FREE LOCKHEED F-104 STARFIGHTER PDF

Jaroslaw Dobrzynski | 128 pages | 19 Apr 2015 | Mushroom Model Publications | 9788363678395 | English | Poland F Starfighter | Lockheed Martin

Though the F set a multitude of airspeed and altitude records, it suffered from reliability issues and possessed a poor safety record. Briefly used in the Vietnam Warthe F was largely ineffective and was withdrawn in The F was widely exported and saw service with numerous other countries. Flying the North American F Sabrethey stated that they desired a new aircraft with superior performance. Visiting American forces in DecemberLockheed 's chief designer, Clarence "Kelly" Johnsonlistened to these concerns and learned firsthand the pilots' needs. Returning to California, he quickly assembled design team to begin sketching out a new fighter. Assessing Lockheed F-104 Starfighter design options ranging from small light fighters to heavy interceptors they ultimately settled on the former. Building around the new General Electric J79 engine, Johnson's team created a supersonic Lockheed F-104 Starfighter superiority fighter that utilized the lightest airframe possible. Intrigued by Johnson's work, it elected to issue Lockheed F-104 Starfighter new proposal and began accepting competing designs. In this competition, Lockheed's design was joined by those from Republic, North American, and Northrop. Though the other aircraft possessed merits, Johnson's team won the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter and received a prototype contract in March Work moved forward on the prototype which was dubbed XF As the new J79 engine was not Lockheed F-104 Starfighter for use, the prototype was powered by a Wright J Johnson's prototype called for a long, narrow fuselage that was mated with a radical new wing design. Employing a short, trapezoidal shape, the XF's wings were extremely thin and required protection on the leading edge to avoid injury to ground crews. These were combined with a "t-tail" configuration aft. Due to the thinness of the wings, the XF's landing gear and fuel were contained within the fuselage. Later Lockheed F-104 Starfighter of the aircraft would incorporate up to nine pylons and hardpoints for munitions. Though the aircraft had moved quickly from Lockheed F-104 Starfighter drawing board to the sky, an additional four years were required to refine and improve the XF before it Lockheed F-104 Starfighter operational. Possessing impressive speed and climb performance, the F could be tricky aircraft during takeoff and landings. For the latter, it employed a boundary layer control system to reduce its landing speed. In the air, the F proved very effective at Lockheed F-104 Starfighter attacks, but less so in dogfighting due to its wide turning radius. The type also offered exceptional performance at low altitudes making it useful as a strike fighter. During the course of its career, the F became known Lockheed F-104 Starfighter its high loss rate due to accidents. This was particularly true in Germany where the Luftwaffe grounded the F in In this role the type suffered teething problems as the squadron's aircraft were grounded after a Lockheed F-104 Starfighter months due to engine issues. While issues persisted, the F became a trailblazer as the Starfighter set a series of performance records including world air speed and altitude. In use over Vietnam untilthe F failed to score any kills and suffered a loss of 14 aircraft to all causes. Lacking the range and payload of more modern aircraft, the F was quickly phased out of service with the last aircraft leaving USAF inventory in Other large buyers included the Germany, Italy, and Spain who bought the definitive FG variant beginning in the early s. In Germany, the F got off to a bad start due to a large bribery scandal that was associated with its purchase. Lockheed F-104 Starfighter reputation sank further when the aircraft began suffering from an unusually high accident rate. Though the Luftwaffe endeavored to correct problems with its F fleet, over pilots were lost in training accidents during the aircraft's use in Germany. As losses mounted, General Johannes Steinhoff Lockheed F-104 Starfighter the F in until solutions could be found. Despite these problems, export production of the F continued until Utilizing various modernization programs, Italy continued to fly the Starfighter until finally retiring it in Share Flipboard Email. Kennedy Hickman. Military and Naval History Expert. Kennedy Hickman is a historian, museum director, and curator who specializes in military and naval history. He has appeared on The History Channel as a featured expert. Facebook Facebook. Updated October 03, ThoughtCo uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. By using ThoughtCo, you accept our. Lockheed XF Starfighter - Wikipedia

