Cold War-era fighter jet finds new home in Calgary

A Cold War-era jet aircraft — known as the T-Bird — has made its way to Calgary from Cold Lake, Alta., finding a new home at the Air Force Museum of Alberta.

The Canadair CT-133 Silver Star is joining the museum's Cold War Exhibit. 

The T-Bird, or T-33, was in service with the Royal Canadian Air Force and Canadian Forces for more than five decades. Its roles ranged from advanced pilot training to transport.

Calgary's newly arrived jet had been on display at a museum in Cold Lake. 

Bob Wade, a retired air force pilot and a former member of the Snowbirds, flew the T-Bird and believes the jet will add another element in efforts to educate people about the era and aviation.

"We're volunteers, it's not-for-profit, and we do it because it's an important story that we want the public to recognize," Wade said. 

Volunteers with the Air Force Museum Society of Alberta are hopeful the aircraft can serve as another teaching tool about that period of history and the Canadian veterans who served.

The T-Bird joins a collection of other Cold War-era fighters, including a CF-18 Hornet, a CF-104 Starfighter, and an F-86 Sabre Jet fighter on display in the hangars.

That display, and the jets, are part of an exhibit that describes the history of the period and Canada's contribution to NORAD and NATO.

The exhibit also pays tribute to the many Canadians who fought for Canada throughout the era.

Ed McGillivray was among those who showed up to mark the aircraft's arrival.

"We have to make sure that the people of Canada know about the contribution that was made by the Royal Canadian Air Force," said the retired Royal Canadian Air Force brigadier-general.

"This is part and parcel of that history."

Museum society volunteers say they are working on plans to expand the exhibit and are looking to acquire two more aircraft as part of that initiative.