num_pages: 104
description: The F-104 Starfighter was one of the most successful and prolific jet fighters of the late '50s and early '60s - and one of the most beautiful. It was the first production Mach 2 aircraft and it rewrote the performance books for speed altitude and time to climb. Aircraft enthusiasts called it the missile with a man in it. After its initial flight in 1954 the F-104 program produced more than 2500 aircraft making it one of the largest military aircraft programs ever. F-104s flew for the US and many NATO allies and were eventually produced under license in Canada Japan and several European countries. In fact Italy is still flying updated F-104s in 2003. This book covers this revolutionary aircraft's design and development its weapons and other systems and all 18 models of the F-104 complete with photos of each variant. NASA-modified research craft are also discussed along with several formerly classified programs based on the F-104. Author Jim Upton was one of the F-104 program's flight test engineers so he knows the aircraft and the people involved. Includes a foreword by Dick Heppe retired president of Lockheed California and chief aerodynamicist of the F-104.
language: English
title: Lockheed F-104 Starfighter - Warbird Tech Vol. 38
publisher: Specialty Press