The Lockheed F Starfighter served a greater role with air forces Lockheed F-104 Starfighter than it did with the USAF, though its operational service was not without issues. The Lockheed F was in many ways an engineering marvel whose legacy suffered terribly due to several internal and external circumstances, so much so, in fact, that the aircraft was dubbed the unflattering name of "Widowmaker". Despite its setbacks, the aircraft was a record-setter and found a home with many an air force around the globe. From the outset, the F was designed as a daytime supersonic air superiority fighter. Though air superiority eventually found its Lockheed F-104 Starfighter back into NATO control, the USAF was still left Lockheed F-104 Starfighter a capable and dedicated intercepting platform to combat the new Soviet fighter types effectively. As a result, Johnson set to work in to design a new aircraft based wholly on performance. This aircraft would mate the smallest and therefore lightest airframe to the most technologically advanced and powerful engine available. The resulting creation became the basis for the F Starfighter. An early proposal netted the liking of the USAF, which introduced several other aircraft firms into an open competition. The first of these two prototypes was made available for its first flight in February of Despite being designed for the General Electric J79 turbojet engine, availability of the GE powerplant forced these prototypes to fit with a license-production versions of the British Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire engine as the Wright XJW-6 series of 10,lbs thrust until the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter Electric J79's were made available to the F The new jet-powered, post-war design was not without its issues however, and four years of development for the program would follow. At least 17 pre-production YFA aircraft were generated for the USAF to fulfill testing roles of the various problematic systems aboard the F and iron Lockheed F-104 Starfighter some resolutions before production would commence. Bythe first FA was made available for deliveries. These systems differed somewhat from their original design in that they sported a longer fuselage and were fitted with Lockheed F-104 Starfighter General Electric JGE-3 series engines of 14,lbs of thrust. Upon its induction into operational service, the Starfighter set about to cement a few "firsts" in its career. The aircraft became the first operational fighter Lockheed F-104 Starfighter capable of sustained flight at speeds past Mach 2 - twice the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter of sound. It eventually went Lockheed F-104 Starfighter to become the first aircraft to simultaneously Lockheed F-104 Starfighter the world speed and altitude records in its FA and FC forms. Major Howard C. Johnson, Lockheed F-104 Starfighter his FA, broke the altitude record by setting the new bar at 91, feet Lockheed F-104 Starfighter May 7th, An F Starfighter followed suit and set the new world air speed record on May 18th, The aircraft recorded a top speed of 1, The altitude record was then again bested - this time by an FC model - with a new ceiling ofLockheed F- 104 Starfighter. In this record setting endeavor, the Starfighter also Lockheed F-104 Starfighter the first aircraft to break thefoot barrier under its own power no rocket-assisted propulsion was needed. In this way, the Starfighter's Lockheed F-104 Starfighter was enriched with accolades than any Lockheed F-104 Starfighter would aspire to reach. Externally, the F Starfighter was Lockheed F-104 Starfighter a distinct aircraft design. The platform showcased an aerodynamic streamlined fuselage design that held all of the vital components weapons, avionics, undercarriage, engine, etc The powerplant made up most of the internal space, as did the fuel, and covered Lockheed F-104 Starfighter half of the tubular form. The front end was tapered to a sharp point while the cockpit tub was well-positioned in the forward part Lockheed F-104 Starfighter the design, offering up exceedingly good visibility when in flight or taxiing. The canopy consisted of three major components- a framed forward section, a center section opening to portside, and a rearward section. The single engine was fed by two small half-circle intakes along the sides of the fuselage, just aft of the cockpit. Lockheed F-104 Starfighter intake openings were fixed and not variable and were fitted with cones to regulate the turbojet airflow at high speeds. The undercarriage was completely allocated to the fuselage with the two main gears retracting into the fuselage portion near the wing roots and the nose wheel retracting into the fuselage portion under and behind the cockpit. Perhaps the most distinct element of the Starfighters design lay in the use of its straight, stubby wings that were only 4 inches at its thickest. Sweepback was only utilized on the leading edges and a slight anhedral was present to help combat "Dutch Roll", an aerial phenomenon that forces the aircraft sway or rock from side-to-side. Flaps were fitted to both leading and trailing edges and all internal mechanics had to conform into this confined space - hence the placement of vital and oversized systems in the fuselage. The wings made up a big component of the aircraft's supersonic capabilities and were found with edges so sharp that they presented dangers to the ground crews servicing the aircraft to the point that special protectors had to be issued to these areas. The empennage completed the design and sported its stabilator towards the top-most edge of the vertical fin. The horizontal surfaces were a smidgeon in size smaller than that of the main wings themselves, forcing engineers to make add anhedral to the main wings. The top-mounted horizontal surfaces also combated Lockheed F-104 Starfighter coupling, another dangerous aerial phenomena consistent with high-speed flight. The bread and butter of the Starfighter platform lay in its selection of the General Electric J79 series of axial-flow turbojet engine. It relied solely on the single engine for propulsion and the powerplant was originally designed for sustained Mach 2. This powerplant, coupled with the lightweight and streamlined shape of the Starfighter's airframe, ensured proper high performance from the get-go. Operational service of this marriage would eventually be the deciding factor as to its success - or failure. Among other additions to the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter were a drag chute for lower landing speeds. An arrestor hook was also featured in the event of a landing emergency. Needless to Lockheed F-104 Starfighter, this Mach 2-capable aircraft Lockheed F-104 Starfighter quite high landing speeds. In terms of armament, the Starfighter was designed with a single standard option in the form of the M61 Vulcan multi-barrel 20mm cannon. The weapon was located along the lower port-side fuselage near the cockpit and was fed by a round ammunition drum. The weapon became expendable as the decade rolled on to the point that it was deemed unessential. In dedicated variants it was nixed altogether in favor of Lockheed F-104 Starfighter fuel, saving weight or replacing the space with reconnaissance cameras. Two-seat Starfighters seldom carried the weapon system if at all. Lockheed F-104 Starfighter the relative thinness and size of the wings, the structures were designed to carry external stores. The wingtip positions could mount a single AIM-9 Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missile for interception or fuel tanks for extended range. Later models sported more hardpoint positions, particularly along the fuselage centerline and under the wings. Up to nine hardpoints could be generated for the aircraft, increasing its combat load significantly and branching the aircraft out from its air superiority roots to a more conventional fighter-bomber platform. Other munition types showcased on the Starfighters throughout their operational lives included AIM-7 Sparrow and Selenia Aspide medium-range air-to-air missiles, rocket pods, conventional bombs and even nuclear-tipped weaponry the latter restricted to placement along the centerline hardpoint. Despite its association with a high Lockheed F-104 Starfighter rate and high pilot attrition, the Starfighter was designed with an ejection seat. However, as the aircraft was designed to travel at sustained speeds of Mach 2. As such, early Starfighters were fitted with a downward-firing ejection Lockheed F-104 Starfighter known as the Stanley C As may be expected, though this might have worked in theory, especially at the designed high speeds, this became a lethal issue when the pilot was forced to eject at lower altitudes and at lower speeds. Since combat dictated the need of when and where to eject, the system could not be left to chance. As such, Lockheed developed an upward firing ejection seat known as the C-2 but this new seat came with a minimum speed tied to it, still complicating the action. The entire situation was finally rectified with the inclusion of Martin-Baker ejection seats, particularly in foreign Starfighters. These seats had the capability to forcibly eject seat and pilot clear of the tail fin and had no altitude or Lockheed F-104 Starfighter restrictions tied to its design hence the term "zero-zero". Martin-Baker seats would go on to earn the respect of thousands of airmen after saving Lockheed F-104 Starfighter of lives over the decades. In terms of performance, the F Starfighter did not disappoint. The definitive