The Lockheed 104 Starfighter: The Jet That Conquered the Skies

The Lockheed 104 Starfighter was a Mach 2 capable supersonic all-weather fighter-bomber that served as the backbone of NATO air power in the 1960s and 1970s.

The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter

by Greg Goebel

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2280 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	71 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The Starfighter was designed by Lockheed's legendary "Skunk Works" team, led by Clarence "Kelly" Johnson. Johnson was responsible for some of the most innovative aircraft designs of the 20th century, including the P-80 Shooting Star, the F-104 Starfighter, and the SR-71 Blackbird.

The Starfighter was a radical departure from previous fighter designs. It was the first fighter to be designed specifically for supersonic flight, and it featured a number of advanced features, including a thin, swept-back wing, a powerful engine, and a radar-guided fire-control system.

The Starfighter was a formidable opponent in air-to-air combat. It was fast, maneuverable, and heavily armed. The Starfighter also had a long range and could carry a variety of weapons, including air-to-air missiles, bombs, and rockets.

The Starfighter was a major success for Lockheed and for the United States Air Force. It was exported to a number of countries, including West Germany, Italy, Japan, and Canada. The Starfighter served in a variety of roles, including air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance.

The Starfighter was retired from service in the United States Air Force in the early 1970s. However, it continued to serve in the air forces of other countries until the early 21st century.

Design and Development

The Starfighter was designed in the early 1950s, at a time when the United States Air Force was looking for a new supersonic fighter to replace the F-86 Sabre. Lockheed's Skunk Works team, led by Clarence "Kelly" Johnson, was awarded a contract to design and build the new fighter.

The Starfighter was a radical departure from previous fighter designs. It was the first fighter to be designed specifically for supersonic flight, and it featured a number of advanced features, including a thin, swept-back wing, a powerful engine, and a radar-guided fire-control system.

The Starfighter's thin, swept-back wing was designed to reduce drag at supersonic speeds. The wing was also equipped with ailerons and flaps, which allowed the Starfighter to be maneuvered at high speeds.

The Starfighter was powered by a single General Electric J79 turbojet engine. The J79 engine was one of the most powerful jet engines of its time, and it gave the Starfighter a top speed of Mach 2.2.

The Starfighter was equipped with a radar-guided fire-control system that allowed the pilot to track and engage enemy aircraft. The fire-control system was also linked to the Starfighter's armament, which included air-to-air missiles, bombs, and rockets.

Operational History

The Starfighter entered service with the United States Air Force in 1958. It quickly became one of the most important fighters in the USAF inventory, and it was used in a variety of roles, including air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance.

The Starfighter was also exported to a number of countries, including West Germany, Italy, Japan, and Canada. The Starfighter served in the air forces of these countries for many years, and it played a major role in the defense of NATO during the Cold War.

The Starfighter was a successful fighter, but it was also controversial. The Starfighter had a high accident rate, and it was involved in a number of fatal crashes. Some critics argued that the Starfighter was too complex and difficult to fly.

Despite its problems, the Starfighter remained in service for many years. It was retired from service in the United States Air Force in the early 1970s. However, it continued to serve in the air forces of other countries until the early 21st century.

Legacy

The Starfighter was a major success for Lockheed and for the United States Air Force. It was one of the most advanced fighters of its time, and it played a major role in the defense of NATO during the Cold War.

The Starfighter also had a significant impact on the development of fighter aircraft. Its thin, swept-back wing, powerful engine, and radar-guided fire-control system became standard features on subsequent fighters.

The Starfighter is a reminder of the ingenuity and innovation of American engineers. It is a testament to the power of technology and the indomitable spirit of the human race.

Additional Images

The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter

by Greg Goebel

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2280 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	71 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE