The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter is a supersonic fighter aircraft created by Lockheed in the mid-1950s. The world's first production aircraft capable of breaking the Mach 2 barrier.
The F-104 was created based on the experience of the Korean War of the 1950s according to the ultimate concept of achieving maximum flight speeds and altitudes. To suit these parameters, the design and all solutions of the aircraft were optimized, which made it a record jet for a long time.
The F-104 became popular in the export market, with most fighters produced under license outside the United States.
However, achievements in speed and altitude characteristics cost the Starfighter a significant deterioration in others, which became the cause of operational difficulties, many accidents and disasters.
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00:00 - Starfighter
00:36 - Lessons from Korea
03:05 - The XF-104
05:18 - Test flights
08:07 - Records and service at NASA
09:46 - The price of success
13:14 - NATO
14:21 - The widowmaker
16:00 - Mister contradiction
I was a teen AF brat living on a major AF base. My dad, an officer, took me to the flight line. There it was. What a beauty. I was able to get really close. They had put some sort of protective covering on the wing leading edges as a protection. The wing's were that sharp.
Da Italiano nonostante tutto lo "spillone" rimane sempre un aereo meraviglioso e al centenario dell'Aeronautica militare Italiana vederlo di nuovo in volo dopo oltre 20 anni dal suo ritiro dal servizio è stato un momento emozionante. F104 forever!
Hands down some of the best aviation content on KZhead! Always excited when Skyship posts
I echo your sentiments exactly 👍
Same here. Love your videos man 👌
I saw this channel, with the ENG, and knew it couldn't be English, as no Brit would ever dream of making such a hilariously poor aviation channel, that just regurgitates US propaganda.
@@Rasscasse You people know nothing at all about anything military, so why do we read such outright rubbish?
@@Rasscasse Typical US propaganda, usually consists of silly falsehoods, fake misinformation claims, or just twisted truths, like the F-15, is said to be unbeaten in A2A combat? It's true (ish), only when we look at every aircraft shot down by an F-15?, we find that none had any offensive capabilities, most had little if anything defensive, many without even a basic radar, meaning, you'd be absolutely stunned, if the F-15 didn't shoot every one of them down! So it really is, once again, and as always, just a very silly, and meaningless remedial propaganda claim. However, there is another aircraft, that's also unbeaten in A2A combat, and has faced off against aircraft just as capable and well armed as itself. The British Sea Harrier, is actually the only aircraft unbeaten in A2A combat, that has faced off against worthy, and viable opposition. And that really is a huge factor, that's worth knowing, unlike the F-15 propaganda claim, that you'd be shocked if it hadn't managed. These Americans really should be questioning why the US government made it illegal to sell the F-22? The US government, seemingly want it believed, that because it's so good, they don't want anyone else to have it. Yet, that actually makes no sense at all, none, not even a little sense. As the facts are, they've no idea what's waiting around the corner in new modern military technologies, and with the speed we're seeing so much new hi tech military tactical hardware being designed, developed, and created today, it could have made great sense to sell the F-22 at some stage. (If it actually works). If it worked, they'd have been able to recoup many of the resources spent on the aircraft, if not the resources in their entirety, even a profit! Yet, as always, there's another, and much more likely, reason the USA made it illegal to sell the F-22. If it is, just as I suspect it is, a "lemon", that was intended to be their leading front line strike aircraft, (that's failed), yet because of the cost/expense, to design and build them, they can't just write it off. So the US have then only used the F-22 for propaganda purposes? Then what better way of preventing anyone else from finding out, that it actually doesn't work, and really is a lemon, than making it illegal to sell? Logically, that's the only real possible reason the USA made it illegal to sell the F-22. -- It can only be, because it's a failed aircraft that was intended to be their leading front line 5th generation strike aircraft.19 years the US have had the F-22 in service, and they've been in wars the entire time, yet they've never used it, not once! And even more telling, was, after Russia arrived in Syria in 2015, the US removed every F-22 from right across the Middle East... Iraq, Tukey, UAE and Jordan. Absolutely no doubt about it, I guarantee that we'll never see the F-22 involved in any real war scenario, or even involved in any major sortie, because it's basically junk. They've even trashed all the infrastructure they had in place to build more of them.
Image that, actually flying a plane within its actual design role. Loved by pilots, incorrectly reassigned roles it was not originally intended to perform. Still one of the most iconic aircraft ever.
Definitely!
Precisely!
My dad was a Zipper IP in the 60's at Luke AFB. His take on the 104's air to air combat capabilities: Never, ever engage the enemy on his terms. Learn to love the vertical. Boom & Zoom or Slash & Dash. He absolutely loved the 104. Everytime he would land at a different AFB during a cross country hop, he would goose the throttle while taxiing, giving off the famous J-79 "Woo! Woo!"
Well yes, makes sense. The F-104 wasn't a fighter, it was an interceptor. It was designed to scramble, climb rapidly to altitude, engage Soviet nuclear bombers before they got to their targets.
Typical US propaganda, usually consists of silly falsehoods, fake misinformation claims, or just twisted truths, like the F-15, is said to be unbeaten in A2A combat? It's true (ish), only when we look at every aircraft shot down by an F-15?, we find that none had any offensive capabilities, most had little if anything defensive, many without even a basic radar, meaning, you'd be absolutely stunned, if the F-15 didn't shoot every one of them down! So it really is, once again, and as always, just a very silly, and meaningless remedial propaganda claim. However, there is another aircraft, that's also unbeaten in A2A combat, and has faced off against aircraft just as capable and well armed as itself. The British Sea Harrier, is actually the only aircraft unbeaten in A2A combat, that has faced off against worthy, and viable opposition. And that really is a huge factor, that's worth knowing, unlike the F-15 propaganda claim, that you'd be shocked if it hadn't managed. These Americans really should be questioning why the US government made it illegal to sell the F-22? The US government, seemingly want it believed, that because it's so good, they don't want anyone else to have it. Yet, that actually makes no sense at all, none, not even a little sense. As the facts are, they've no idea what's waiting around the corner in new modern military technologies, and with the speed we're seeing so much new hi tech military tactical hardware being designed, developed, and created today, it could have made great sense to sell the F-22 at some stage. (If it actually works). If it worked, they'd have been able to recoup many of the resources spent on the aircraft, if not the resources in their entirety, even a profit! Yet, as always, there's another, and much more likely, reason the USA made it illegal to sell the F-22. If it is, just as I suspect it is, a "lemon", that was intended to be their leading front line strike aircraft, (that's failed), yet because of the cost/expense, to design and build them, they can't just write it off. So the US have then only used the F-22 for propaganda purposes? Then what better way of preventing anyone else from finding out, that it actually doesn't work, and really is a lemon, than making it illegal to sell? Logically, that's the only real possible reason the USA made it illegal to sell the F-22. -- It can only be, because it's a failed aircraft that was intended to be their leading front line 5th generation strike aircraft.19 years the US have had the F-22 in service, and they've been in wars the entire time, yet they've never used it, not once! And even more telling, was, after Russia arrived in Syria in 2015, the US removed every F-22 from right across the Middle East... Iraq, Tukey, UAE and Jordan. Absolutely no doubt about it, I guarantee that we'll never see the F-22 involved in any real war scenario, or even involved in any major sortie, because it's basically junk. They've even trashed all the infrastructure they had in place to build more of them.
Rolling down the runway throttles open wide see the mighty Phantom sway from side to side airborne again without a blip It's just one more aborted trip but we're pressing on regardless for the wg cdrs AFC Went to early briefing climbed into the Kite opened up the throttles and roared into the night leaving the flare path far behind It's dark outside, but we don't mind cos we're pressing on regardless for the wg cdr's AFC Rolling down the runway throttle open wide see the mighty Falcon sway from side to side airborne again with just 9 G I wish I had a nav with me (!) but we're pressing on regardless for the wg cdr's AFC Rolling down the runway throttles open wide see the mighty Jaguar sway from side to side airborne again, but only just It's not much fun with F*** all thrust but we're pressing on regardless for the wg cdr's AFC GIVE ME BUCCANEERS! They're British through and through The Banana Jet The Best we've had yet We are the last of the few. Don't give me the Jaguar Unless you refer to the car The car is a ground hog The aircraft, a half frog Don't give me the Jaguar. Give me Buccaneers They're British through and through The Banana Jet The Best we've had yet We are the last of the few. Don't give me the Harrier jump jet You haven't convinced me yet Jets that fly backwards Are soon to be knackered Don't give me the Harrier jump jet Well… You know, not just yet... Give me Buccaneers... They're British through and through The Banana Jet The Best we've had yet We are the last of the few. Don't give me this computer crap It's no way to tackle a SAP It's OK for Dicks, Germans and Spicks But Gentleman, carry a map! Give me Buccaneers... They're British through and through The Banana Jet The Best we've had yet We are the last of the few. Don't give me Air Traffic Control They live in a bloody great hole… They scream, and they shout, then F**k you about Don't give me Air Traffic Control. Give me Buccaneers... They're British through and through The Banana Jet The Best we've had yet We are the last of the few. Don't give me the F-104 It's only a ground loving whore It goes in a turn, flick, spin and burn Don't give me the F-104. Give me Buccaneers They're British through and through The Banana Jet The Best we've had yet WE ARE THE LAST OF THE FEW!
@@kdrapertrucker It was made to engage any enemy aircraft, not just bombers. Speed, acceleration, rate of climb, roll rate, and energy retention. It does not turn fight because it does not have to. It fights in the vertical. In doing so, it can dominate a plane that turn fights.
My dad was a 104 IP at Luke in the early 70s and always said it was his favorite plane to fly. I still have the pic of gorgeous tail number 3243 on my tool box.
As always, awesome video. I am so surprised, you haven't done a story on Mig- 21 yet.
Yeah, that's strange)
Dont really think the 21 is in the same conversation
I was Army but stationed in Europe near an airfield that flew F104 G-models. The tiny 7-foot wings were actually just fins, and the craft itself more of a rocket than a fighter - the real difference being that this rocket had a cockpit. Landing speeds weren't much different from takeoff speeds, and I remember seeing the drag chutes deployed just to get the things to stop. I don't know of anything in its day that could catch it (One avionics Air Force guy tells me that he doesn't think anything today would outrun it). With modification the thing might have made a good space vehicle. The "Starfighter" name might have been a hint.
Used to see (then hear) these streaking across the horizon growing up in Italy as a kid always inspired me and awed me. Wish I had become a pilot tbh these were genuinely awe-inspiring and LOUD !!! Love ‘em so elegant too.
Haven't watched much of you lately but when i saw this i had to click. Love the F-104. Perfect representation of the charismatic late 1950s fighters.
My Great- uncle was a fighter pilot in the West German Airforce at that time and he flew the Starfighter. He unfortunately lost several friends to crashes and even he only barely survived one himself. He always lemented about how dangerous this plane was and that it should have never been adopted. However he admitted that no other plane he ever flew was this fast and had such an amazing acceleration
I love the visual content and editing. So many clips I have never seen! Even the quick fill clips are relevant and interesting.
These are such cool looking aircraft and I had the pleasurer of recovering many of them in the early 80's at a SAC base in Michigan when they came down out of Canada...
I love your narration style and the well-written script. A story well told.
👍
Nice video, thanks! Kelly Johnson suggested a high flying reconnaissance plane, having the short fuselage of the XF-104, a rounded radom, large wingspan, intakes without machcones (of cause because it was for sub sonic flight) years before the U-2. It was rejected. I built a fictional model in 1:72. You can find it when you search for "Lockheed CL-282B What If, Eigenbau 1:72".
growing up in Germany in the 70's it was constantly in the news that another Starfighter had crushed pretty scary jet
Couldn't miss this one
I’m always very content when there is a new video from Skyships. Quality content and no hyperbole needed. 👍
The F-104 Starfighter is also JASDF, Italian Air Force, Belgian Air force, RCAF, Turkish Air force too besides the USAF. Its a nice fighter interceptor aircraft.
? Yes ?
@@FranckLarsen And Spain. No accidents
And Hellenic air force and Spanish air force
How do you dare calling her with such horrible nicknames! She's been the most beautiful piece of engineering I had the joy to share a thousand+ hours in the air with..! A real powerful, dashing lady of the sky! Unforgiving, but nonetheless marvellous! ❤ Thanks for the beautiful clips, though!
Was n very called Widowmaker, until you tuber started calling it that. But they don't really know anything about airplanes. The last guy called it the Lockheed one hundred and four. Not 104.
I ♥ my "fallos" too 😛
The Starfighter was a Pro Street dragster(fast in a straight line) when the world needed a Formula 1 racer(fast and agile).
Well, no, that is completely false. The problem with your idea, and most of the "takes" on the F-104, is that you get the "when" wrong. "When mean mid-50s, at which point is was so far superior to every other fighter that is almost boggles the imagination. Where things went wrong was when they started loading it down for ground attack and fighter-bomber duty, that was much later, and no big surprise that a mach 2+ lightweight fighter from the mid-50s didn't make a good fighter bomber, and that there were better alternatives.
Rolling down the runway throttles open wide see the mighty Phantom sway from side to side airborne again without a blip It's just one more aborted trip but we're pressing on regardless for the wg cdrs AFC Went to early briefing climbed into the Kite opened up the throttles and roared into the night leaving the flare path far behind It's dark outside, but we don't mind cos we're pressing on regardless for the wg cdr's AFC Rolling down the runway throttle open wide see the mighty Falcon sway from side to side airborne again with just 9 G I wish I had a nav with me (!) but we're pressing on regardless for the wg cdr's AFC Rolling down the runway throttles open wide see the mighty Jaguar sway from side to side airborne again, but only just It's not much fun with F*** all thrust but we're pressing on regardless for the wg cdr's AFC GIVE ME BUCCANEERS! They're British through and through The Banana Jet The Best we've had yet We are the last of the few. Don't give me the Jaguar Unless you refer to the car The car is a ground hog The aircraft, a half frog Don't give me the Jaguar. Give me Buccaneers They're British through and through The Banana Jet The Best we've had yet We are the last of the few. Don't give me the Harrier jump jet You haven't convinced me yet Jets that fly backwards Are soon to be knackered Don't give me the Harrier jump jet Well… You know, not just yet... Give me Buccaneers... They're British through and through The Banana Jet The Best we've had yet We are the last of the few. Don't give me this computer crap It's no way to tackle a SAP It's OK for Dicks, Germans and Spicks But Gentleman, carry a map! Give me Buccaneers... They're British through and through The Banana Jet The Best we've had yet We are the last of the few. Don't give me Air Traffic Control They live in a bloody great hole… They scream, and they shout, then F**k you about Don't give me Air Traffic Control. Give me Buccaneers... They're British through and through The Banana Jet The Best we've had yet We are the last of the few. Don't give me the F-104 It's only a ground loving whore It goes in a turn, flick, spin and burn Don't give me the F-104. Give me Buccaneers They're British through and through The Banana Jet The Best we've had yet WE ARE THE LAST OF THE FEW!
The Starfighter is agile. It fights in the vertical, it doesn't turn fight.
Another great video great work sir
5:06- That beautiful U-2 is taking off from Beale Air Force Base, with the Sutter Buttes in the background (California.)
I appreciate your videos in a way similar to when I admire an old piece of equipments level of build quality which is my idea of fine art. I hope this makes sense.
WTF! (Around 13:36) Did you see the take of rotation, then immediate barrel roll followed by immediate landing?! I have NEVER seen anything like it with a jet.
Yeah I saw that,did not think it was gonna have a happy ending..
Was a famous event. Very cool.
Especially in an F-104, hardly seems like the ideal choice. And I love the F-104. My guess is that like many stunts, they did that with almost no fuel in the tanks, which allows a much higher power ratio and unrealistic performance, like 777 jets climbing almost vertical on takeoff. They used the lightened key and a really long runway to get it to speed, do the stunt, and then slow down again. Just shocked that any government wills allow them to toy with millions of dollars in taxpayers money like that. They need to do least _pretend_ to care about the money wasted.
That footage is probably of the belgian airforce demonstration team, they did that as part of their demonstration at some point in time (there are videos on youtube of it). Happy landings :)
Рад что коснулся военной авиации. Как всегда отлично! Так держать, Скай!
Here in Canada the CF-104 became known as the "Lawn Dart." Taking a bird designed for high altitude speed and using it for low level ground attack/recon may not have been the best choice.
Former Canadian 104 drivers I've met said It actually worked quite well in the low-level attack/strike/rcce role. High wing loading made for a very smooth, fast delivery platform & the relatively small size made it a difficult target for AAA. Most of the 110 class A accidents were due to FOD ingestion/bird strikes and pilot inattention - which, given the demanding and unforgiving environment in which it flew, is understandable.
The F-104 was great choice for high speed at low altitude. Basic aerodynamics.
Exactly what I was going to say, high exposure time. Most of the German air force issues were due to pilot training. during landing the boundary layer control would stop working around 82%ng, normally asymmetrical ly. High on the approach, pull power BLC stops, causes a stall roll with not enough altitude left
David Bashow's book 'Starfighter' is a must for anyone interested in the F104 in the RCAF. @@raynus1160 nt
My friend Wally "Lucky" Lowman flew the F104. He loves the speed. He is still with us at age 102.
That's one plane where check lists and following procedures is absolutely beneficial to your ongoing existence as a pilot and human being. But doing so could bring about the most exhilarating and fulfilling experiences as an aviator out of any aircraft then, or now. Thank you for the wonderful video full of all the historical footage. It was a beautiful airplane, with form and function meeting to produce this artistic gem that has captivated aviation enthusiasts for decades. Спасибо!
The F-104 became known as "The Missile with Man in It."
it's not surprising that this topic is difficult for the average viewer to understand , I am 73,had a career in science and have been practicing meditation for over 30 years but it took a near death experience a year ago for me to understand the truth of what you are saying. Keep up the good wurk!
I LOVE your channel man! Your content is great! It reminds me of the show "Wings of Russia" that I loved!
Calling it a widow maker just isn't fair ...the Spanish air Force had Zero loses while operating them 😊
It was called that everywhere
@@thetreblerebel So I guess the video of the guy doing a 'Touch, roll 360, and land' video isn't real.🙄 Most accidents were not the planes fault.
@@thetreblerebel not really. Kinda funny that some countries didn't have nearly the same accident rate as others. It definitely wasn't an "everywhere" type of thing.
Great video, but it would have been nice if you mentioned its role it had in the development of fly-by-wire systems, especially for europe, which might be the greatest legacy of the 104
Capability of producing 20 planes a day is absolutely insane.
As a boy in the 60s my dad took me down to Prestwick airport on Sunday mornings to watch planes in the viewing lounge. I always remember German Starfighters being there .
Awww, the Right Stuff:) I recognize the footage from the film. Such a great movie!!!!
A rocket with slightly larger fins 😂😂😂 Looked stunning at dusk taking off on full AB 🥰🥰🥰 Not sure i'd fancy a dead stick landing though 🤔 Still a stunning part of aviation history.
Beautiful Design, Unfortunatly in Germany it became known as "Widowmaker".
Only in Germany, the stupid Germans wanted to deploy it as bomber..Try using a race horse as a mule 😁😁
thank you, thank you, thank you! i always look very much forward to the 'dropping' of a new stellar creation.
Actually if you compare accidents vs hours of use, the F-104, after the introduction of Hartman 's training program, they don't compare badly to other aircraft.
Don't say that. You'll just confuse people.
Super tips. Thanks
The F-104 was the ultimate '1 trick pony'. It was design as a high speed interceptor. It was not adaptable, but it looked COOL.
I had the pleasure of knowing and chatting with the first German Starfighter pilot. He loved it.
new sub. great stuff!
Great report --thx rollf
I'm no expert, but for all around fighter use their were better fighters than F-104 at that time. They bribed Germany and pressured Canada into buying the F-104. I think the Mirage III was a better choice, it was much more versatile and practical all around fighter during the Cold War. ~ Excellent show thanks Skyships.
your voice is amazing for narration.
The rocket launched F104 is one of the wildest modifications for any fighter aircraft. Literally just launch the missile-like aircraft like a missile lol
a college of me, as a boy, watched an F-104 accident: two planes were flying low and fast over his father's farm in Germany. Suddenly a bang and a fireball. The second F-104, a little lower than the first, hit into a hill in the woods behind. The pilot had no chance!
the f-104 often went up against the me-163 and the ki-200. these planes were opposites, yet much the same. whereas the f-104 traded everything for speed, the rockets had nothing but turn rate on their side. source: i am a ki-200 pilot who gets shot down often by f-104s
LOL War Thunder?
@@unixfool I'm glad my comment reached its target audience.
F-104 never had an adjustable intake cones. They were fixed in the position optimized for 1.7 Mach, if my memory serves me right.
Correct.
You are a legend for sneaking in some Ace Combat footage.
Thanks Sky!!!
Do HAL Tejas next. Love your videos!
Credit must be given where credit is due! This is the most even-handed documentary about the F-104 I've seen in a LONG time. The F-104 tends to be demonized OR looked at through ruby-colored glasses by its fanboys. I'm not a fan of this plane but I don't hate it, either. I'm glad they design planes that are easier to handle and DO NOT require landing like a speed demon. There were a lot of good pilots killed by this plane in multiple air forces! The CL-1200 probably would have fixed most if not all the F-104's problems but it was at least a decade too late. I can understand the wariness to give Lockheed another chance after seeing how the F-104 was not the flexible, reliably safe plane the USAF wanted.
To me, it appears the Lancer's design was finalized in the French Mirage F-1. The F1 was an excellent platform for its day.
Excellent for what it was designed for highly advanced airframe needed the best pilots
To be fair recently a lot of research globally on F-104 accidents has been conducted. The surprise, all together it has a small fatality rate.
You talking about the effeminate german and his goofy panegyric on the starfighter?
Yeah, definitely blown out of proportion. Just politics mostly. And other companies who were jealous of the money Lockheed was making and wanted to sell their own planes. Aviation manufacturing is a seriously cutthroat business, especially when you get into the levels where it's blended into national and international politics.
If you talked to a starfighter pilot in the 80s in Germany, no matter what, he did not wanted another plane.
epic video! now please the Saab Viggen!
Yes please.
Oh, the Viggen is interesting
@@SkyshipsEngoh yes please....or the Saab Draken .....if you haven't covered it yet
Nice to see clips from 'The Right Stuff' in here.
Minor correction and probably just because you don't speak English as your first language, but the AIM-9 was not "ubiquitous" at that time. The F-104 was one of the first aircraft to use it, definitely the first USAF fighter. It was designed for the USN originally.
Rolling down the runway throttles open wide see the mighty Phantom sway from side to side airborne again without a blip It's just one more aborted trip but we're pressing on regardless for the wg cdrs AFC Went to early briefing climbed into the Kite opened up the throttles and roared into the night leaving the flare path far behind It's dark outside, but we don't mind cos we're pressing on regardless for the wg cdr's AFC Rolling down the runway throttle open wide see the mighty Falcon sway from side to side airborne again with just 9 G I wish I had a nav with me (!) but we're pressing on regardless for the wg cdr's AFC Rolling down the runway throttles open wide see the mighty Jaguar sway from side to side airborne again, but only just It's not much fun with F*** all thrust but we're pressing on regardless for the wg cdr's AFC GIVE ME BUCCANEERS! They're British through and through The Banana Jet The Best we've had yet We are the last of the few. Don't give me the Jaguar Unless you refer to the car The car is a ground hog The aircraft, a half frog Don't give me the Jaguar. Give me Buccaneers They're British through and through The Banana Jet The Best we've had yet We are the last of the few. Don't give me the Harrier jump jet You haven't convinced me yet Jets that fly backwards Are soon to be knackered Don't give me the Harrier jump jet Well… You know, not just yet... Give me Buccaneers... They're British through and through The Banana Jet The Best we've had yet We are the last of the few. Don't give me this computer crap It's no way to tackle a SAP It's OK for Dicks, Germans and Spicks But Gentleman, carry a map! Give me Buccaneers... They're British through and through The Banana Jet The Best we've had yet We are the last of the few. Don't give me Air Traffic Control They live in a bloody great hole… They scream, and they shout, then F**k you about Don't give me Air Traffic Control. Give me Buccaneers... They're British through and through The Banana Jet The Best we've had yet We are the last of the few. Don't give me the F-104 It's only a ground loving whore It goes in a turn, flick, spin and burn Don't give me the F-104. Give me Buccaneers They're British through and through The Banana Jet The Best we've had yet WE ARE THE LAST OF THE FEW!
