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Starfighter - Aircraft Profile - Lockheed : Starfighter

Starfighter

Manufacturer : Lockheed
Number Built :
Production Began : 1956
Retired : 1986
Type :

The introduction of the Mig-15 by Communist forces during the Korean War, came as a shock to military planners in the United States. The Mig-15 showed some superior attributes even when compared to the F-86. This rude awakening increased the Air Forces interest in a new generation of fighters which would be faster and more maneuverable than any enemy aircraft which would be encountered; a true air superiority machine. Clarence Kelly Johnson, Lockheeds innovative designer who would be involved in many of the most innovative aircraft designs of the century, had been thinking along these same lines, and in late 1952 the company submitted an unsolicited proposal for a new fighter, the XF-104. An initial contract was placed for prototypes, and the first flight took place in 1954. The F-104 was unlike anything the Air Force had previously flown. A long thin needle nose, a bullet-like fuselage, a small, thin mid-fuselage mounted wing, and an unusual high mounted horizontal stabilizer characterized this revolutionary design. The XF-104 attained a speed of Mach 1.7 during its flight tests, and the Air Force gave a go-ahead for production once meaningful quantities of the J-79 engines became available. The first production Starfighters reached the Air Force in February of 1956. The fuselage was lengthened by nearly six feet to accommodate the J-79. The first large production order was for 146 F-104As. These aircraft could carry wing mounted missiles, and had provision for an internal cannon. Troubles with the gun system were never really solved and most of these first F-104s were never equipped with the cannons. The simplicity of operation of this aircraft and its phenomenal speed made it an ideal interceptor, and this capability was appreciated during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. Lockheed had meaningful success marketing export versions of the Starfighter shipping significant quantities to Pakistan, Italy, Germany, Greece, Japan, Taiwan, and Jordan. American military planners were disappointed with the range of the F-104. Recognizing this, Lockheed continued to refine and improve the aircraft. The F-104C was the second major variant and first flew in 1958. The C was capable of 1,450-MPH, and had an improved range of nearly 1,400 miles with drop tanks. The C was primarily used by the 479th Tactical Fighter Wing. The 479th deployed a squadron of F-104Cs to Vietnam in 1965, where the aircraft flew more than 2,000 combat sorties before being withdrawn. The F-104s were phased out of active Air Force service beginning in the mid-60s, but many aircraft remained with Air National Guard units. The last American unit to be equipped with the F-104 was the 198th Tactical Fighter Squadron of the Puerto Rico Air National Guard. The Royal Canadian Air Force also flew the 104. Its variant lacked the cannon, which was replaced by an additional fuel tank. The RCAF flew 104s until 1986.

Starfighter

Starfighter Artwork Collection



Clipped Signature - Robert Gilliland.


The Vikings Legend by Robert Tomlin.


Pre Season Practice by Trevor Lay.


Last of the Starfighters by Stan Stokes.

Squadrons for : Starfighter
A list of all squadrons from known to have used this aircraft. A profile page is available by clicking the squadron name.
SquadronInfo

434th Fighter Squadron


Country : US

Click the name above to see prints featuring aircraft of 434th Fighter Squadron
434th Fighter Squadron

Conducted air defense prior to flying duties overseas. Between 26th May 1944 and 25th Apr 1945 flew combat missons over the European Theater of Operations. Received Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC) for performance in aerial conflicts against the enemy on 18th August, 5th and 26th September 1944. Trained as fighter-day, and later, tactical fighter squadron, 1952-1962. In 1966, was reinstated as a squadron and began training F-4 crews for assignment in Southeast Asia. In Aug 1972, deployed to Thailand, where it served under operational control of 49 Tactical Fighter Wing. Engaged in combat over North and South Vietnam in October 1972. Redeployed back the USA. By 1975, provided combat aircrew training for US and Allied pilots. From 1977-1991, trained pilots. The squadron flew P-38 Lightning 1943 - 1944, P-51 Mustang from 1944 to 1945, P-47 Thunderbolt in 1945, F-51 Mustang from 1952 - 1953, F-86 Sabre from 1953 - 1955, F-100 Super Sabre from 1954 - 1959, F-104 Starfighter from 1959 - 1962, F-4 Phantom from 1966 - 1976 and T-38 Talon from 1977 - 1991.
Signatures for : Starfighter
A list of all signatures from our database who are associated with this aircraft. A profile page is available by clicking their name.
NameInfo

Adjutant Chef Palmer De Vlieger
Click the name or photo above to see prints signed by Adjutant Chef Palmer De Vlieger
Adjutant Chef Palmer De Vlieger

Adjudant Chef Palmer De Vlieger was one of the two display pilots for The Belgium Air Force F -104 display team. The Slivers. The Display team gave their first public demonstration on May 14, 1969 during the international meeting at Brustem. Their show was based on synchronised high speed crossings with the runway axis as a reference point. The aircraft were painted in the traditonal 'vietnam' camouflage - 2 tones of green, tan and grey on the underside. In these first years the planes wore an insigna on the air intakes depicting 2 silhouettes of a F-104 crossing on a red disc. This insigna disappeared to be replaced by the teams name from the 1972 season on. The Slivers disbanded in July 1975 as Major Steve Nuyts was called upon other duties and there were no candidates to replace him. This during the seven years the team made 68 official presentations, and displayed in 5 European countries - Belgium, United Kingdom, Germany, France and Italy.



Major Steve Nuyts
Click the name or photo above to see prints signed by Major Steve Nuyts
Major Steve Nuyts

Major Steve Nuyts was one of the two display pilots for The Belgium Air Force F -104 display team. The Slivers. The Display team gave their first public demonstration on May 14, 1969 during the international meeting at Brustem. Their show was based on synchronised high speed crossings with the runway axis as a reference point. The aircraft were painted in the traditonal 'vietnam' camouflage - 2 tones of green, tan and grey on the underside. In these first years the planes wore an insigna on the air intakes depicting 2 silhouettes of a F-104 crossing on a red disc. This insigna disappeared to be replaced by the teams name from the 1972 season on. The Slivers disbanded in July 1975 as Major Steve Nuyts was called upon other duties and there were no candidates to replace him. This during the seven years the team made 68 official presentations, and displayed in 5 European countries - Belgium, United Kingdom, Germany, France and Italy.




Axel Ostermann
Click the name above to see prints signed by Axel Ostermann
Axel Ostermann

German display team leader Axel Ostermann led the German Navy Display Team The Vikings who thrilled crowds throughout Europe by demonstrating the surprising agility of the Starfighter in spectacular fashion from 1983 to 1986.


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