F104 Starfighter

F104 Starfighter 'the missile with a man in it'	The Starfighter was originally designed as an interceptor aircraft by the American Lockheed works, the prototype flying in early 1954. The plane however fell short of it's designer's expectations in this intended role and thus only around 277 planes were built for use in this capacity (including trainers). Like many aircraft before it that fell short of original expectations, the F104 Starfighter found a new job for itself as a multi-role fighter. In this form the F104G multi-mission Starfighter was used as a tactical support aircraft and reconnaissance machine.
The F104 Starfighter has always been a striking aircraft to look at. This being mainly due to the very short wingspan of less than 22 feet (length nearly 55 feet). This earned the aircraft the nickname 'the missile with a man in it'. Due to a series of accidents with the plane it also had the unfortunate moniker of 'flying coffin'. A speedy machine for it's era the top speed was around mach 2 at altitude with an operational ceiling of 55,000ft. This just shortly after the Korean peninsula conflict where F86 Sabres were flying sub-sonic. Powering the aircraft to these velocities was a single General Electric J79-GE-11A afterburning turbojet producing 15,800 lbs thrust on re-heat.	F104 Starfighter showing the stubby wings
F104 Starfighter belonging to NASA	Multi role Starfighters could carry a 4000lb ordance load, up to 4 AAMs and a 20mm M61 Vulcan. Normal take off weight was approaching 20,000 lb. The plane found many buyers around the world including Germany, Japan, Jordan, Pakistan, Taiwan, Holland, Belgium, Italy, Denmark, Greece and Norway amongst others. Many of these F104s were built by the countries under license. A true classic of aviation, who needs wings when you've got power!