Tell us why all of you Yanks always prove how little you know, or even understand, about any military aircraft with your own words? The outright crap we read, in droves from you people, is unprecedented. What is it, you all must think you could ever achieve just by talking basic juvenile rubbish, and only making false misinformation claims? Being English, what I'd like to know is why I read so many Americans endlessly claiming the F-22 is so much better than the Russian SU-57 rubbish, (that relies on washing machine chip technology). LOL. Only when you're asked what you've ever seen the F-22 actually do, (that would allow you to form and hold that opinion), none of you can answer that, as you've never seen the F-22 do anything at all, well, other than flying over a beach on a KZhead Video. So, you all just prove your own opinions are all based on absolutely nothing, right?. So, really, what is it, all about? And even worse, none of you even ask yourselves the obvious, and important questions? Questions like, how can the F-22 or F-35's detect, track, or target enemy stealth aircraft from BVR? It seems none of you haver any idea, man! LOL! Yet, if you people, had just asked yourselves that one question, you'd then, maybe, start to understand that today's reality is nothing like you all think! Seemingly none of you understand, that stealth alone, defeats high-frequency (short wave), radar, by absorption and deflection, but it does not defeat low-frequency (long wave radar). So, regardless of the aircraft's RCS (radar cross-section), we read you all believing means so much, when they're being detected, tracked and targetted by long wave radar, they're far from stealthy, and just light up, and stand out, like a beacon in the night. To detect, track, and target other stealth aircraft from BVR, can be done with long-wave radar, (but it must also be enhanced), to remove all background clutter for targeting purposes. Neither the APG-77 radar, used in the F-22, or the APG-81 radar, used in the F-35, have any kind of long wave radar, (hence, they can't detect enemy stealth aircraft from BVR)! - An obvious fact, the US Air force will be fully aware of. Only it seems the reality is, that when the F-35 radars were being designed 13 years ago, there weren't any other stealth aircraft to think about as a potential threat! So, what do the F-22 - F-35, actually have available to them to detect enemy stealth aircraft from BVR? They have AWACS (that can transfer all targetting data to the F-22 - F-35's in real time). Only, that's not possible today. And this is why actually understanding your enemies real abilities, becomes extremely important, critical in fact. This (Russian rubbish), we read you all claim, has a new 5th generation radar, (with enhanced long-wave radar), their new Byelka (2band) radar used in SU-57. They can detect, track, and target enemy stealth jets from BVR easily today. Russia have designed, and they've developed, the first L-Band fighter radar we've ever seen. They've embedded L-band AESA radars into the leading edges of the wings. The L-band AESA radar "data" gets processed in real time (through extremely powerful Russian computers), being significantly enhanced, removing all background clutter, seeing them perfectly able to detect, track, and engage enemy stealth aircraft from BVR. This new Russian technology, along with its very impressive range parameters, and it's jamming ability (over very large areas) make this aircraft deadly to all other aircraft types. But it's just Russian rubbish (apparently). They can detect, track, and target all enemy stealth fighters, long before they even enter Russian airspace, from much greater distances today, with "real-time" data from all those massive Russian ground (long wave stations), that are all protected with the networked S-400 defensive system. Russia's new (2band) radar, covers all frequencies across all channels, used for tracking, targeting, and also for jamming (over large areas). It's part of Sh121 multifunctional integrated radio electronic system (MIRES) on board the SU-57. We should also understand, that Russia tested this new radar suit in the SU-35's, so they also have the option of fitting this radar into the SU-35's. Seeing the SU-35 at no disadvantage against either the F-22/35. As although the SU-35 can be detected, tracked, targeted and shot down from BVR by the US stealth fighters, the SU-35 equipped with this new radar is just as able to detect, track, target and shoot down the US stealth fighters from BVR. Seeing the all-important huge Russian advantage in BVR missile range, plus the excellent manoeuvring, neither the F-22/F-35 have, as more than critical, (if you're going to avoid simply being blown out of the sky). This Russian 5th generation radar design, has very clear, and very real potentials, to provide genuine shared multifunction apertures, with applications including... Search, track, and destroy, missile mid-course guidance, against low signature aircraft, identification of friend or foe with secondary surveillance radar. Passive angle tracking and geolocation of JTIDS-MIDS-Link-16 emitters at long ranges. Passive angle tracking and geolocation of L-band AEWC - AWACS and surface based search radars at long ranges. Passive angle tracking and geolocation of hostile (i.e. Western) IFF and SSR transponders at long ranges. High-powered active jamming of JTIDS-MIDS-Link-16 emitters. High-powered active jamming of satellite navigation receivers over large areas. High-powered active jamming of L-band AEWC-AWACS and surface based search radars at long ranges. High-powered active jamming of guided munition command data links over large areas. (Effectively, and completely, neutralising the USA's use of AWACS for their detection). This Tikhomirov NIIP L-band AESA radar, is an extremely important strategic development, and it's a technology that will render narrowband stealth designs like the F-22 & F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, and many, UAVs, as highly vulnerable to all flanker variants equipped with such radars. -- Just Russian crap?, indeed it is! LMAO! A Russian SU-57 flying well behind the front lines in Russian airspace, detected a Ukrainian SU-27, deep in Ukrainian airspace heading toward Kiev, about 300 km's away, the SU-57 tracked then fired a Russian very long range Vympel R-37 (NATO "Axehead") hypersonic air-to-air BVR missile at the Ukrainian SU-27, from a range of well over 250 km's, blowing it out of the sky, and smashing the previous BVR missile kill range world record, to utter smithereens! The USA has had the F-22 in service for 19 years, and they've been engaged in wars the entire time, yet they've never used it, not once. But... it did finally make its first air-to-air kill in 2023, when it shot down a Chinese weather balloon. LMFAO.
Awesome!!
The only thing controversial about the aircraft were the dopes who got exactly what they wanted per the specs, then complained it could not dogfight. Johnson gave the AF exactly what the RFP required and for once, exceeding performance expectations within the RFP's parameters by a good margin. Then the worm turned back to the need for a dogfighter and now it's controversial? For what the aircraft was designed for it performed excellent. Yes, it was an absolute monster to handle, but for the best pilots who learned the planes quirks and knew how to get everything she had and still remaining in control. The F-104 was designed to be the elite interceptor which it was, but only the best of the best should fly (for that era) a pure interceptor, but instead the AF put rookies in them which resulted in disaster. I knew an old Vietnam era AF pilot who flew both the F-104 and F-111, he loved them both. Told me intuitive pilots who listened to their planes had no problem with either aircraft and both were the absolute best for the job(s) they were designed to do. To this day the F-111 is the fastest plane at low altitude in the world, no other plane comes close to the speed of an F-111 at tree-top. That's why they were used up to the Iraq War up to 2011.
in germany it was called widowmaker. about 3oo crashes, 114 pilots killed.
300?!? Jeezus!
Thanks.
I had a First Officer that flew speed trials for records in one of these Cat Scalders low, level. He said that a very serious limitation was for how long you could maintain max speed low level due to surface heat generation.
Max temperature was 121 degrees Celsius. It was a compressor inlet restriction. On the deck she would do 750 knots indicated.
I feel the need, the need for speed!
Maneuverability was barely mentioned. As a fighter, if you can turn inside your opponent, you won the battle. These high speeds and ridiculously small wings indeed made this beautiful bird more of a missile. Any short radius turn at these high speeds to counter an opponent in a dogfight would generate G forces that would kill the pilot and rip the wings off, supposing these stub wings could grab any air. Pray the motor didn’t crap the bed; you have a glide ratio of a brick. Definitely best for a NASA test machine or an interceptor. Give me the ability to maneuver over speed any day. My humble opinion.
Wasn't fuel efficient, so no range for intercept missions. It was a dud
Why do you think the modern fighters aren't faster, its not because the cant be built to go faster but all the air-air fighting since Vietnam has shown that manoeuvrability not top speed is what wins fights
Great video, but WOW is some of that AI upscaling rough...
Ok I’m not crazy. All the fluttering hurts my eyes
Also it made the lines in Kelly Johnson’s face look like Venom
Never did understand why it did not set the single engine speed record. It is held by the F-106! Sincerely, Richard Goodman
I'm sure they would have if they could. It took a rocket motor added to the 104 to break the altitude record. The "six" had the most powerful pure turbojet engine ever made in the U.S. for a motor. At 1,528mph, the 104 just didn't have the push required. The version of the PWA J75 meant for the Super Crusader had it been built, would have had the same thrust as the current F100-229 turboFAN engine powering the F-15! An AMAZING amount of mass/exhaust velocity airflow but since ALL the air goes through the burner cans, the fuel use must have been very high. Hence, turbofans have taken over.
The F-105 had the same motor. @@garyyoung4074
It did.
The F-104 was effective against ground targets in Vietnam and the FACS who put in the strikes were pleased with the accuracy and timeliness of its delivery. Obviously it could not deliver as much ordnance as heavier aircraft.
I was under the impression that the only service the F-104 did in Vietnam was flying combat patrols and escorting AWACS aircraft.
@@justforever96 I was once under that incorrect impression, until I did more reading about the 104.
24 October 1977 - F-104RB - Red Baron - Darryl Greenamyer - World absolute low altitude speed record of 988.26 mph (1.590.5kmh), Mud Lake near Tonopah, Nevada.
It’s a myth that the Starfighter had “several times the accident rate of its contemporaries.” It was roughly equal to others, and even far less than some, such as the first Century series fighter, the F-100. I have had the opportunity to talk to several former 104 pilots, from the USAF and our allies, and they all loved their “hot ship.” And…the horrible accident involving the B-70 wasn’t the aircraft’s fault. The pilot unfortunately flew too close to the wing’s vortex and flipped over across the B-70’s wing, killing pilot Walker and one of two B-70 crewmen, with the survivor being injured. Not “several” others being killed.”
That wing. I have tables larger than that. Amazing aircraft.
*Q: How do you get your own Starfighter?* A: Buy a small patch of land and simply wait. - Old West German joke.
There is also a song about that plane in germany: Welle Erdball - Starfighter
The RCAF and Luftwaffe had big losses from “controlled flight in to terrain”. Other air forces operating Starfighters had much lower accident rates
Actually the RCAF had one of the lowest accident rates per flying hour, while flying their Starfighters significantly more than anyone else.
German joke from back in the day.... How do you get to own a Starfighter? Buy some land and wait.
I’m still chuckling at “the rocket assisted takeoff was declined; too cool”
Hey Skyships, I just now cleaned my KZhead Subs and came across your channel. My first reaction when seeing the channel logo was „what channel is this?“ and then I read the name and something in me resonated and after clicking on the channel it came back to me. I instantly remembered your opening words of each video which goes really well with your voice and sound (at least for me), but I still had to verify by clicking on one of the videos and hearing the startup sound and your voice. My point is, maybe it is useful to change your profile pic to something more unique and memorable since we all rely on so many visual cues. It is kind of a quick fix and could help the channel a lot potentially. Using bing image creator (which is just chat gpt‘s image creator, but for free) could give nice impulses or even results if you upscale them afterwards. And they are free to use and yours I think, at least if you pay chat gpt the 20 $/month. Just my two cents, have a good one and thanks for beyond great content!
The F-104 was a technological marvel, especially when the F-104A was paired with the awesome J79 turbojet engine. The problems associated with high numbers of casualties was result of training , mission profiles selected. Of course the Lockheed bribery scandal meant that some Air Forces were forced to accept the Starfighter over other better single seat, single engine Mach 2 alternatives like the F11F-1F And F8U3. Nations that could afford the twin engine F-4 Phantom were not disappointed with its performance ( also with J79)
LOL @ This! The F104 was a nightmare, not good in any way shape or form. And so much so, it has a place in British aviation history as.... "a ground loving whore, that goes in a turn, then flicks, spins and burns". LOL Rolling down the runway throttles open wide see the mighty Phantom sway from side to side airborne again without a blip It's just one more aborted trip but we're pressing on regardless for the wg cdrs AFC Went to early briefing climbed into the Kite opened up the throttles and roared into the night leaving the flare path far behind It's dark outside, but we don't mind cos we're pressing on regardless for the wg cdr's AFC Rolling down the runway throttle open wide see the mighty Falcon sway from side to side airborne again with just 9 G I wish I had a nav with me (!) but we're pressing on regardless for the wg cdr's AFC Rolling down the runway throttles open wide see the mighty Jaguar sway from side to side airborne again, but only just It's not much fun with F*** all thrust but we're pressing on regardless for the wg cdr's AFC GIVE ME BUCCANEERS! They're British through and through The Banana Jet The Best we've had yet We are the last of the few. Don't give me the Jaguar Unless you refer to the car The car is a ground hog The aircraft, a half frog Don't give me the Jaguar. Give me Buccaneers They're British through and through The Banana Jet The Best we've had yet We are the last of the few. Don't give me the Harrier jump jet You haven't convinced me yet Jets that fly backwards Are soon to be knackered Don't give me the Harrier jump jet Well… You know, not just yet... Give me Buccaneers... They're British through and through The Banana Jet The Best we've had yet We are the last of the few. Don't give me this computer crap It's no way to tackle a SAP It's OK for Dicks, Germans and Spicks But Gentleman, carry a map! Give me Buccaneers... They're British through and through The Banana Jet The Best we've had yet We are the last of the few. Don't give me Air Traffic Control They live in a bloody great hole… They scream, and they shout, then F**k you about Don't give me Air Traffic Control. Give me Buccaneers... They're British through and through The Banana Jet The Best we've had yet We are the last of the few. Don't give me the F-104 It's only a ground loving whore It goes in a turn, flick, spin and burn Don't give me the F-104. Give me Buccaneers They're British through and through The Banana Jet The Best we've had yet WE ARE THE LAST OF THE FEW!
