Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>F-104>HA1040

General Background

The F-104 Starfighter was an military aircraft with revolutionary designs. It had short razor-sharp wings and was the first aircraft to be able to maintain Mach 2 not just in short bursts. This extremely high speed earned the plane the nickname "The Missile With A Man In It". Because of financial considerations 15 or more countries purchased the F-104. The Starfighter flew with the USAF in 1958 and the last airplane was decommissioned in Italy in 2004.

The Aircraft

F-104G Starfighter 25+50 was manufactured by Fokker Aircraft Company in 1963 as an RF-104G 683-8161 and served with the German Air Force JG-34 as 24+19 that operated the Starfighter from 1964 until 1987. Later the aircraft was converted to an F-104G and in 1984 was given a special paint scheme and serial to commemorate two events. 1984 was the 25th Anniversary of JG-34 operations and the 50th Anniversary of the Memmingen Airfield, home to JG-34. Along with the special paint the aircraft received number 25+50 to match the two anniversaries.

Specifications :

Span:	21 ft. 11 in.
Length:	54 ft. 10 in
Height:	13 ft. 6 in.
Weight:	27,853 lbs. max
Armament:	One M-61 20mm cannon, two air-to-air missiles: nuclear or conventional bombs
Empty:	One General Electric J-79 of 15,800 lbs. thrust with afterburner
Crew:	One
Cost:	$1,471,000 (1950 & early 60's dollars)
Normal Performance:
Maxium Speed:	1,320 mph.
Cruising Speed:	576 mph.
Range:	1,250 miles
Service Ceiling:	58 000 ft