Lockheed F-104 Starfighter

Aircraft family

The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter was developed during the early Cold War as a supersonic fighter. Development began in 1952, and the first XF-104 prototype flew in 1954. [1]

Aircraft family

The Starfighter gained an international reputation for high-speed performance. It was operated by the United States Air Force and numerous other air forces through military assistance and international production programs. [1]

Aircraft family

The F-104's design emphasized high-speed flight and interception capability. Its slender fuselage and distinctive short wings gave it a recognizable appearance among Cold War fighter aircraft. [1]

Variant: F-104A and F-104C

The Starfighter established several notable aviation records. An F-104A set a world speed record in May 1958, while an F-104C established a world altitude record in December 1959. [1]

Variant: F-104A and F-104C

These were record-setting flights by specific variants, not standard operational speed or service-ceiling specifications. [1]

Aircraft family

The F-104 served in several military roles, including tactical fighter operations and air defense. Depending on the variant and equipment, it could carry cannon armament, air-to-air missiles and other weapons. [1]

Aircraft family

International operators employed different versions of the Starfighter, giving the aircraft a service history extending far beyond its initial American development. [1]