Why? Just why, do we always have to suffer reading an American talking nothing but, what can only be classed as juvenile rubbish? Why do you all do this? Read yourself? Reams of nothing but misinformation, reams of outright rubbish, and rubbish a mere idiot could look up and learn all about? The truth always is, none of you know anything about any of your own aircraft. And man, I really do mean absolutely nothing. The F104 was a nightmare, not good in any way shape or form. And so much so, it has a place in British aviation history as.... "a ground loving whore, that goes in a turn, then flicks, spins and burns". LOL Rolling down the runway throttles open wide see the mighty Phantom sway from side to side airborne again without a blip It's just one more aborted trip but we're pressing on regardless for the wg cdrs AFC Went to early briefing climbed into the Kite opened up the throttles and roared into the night leaving the flare path far behind It's dark outside, but we don't mind cos we're pressing on regardless for the wg cdr's AFC Rolling down the runway throttle open wide see the mighty Falcon sway from side to side airborne again with just 9 G I wish I had a nav with me (!) but we're pressing on regardless for the wg cdr's AFC Rolling down the runway throttles open wide see the mighty Jaguar sway from side to side airborne again, but only just It's not much fun with F*** all thrust but we're pressing on regardless for the wg cdr's AFC GIVE ME BUCCANEERS! They're British through and through The Banana Jet The Best we've had yet We are the last of the few. Don't give me the Jaguar Unless you refer to the car The car is a ground hog The aircraft, a half frog Don't give me the Jaguar. Give me Buccaneers They're British through and through The Banana Jet The Best we've had yet We are the last of the few. Don't give me the Harrier jump jet You haven't convinced me yet Jets that fly backwards Are soon to be knackered Don't give me the Harrier jump jet Well… You know, not just yet... Give me Buccaneers... They're British through and through The Banana Jet The Best we've had yet We are the last of the few. Don't give me this computer crap It's no way to tackle a SAP It's OK for Dicks, Germans and Spicks But Gentleman, carry a map! Give me Buccaneers... They're British through and through The Banana Jet The Best we've had yet We are the last of the few. Don't give me Air Traffic Control They live in a bloody great hole… They scream, and they shout, then F**k you about Don't give me Air Traffic Control. Give me Buccaneers... They're British through and through The Banana Jet The Best we've had yet We are the last of the few. Don't give me the F-104 It's only a ground loving whore It goes in a turn, flick, spin and burn Don't give me the F-104. Give me Buccaneers They're British through and through The Banana Jet The Best we've had yet WE ARE THE LAST OF THE FEW! GET AN EDUCATION AT LEAST! BEFORE SPEWING YOUR OWN GOVERNMENTS PROPAGANDA.
It really is like reading a teenager. What I'd like to know is why I read so many Americans endlessly claiming the F-22 is so much better than the Russian rubbish, (that uses washing machine chip technology)? LOL. Only when you ask them what they've ever seen the F-22 actually do, (that would allow them to hold that opinion), they can't answer that, as they've never seen the F-22 do anything, well, other than flying over a beach on a KZhead Video. So, they just prove their own opinions are all based on absolutely nothing. So, really, what is it all about? And even worse, they never even ask themselves the obvious questions? Questions like, how can the F-22 or F-35's detect, track, or target enemy stealth aircraft from BVR? -- You'll come to find, they have no idea, LOL! Yet, if they had just asked themselves that one question, they'd start to understand that today's reality is nothing at all like they think! I mean, seemingly none of them even understand, that stealth alone, defeats high-frequency (short wave), radar, by absorption and deflection, but it does not defeat low-frequency (long wave radar). So regardless of the aircraft's RCS (radar cross-section) they all believe means so much, when they're being detected, tracked and targetted by long wave radar, they're far from stealthy, and just light up, and stand out, like a beacon in the night. To detect, track, and target other stealth aircraft from BVR, can be done with long-wave radar, (but it must also be enhanced), to remove all background clutter for targeting purposes. Neither the APG-77 radar, used in the F-22, or the APG-81 radar, used in the F-35, have any kind of long wave radar, (hence, they can't detect enemy stealth aircraft from BVR)! - An obvious fact, the US Air force will be fully aware of. Only it seems the reality is, that when the F-35 radars were being designed 13 years ago, there weren't any other stealth aircraft to think about as a potential threat! So, what do the F-22 - F-35, actually have available to them to detect enemy stealth aircraft from BVR? They have AWACS (that can transfer all targetting data to the F-22 - F-35's in real time). Only, that's not possible today. And this is why actually understanding your enemies real abilities, becomes extremely important, critical in fact. This (Russian rubbish), they all claim, has a new 5th generation radar, (with enhanced long-wave radar), their new Byelka (2band) radar used in SU-57. They can detect, track, and target enemy stealth jets from BVR easily today. Russia have designed, and they've developed, the first L-Band fighter radar we've ever seen. They've embedded L-band AESA radars into the leading edges of the wings. The L-band AESA radar "data" gets processed in real time (through extremely powerful Russian computers), being significantly enhanced, removing all background clutter, seeing them perfectly able to detect, track, and engage enemy stealth aircraft from BVR. This new Russian technology, along with its very impressive range parameters, and it's jamming ability (over very large areas) make this aircraft deadly to all other aircraft types. But it's just Russian rubbish. They can detect, track, and target all enemy stealth fighters, long before they even enter Russian airspace, from much greater distances today, with "real-time" data from all those massive Russian ground (long wave stations), that are all protected with the networked S-400 defensive system. Russia's new (2band) radar, covers all frequencies across all channels, used for tracking, targeting, and also for jamming (over large areas). It's part of Sh121 multifunctional integrated radio electronic system (MIRES) on board the SU-57. We should also understand, that Russia tested this new radar suit in the SU-35's, so they also have the option of fitting this radar into the SU-35's. Seeing the SU-35 at no disadvantage against either the F-22/35. As although the SU-35 can be detected, tracked, targeted and shot down from BVR by the US stealth fighters, the SU-35 equipped with this new radar is just as able to detect, track, target and shoot down the US stealth fighters from BVR. Seeing the all-important huge Russian advantage in BVR missile range, plus the excellent manoeuvring, neither the F-22/F-35 have, as more than critical, (if you're going to avoid simply being blown out of the sky). This Russian 5th generation radar design, has very clear, and very real potentials, to provide genuine shared multifunction apertures, with applications including... Search, track, and destroy, missile mid-course guidance, against low signature aircraft, identification of friend or foe with secondary surveillance radar. Passive angle tracking and geolocation of JTIDS-MIDS-Link-16 emitters at long ranges. Passive angle tracking and geolocation of L-band AEWC - AWACS and surface based search radars at long ranges. Passive angle tracking and geolocation of hostile (i.e. Western) IFF and SSR transponders at long ranges. High-powered active jamming of JTIDS-MIDS-Link-16 emitters. High-powered active jamming of satellite navigation receivers over large areas. High-powered active jamming of L-band AEWC-AWACS and surface based search radars at long ranges. High-powered active jamming of guided munition command data links over large areas. (Effectively, and completely, neutralising the USA's use of AWACS for their detection). This Tikhomirov NIIP L-band AESA radar, is an extremely important strategic development, and it's a technology which once fully matured and deployed in useful numbers, will render narrowband stealth designs like the F-22 & F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, and many, UAVs, as highly vulnerable to all flanker variants equipped with such radars. -- Just Russian crap?, indeed it is! LMAO! So why? What do you people think you could ever achieve, typing reams and reams of outright crap? What is it all really about?
