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Lockheed RF-104 Starfighter
Lockheed · Tactical Reconnaissance · USA · Early Jet (1946–1969)
The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter is an American single-engine, supersonic interceptor. Created as a day fighter by Lockheed as one of the "Century Series" of fighter aircraft for the United States Air Force (USAF), it was developed into an all-weather multirole aircraft in the early 1960s and extensively deployed as a fighter-bomber during the Cold War. It was also produced under license by other nations and saw widespread service outside the United States.
Specifications
- Category
- Fixed Wing
- Sub-Category
- Reconnaissance
- Domain
- Defence
- Era
- Early Jet (1946–1969)
- Country
- USA
- Manufacturer
- Lockheed
- Operator
- USA/NATO/export
- Primary Role
- Tactical Reconnaissance
- Status
- Retired
- Service Entry
- 1960
- Produced
- 189
- Propulsion
- Electric
- Engine
- General Electric J79-GE-11A turbojet with afterburner
- Thrust / Power
- 15,800 lbf
- Launch
- Ground
- Length (ft)
- 54.8
- Wingspan (ft)
- 21.9
- Empty Weight (lb)
- 14082
- MTOW (lb)
- 29027
- Endurance (hr)
- 2
- Service Ceiling (ft)
- 58000
- Range (mi)
- 1000
- Max Speed (mph)
- 1328
- Max Speed (Mach)
- 2
- Armament
- Guns: 1 × 20 mm (0.787 in) M61A1 Vulcan 6-barreled rotary cannon, 725 rounds; Hardpoints: 7