Designed as a supersonic air-superiority fighter, Lockheed produced two versions of the F-104. One version utilized a six-barrel cannon and served as
a tactical fighter; the other was equipped with missiles and served as a day- night interceptor. First manufactured in 1952, F-104s saw use during the Berlin Crisis of 1961, Vietnam War, and the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. F-104s were the first aircraft to maintain Mach 2 (1,534 mph) flight during combat. Notice the extremely small wings of the F-104? The design of these wings, paired with the rocket-like shape of the aircraft’s body earned it the nickname “Missile with a Man in It.”
Manufactured in 1957, the F-104A on display served at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. While there, this aircraft had a flight accident and was removed from the US Air Force inventory. The Hill Aerospace Museum acquired this aircraft for display in 2007 from Camp Joseph T. Robinson, North Little Rock, Arkansas.
The Starfighter became the first aircraft to hold simultaneous records for speed, time-to-climb, and altitude.
This aircraft is on loan from the U.S. Air Force Heritage Program.
Serial Number: 56-0753
Manufacturer: Lockheed
Primary Function: Interceptor
Crew: One
Engines: One General Electric J79-GE-3A/3B turbojet
Wingspan: 21 ft 9 in
Length: 54 ft 8 in
Height: 13 ft 5 in
Weight: 13,184 lbs.; Maximum Takeoff Weight 25,840 lbs.
Speed: Maximum: 1,037 mph
Range: 1,400 miles
Service Ceiling: 64,795 ft
Armament: One 20mm M61A1 cannon; two AIM-9B missiles
Years of Service: 1958 – 1969