A Russian SU-57 flying well behind the front lines in Russian airspace, detected a Ukrainian SU-27, deep in Ukrainian airspace heading toward Kiev, about 300 km's away, the SU-57 tracked then fired a Russian very long range Vympel R-37 (NATO "Axehead") hypersonic air-to-air BVR missile at the Ukrainian SU-27, from a range of well over 250 km's, blowing it out of the sky, and smashing the previous BVR missile kill range world record, to utter smithereens! The USA has had the F-22 in service for 19 years, they've been involved in wars that entire time, and they've never used the F-22? Well, it finally made its first air-to-air kill in 2023, when it shot down a Chinese weather balloon. LMFAO.
If humanity ever makes a space plane, this has to be the base of it
I knew a guy that flew the Fagot. He was shot down and had to eject. His name was Tibor and he was a nice man. We worked together at Outward Bound Mountain School.
The clip at 5:19 is the only existing real-life footage of the Road Runner from the Bugs Bunny Road Runner Hour.
Can't wait for the 'official' DCS F-104 mod!
English electric lightning now that was fast ….😮
I know you can’t say everything in a video but you didn’t highlight the role the downward firing ejection seat played in the vast bulk of the fatalities especially in Germany. The head test pilot of the German Air Force recommended that they not buy the F-104. As you pointed out wing-loading was a major issue especially in Germany where it was pressed into a ground attack role but, it was designed as a high speed fighter based on the feedback of American fighter pilots during the Korean War (where Kelley Johnson went in person to talk with the fighter pilots directly asking what they wanted to go against the Mig-15 their answer being: speed, more speed & altitude) and not suitable for much else.
The downward-firing Lockheed C1 seat was installed in the first 100 or so F-104A/B models for the USAF. The C1 seat worked just fine, provided you ejected within the envelope. None of the NATO "G" models ever had the C1 seat.
*Captain Lockheed and the Starfighters* is a tour de force album by Robert Calvert . Check it out ..
Great video, my father died while flying the F104.
Star fighter my beloved
We all loved flying it.
Good documentary on the F-104. During the 1971 war with Pakistan, Flight Lieutenant Soni of the Indian Air Force shot down a Pakistan Air Force F-104. He was a flying a MiG 21 when he shot the F-104 in a dog fight near Arabian sea.
Pare che l'unica nazione che lo ha amato sia l'Italia la versione italiana ASA M raggiungeva i mach 2.4 una bestia da competizione più che da combattimento. Viva lo Spillone ❤
*@**13:55** isn't that the same bombing scene as in the Tom Hanks movie, Top Gun Maverick???* I think it is only flipped
Wait, Tom Hanks was in that movie?
When I was a kid, I always called this the "T-Rex fighter:" stubby little wings....😂😂😂😂
As if you couldn't tell by the comments 98% of people saying that pilots loved it, that no one considered it that, and not sure how it was popularized as such. It didn't almost kill Chuck, he was a flight tester for it and was trying to do stall spins, and he had a really hard time to get it to spin in the first place. The thing was like an arrow. But leave it to chuck to figure out a way, and a way he did. However, he could not make the plane recover and ejected safely. This man flew a X-1 to mach 1 for the first time in human history in a smaller scaled plane than this less than 5 years before. You put it like they didn't use it because in Vietnam it didn't have a role, It was already 10 years old at that time, and yeah as the demand for niche roles came up, ofc it wouldn't be used as technology had been improving over those 10 years, and they just weren't needed. Take a look at the F-105 that came after that, and it's short use life. The whole reason so many got sold was because it is what those nations could afford. They had plenty of options at that point but the upfront and operational costs were sweet deals comparatively. We also had the manufacturing capability for them, which not a lot of countries had that were selling planes at that point. I don't see any references in your description so I can only guess this was a read from the wiki? it really gets on my nerves when people use the terms widowmaker and coffin. There is a lot of misinfo out thee, people adding narratives based on coffee table books and romance novels. I like your style, just hope you can do better some day.
Скай, отличный английский так держать)
The Starfighter had an abnormally high score of accidents only in Germany. It could not be different. How can someone use a fighter with a tiny wing, and therefore high wing loading, and carry a big load of bombs and missiles? It is a recipe for suicide. With the flying parameters the F-104 had, it could be successfull only as a tactical interceptor, because of its high climb rate and short range, and low manoeuvrability. The USAF did not have a requirement for such a fighter, but other countries had: Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium and Japan. The Starfighter had a successfull career in these countries in such a role. It demanded a lot from the pilot, but it was not a “widow maker”, only in Germany, and for a clear reason (or worse).
Interestingly the starfighter didn't have the highest loss rate in Luftwaffe service , that honor goes to the F84F which had a loss rate of 36% while the F-104 had a slightly lower 31% Just goes to show the poor state of the Luftwaffe at the time.
@@Lewd-Tenant_Isan In Canadian service the 104 was also used as a ground attack fighter, also had a high loss rate. Interestingly that "high" loss rate was slightly lower than the F-86 that preceded it and was not used for ground attack.
Once the Luftwaffe got its pilots better trained, their losses dropped considerably. Yes, the F-84F suffered more, but you never hear about that.
@@fantabuloussnuffaluffagusyes, but it was still used in a role it was not designed for. It was designed as a point defense Interceptor. To scramble, climb rapidly to altitude, attack enemy bomber formations.
Far from right. F104 is the most hatred aircraft by pilots in Turkish Air Force history.
The F-104 is a high-altitude, high-speed fighter. If they didn’t try to remake it into something else, everything would be fine