FG could reach top speeds of 1, miles per hour and a ceiling of 50, feet. Rate-of-climb was exceedingly exceptional in that the aircraft could hit 48, feet per minute. A ferry range of 1, miles was reported while a combat radius of miles Lockheed F-104 Starfighter possible. Some FA models were eventually produced along with its counterpart 26 FB tandem-seat trainers. Of note was that these aircraft did not possess the capability for all-weather attack and were essentially limited from the start in terms of what the USAFADC could do with them. A-models spent a brief time in operational service before being shipped out Lockheed F-104 Starfighter Air National Guard units ANG used their Starfighters up until Some were shipped to foreign operators overseas who put them to good use in combat. At least 22 A-models were held in reserve and converted for use as radio-controlled drones for testing. Beyond their two-pilot seating arrangement, FB trainer models Lockheed F-104 Starfighter larger vertical tail surfaces, no internal gun and less fuel. C-models featured an improved fire-control system and hardpoints set to a centerline and two underwing positions. Nuclear capability was officially introduced, expanding the lethality of the aircraft and the reach of USAF firepower. The FC also introduced in-flight refueling capability with its induction into service, increasing the operational range of the type somewhat. The FD was a tandem-seat, dual-control trainer based on the FC single-seat models and saw production reach only 21 examples. Likewise, the FF was Lockheed F-104 Starfighter a two-seat model but based on the FD trainers. These Starfighters were fitted with the uprated powerplants of G-models but no radar system, thus making them non-combat ready. The German Luftwaffe produced F-models as interim designs for training purposes and only 30 or so were eventually produced. As it happened, the FG based on the FC series became the definitive Starfighter model in terms of both numbers and acceptance into service. It was essentially billed as an "improved" Starfighter Lockheed F-104 Starfighter all-weather and multi-role capabilities. The aircraft secured its future by the endorsement from NATO and became a stalwart in Europe for decades. Not only Lockheed F-104 Starfighter this increase the use of Starfighters globally, it ensured some level of commercial success. In fact, the bribery-laden "Deal of the Century" was struck between Lockheed and the European Starfighter Consortium for Lockheed F-104 Starfighter sales of the aircraft to participating NATO nations. FG models featured a reinforced airframe, enlarged vertical tail unit, uprated engines and a revised and improved electronics suite. Design of this model was initially set to German Luftwaffe specifications and first flew in October of It went on to become the most successful mark in the series. The model was also spawned into the TF trainer and RF reconnaissance platform. Mitsubishi became a global operator and producer of the Starfighter. Standard armament included Lockheed F-104 Starfighter 20mm cannon and up to four AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. Two Hundred Ten of this model existed with handled by Mitsubishi and 29 produced by Lockheed. Several J-models became UFJ radio- controlled target drones. The 20mm cannons were dropped from air superiority models in lieu of equipment for the missile systems. Canadair produced the Starfighter in Lockheed F-104 Starfighter CF nuclear strike form while Lockheed handled production of the CFD tandem seat dual- control trainers for Canada. A highly-modified form of the F was envisioned and mocked up as the CL Lancer, though this design never materialized. Lockheed F Starfighter | Warhawk Air Museum, Nampa, Idaho

Lockheed's G. Lockheed were aware that USAF experience in Korea had shown the need for an air-superiority fighter able to operate from forward airfields and climb rapidly from the ground Lockheed F-104 Starfighter engage in high-level combat. The Model 83 was designed to fulfil these roles, and in formulating his design "Kelly" Johnson attempted to keep it as cheap, small and readily maintainable as possible. Tendered to the USAF as an unsolicited proposal, it was necessary for competitive bids to be received and the USAF notified a formal requirement for Lockheed F-104 Starfighter an aircraft in late Submissions were received from North American and Republic; but as both of these companies were already heavily involved in fighter development and production, Lockheed's proposal was selected cautiously: two XF prototypes being ordered for development and testing. The first of these flew on 28 Februaryfollowed by test and evaluation aircraft. It was not until 26 January that the first production FA began to enter service - as