which would give them the same F404 engine. They could then serve until the early 2000s as a lead in fighter trainer for the CF-18.
- The A-7 is just a better at being a bomb truck than the A-4. If this aircraft was bought instead a number of F-5/T-38s would need be purchased as well to serve as a LIFT.
Anyway before I proceed with my ideas for the alternate Canadian Army and Royal Canadian Navy I would like to hear everybodys thoughts on the A-7 verses the A-4. Thank you in advance!