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

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

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

Episoder(445)

Cold War Living History Event - The Soviet Threat (29)

Cold War Living History Event - The Soviet Threat (29)

This episode takes place at a Living History event in and around the Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker museum in deepest Cheshire in the UK. I can heartily recommend visiting the Hack Green Bunker and ...

29 Sep 201854min

Cold War USAF pilot Buz Carpenter talks Vietnam recon, Skunkworks and more

Cold War USAF pilot Buz Carpenter talks Vietnam recon, Skunkworks and more

USAF pilot Buz Carpenter talks about about flying reconnaissance over Vietnam, the Skunkworks where secret USAF projects were developed, his time commanding Ramstein airbase at the end of the Cold War...

21 Sep 201845min

Flying the Cold War Blackbird SR71 Spyplane (27)

Flying the Cold War Blackbird SR71 Spyplane (27)

Today we are talking about the SR71 Blackbird spy plane. Only 32 Blackbirds were ever made, and they were in service from 1964-1998. The great defensive ability of the plane was its high speed and alt...

15 Sep 201854min

My father was the leader of the Soviet Union - Part 2 (26)

My father was the leader of the Soviet Union - Part 2 (26)

This is part 2 of my conversation with Professor Sergei Khrushchev the son of Nikita Khrushchev who led the Soviet Union 1953 to 1964. Before we start I would again like to thank all those who are sup...

7 Sep 201832min

My father was the leader of the Soviet Union - Part 1 (25)

My father was the leader of the Soviet Union - Part 1 (25)

In part 1 of this interview we talk about Professor Khrushchev’s early years, his relationship with his father, his father’s rise to power, the 1956 Hungarian Uprising as well the first international ...

2 Sep 201839min

Cold War West German Nuclear Monitoring System (24)

Cold War West German Nuclear Monitoring System (24)

West Germany had a number of Nuclear Warning Bunkers dotted around the country similar to the Royal Observer Corps in the UK. Mirko Krumm describes the organisation West German Civil Defence and the p...

25 Aug 201838min

Gary Powers & the 1960 U2 Incident

Gary Powers & the 1960 U2 Incident

Powers' U-2 was shot down on May 1, 1960, as he flew over Soviet airspace, and after parachuting out of the plane he was captured and convicted of espionage. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison but...

18 Aug 201855min

The Trabant car - East German icon (22)

The Trabant car - East German icon (22)

We’re talking about East German cars with Alex Goffe and Mark Mullarkey of the UK-based Wartburg Trabant IFA Club. Now I don’t think Top Gear or Jeremy Clarkson, etc. have anything to worry about, but...

11 Aug 201840min

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