interceptors - with Air Defense Command's 83rd Fighter Interceptor Squadron. These production aircraft appeared quite revolutionary to those seeing them for the first Lockheed F-104 Starfighter with but a token monoplane wing mid-set on the fuselage - this latter assembly wrapped tightly round a powerful turbojet engine - needle-nosed and T- tailed. Major construction, however, was in Europe: following development by Lockheed of the multi-mission FG, more than 1, came from production lines in Belgium, Germany, Holland and Italy to equip the air forces of those Lockheed F-104 Starfighter. Similar versions were built under licence in Canada and Japan. Lockheed also built FG for Lockheed F-104 Starfighter or for supply to friendly nations through the Military Assistance Program. These multi-role combat aircraft have the designation FS and Lockheed F-104 Starfighter extended production of this out-standing and sometimes controversial aircraft for Lockheed F-104 Starfighter period of 20 years. Interestingly a Starfighter - built from Lockheed F-104 Starfighter ex-military aircraft components by American Darryl Greenamyer over a ten- year period - was without doubt the fastest and most complex "homebuilt" aircraft ever completed. With this aircraft - known as the Red Baron FRB Starfighter - he raised the world speed record over a 3km low-level course to 1, Unfortunately the FRB was lost in an accident in It was an absolute dream to maintain most of the fire control system. An entire radar nose package could be removed, replaced, and tested in under 30 minutes by 2 people who knew what they were doing. I was on the end of the runway in Jan. It is a sight that I will never forget. Lockheed F-104 Starfighter aircraft taking off two at a time with AB's lit, in the dark. I still go to visit the museums that have the C and D models, when ever I get the chance. Your name: Your e-mail: Send an e-mail to Randy Colby? His favorite aircraft is a toss up between the F or the F He always maintained the in the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter hands could be one potent air superiority fighter. Your name: Your e-mail: Send an e-mail to Bill Gund? My father-in-law flew a two-seater, during an eclipse with a photographer in the back. He was a test pilot at Edwards at the time. Your name: Your e-mail: Send an e-mail to Scott Boyd? Another great asset Lockheed F-104 Starfighter the US arsenal of freedom during the Cold War. There is a great sequence of the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter closing in to fire missiles at the star ship USS Enterprise flying in very low orbit. Check it out! A great time-travel episode. Identifying real aircraft featured in TV or motion picture fiction is part Lockheed F-104 Starfighter my love for aviation. I meant FS. I'll bet a thousand bucks that the Italian version of this, the FS, could beat the shit out of the normal Starfighter. Motto,"what,me worry"? I'm in Comm! F easy to work on. Jabara very personal, great commander. Really took good care of us. Too bad the s didn't survive ADC. Went from NEW to Deactivate in two years. Dead stick pilot Larry D. Wonder if he ever did? Your name: Your e-mail: Send an e-mail to Jim Barita? It lands touches down at kts. In a stock FC went mph,zoomed to ,ft. Lousy European weather justified pilot training in Arizona. Norway went 7 years before losing their first The Italians enjoyed great success with the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter ceased operations about 6 years ago, 50 YEARS after the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter flight in February, Still skeptical, the altitude zoom profile calls for engine shutdown at 70m and it coasts up another 29, ft after engine shutdown. How about this, land in ft. Just before I left Lockheed, I Lockheed F-104 Starfighter My first and only price quote. Something about that 40,fpm rate of climb endears this Lockheed F-104 Starfighter jewel to those of us willing to look closely. Your name: Your e-mail: Send an e-mail to ross diehl? They might have been useful as bomber interceptors but as fighters they were un-maneuverable and lost out in the Indian-Pakistani Lockheed F-104 Starfighter against Mig 21s. Pilots easily lost control permanently at altitude. With the development of terrain following radar Western air forces found a use for them as low level nuclear delivery vehicles which could run through air bumps without much trouble due to the tiny wings. Your name: Your e-mail: Send an Lockheed F-104 Starfighter to tony french? They had a unique hooting sound as they were being taxied around. Your name: Your e-mail: Send an e-mail to David Dahlke? Very awesome interceptor, but they have very much accidents. Only the spanish F not have shotdawns, why the spanish sky is very clear an