✈️ Aircraft Specifications
| Designation | F-104G |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| First Flight | 1954 |
| Length | 16.69 m (54.8 ft) |
| Max Speed (Mach) | 2.2 |
| Max Speed (km/h) | 2,334 km/h |
| Service Ceiling | 15,240 m (50,002 ft) |
| Range | 2,920 km (1,813 mi) |
| Engine | 1× General Electric J79-GE-11A turbojet |
| Crew | 1 |
| Status | Retired |
Overview
The F-104 Starfighter was the ‘missile with a man in it’—a razor-thin, needle-nosed interceptor designed for pure speed. Its radical design with tiny trapezoidal wings (so thin they had sharp leading edges requiring protective guards on the ground) pushed the boundaries of what was aerodynamically possible.
Design & Development
Designed by Kelly Johnson at Lockheed’s Skunk Works after interviews with Korean War pilots who wanted pure speed and altitude, the Starfighter was the first aircraft to hold simultaneous speed and altitude records. Its wings were so small (196 sq ft vs 530 sq ft for the F-4) that boundary layer control using engine bleed air was needed for landing.
Operational History
While the USAF used it briefly, NATO nations—especially Germany, Italy, and Japan—operated it extensively. The German Luftwaffe notoriously suffered 292 crashes of its 916 Starfighters (32% attrition rate), earning it the nickname ‘Widowmaker.’ Despite this, Italian Starfighters served until 2004.
Armament
- 1× M61 Vulcan 20mm
- 2× AIM-9 Sidewinder (wingtip)
- Up to 4,000 lb ordnance
- Mk 28/43 nuclear bombs
- Unguided rockets
Wing so thin it could barely carry external stores.
Video
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is the F-104 Starfighter?
The F-104 had a top speed of Mach 2.2 (1,450 mph). It was the first operational fighter to fly at Mach 2.
Why was the F-104 called the “missile with a man in it”?
Its extremely thin, short wings and long narrow fuselage gave it a missile-like appearance. Designer Kelly Johnson optimized it purely for speed.
How many F-104s were built?
2,578 F-104 Starfighters were built by Lockheed and international manufacturers.
Is the F-104 still in service?
No. Italy retired the last operational F-104s in 2004, ending over 40 years of service worldwide.