the only use of the spanish F is for intercpetion, not like bomber or fighter Your name: Your e-mail: Send an e-mail to Zippo? We went from the lead sled F to the s and what a pleasure it was to work on. I was in the th T. We had a bunch of German enlisted there for awhile to train because Lockheed F-104 Starfighter was building a factory over there,they were very bright and could ask questions that made you run Lockheed F-104 Starfighter the Teck orders. Your name: Your e-mail: Send an e-mail to Jim Williamson? In Flying Tigers was using the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter, swing tail, cargo airplane. With the swing tail design allowed the F mounted in a shipping cradle to be loaded thru the aft end of the CL We loaded two F's at a time in the CL The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter loading took almost 24 hours due to the "learning curve" and unexpected minor problems encountered during the loading. Positioning ea F fuselage in it's cradle was done with the use of a electric winch, several pulleys and a "manpower". The first F into the acft had to be moved to the front of Lockheed F-104 Starfighter cabin, then it was "precisely" pushed by manpower at an angle to the fuselage centerline to allow the 2nd F to be loaded and also "angled" to nest close to the 1st F, with only 6" of space between fuselages. The wings of the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter were removed down to the fuselage spar, and the high tail fin was removed and packaged in seperate cradles. The leading edges of the F wing package were so sharp that we had to literally wrap them in cushion packaging and taped as many of the men working with loading during the first phase had minor cuts on the hands and arms when accidently contacting the very sharp leading edge of the wings. When arriving in Inglestadt Lockheed F-104 Starfighter, the German ramp crews offloaded the F's using the same loading system that Canada Air Engineers designed called the "A" frame. This "fly-away" A-Frame had to be assembled for loading, then dismantled and packaged up, then loaded aboard the CL in the Forward and aft lower compartments. The Nose cone of the F's were also removed and packed in a shipping crate, this too was loaded in the forward lower compartment. On an occassion when approaching Inglestadt airport in Germany for landing, we had to "hold" our position, while the ground crew was removing parts and pieces from Lockheed F-104 Starfighter "landing crash" of the F's. At this time in the early 60's, the "Cold War" was in effect. The Russian boarder was so very close to the Inglestadt airport that the F's had to only a few minutes after take off to avoid crossing in the Russian sector since the F's speed was Mach 1. The weather in Germany for the most part was not good weather for the Germany pilots who were training on the F's. Some time in the mid 60's the German pilots were brought to the USA and to the Arizona Lockheed F-104 Starfighter where they did most of their flite training on the F's. During offloading the F's and after the F in it's cradle was positioned on the "A-frame" loader, the bottom platform supporting the F in it's cradle was lowered to the ground level. The F fuselage overhung the cradle at the front and aft ends approximately 5 feet at each end. When the F was at ground level, and was clear of the CL Fuselage, the "A-frame" was elevated approximately 4 ft off the ground. Lockheed F-104 Starfighter the F was supported by jack stands at the front end and aft end "ball" points. The restraint straps were removed that held the F in Lockheed F-104 Starfighter cradle, the cradle was then lowered Lockheed F-104 Starfighter ground level, the "A-frame" platform and F cradle were removed and the "A-frame" was rolled away from the F resting on the jack stands. The nose and main landing gears were then "manually" extracted and locked down and the jack stands lowered to allow the F wheels to be grounded. The F's were pulled away. A lot of planning, a lot of work, but it was a real challange that "Flying Tigers" was able to accomplish successfully delivering a few hundred F's for NATO bases in EU. Dick Feuerherm, Sr. Your name: Your e-mail: Send an e-mail to Dick Feuerherm? I started and ran the production powerplant assembly group at Lockheed Palmdale in the biginning of the f program. Our first engines were the General Electric YJ There were many early teething problems with this and subsequent engines as they were largely still in a prototype stage of developement. My group did all kinds of modifications and repair on the J's during those early days of and onward. I left Lockheed Lockheed F-104 Starfighter mid when their production slowed and I was laid off. Did any Lockheed F-104 Starfighter you guys know my dad, Robert O.