Introduced to the world as "the missile with a man in it," the striking Lockheed F-104 Starfighter promised to be the ultimate interceptor. Small, light in weight and with stunning straight-line performance, the F-104 was never agile enough to become what its designers wanted.

FIAT produced 246 Italian versions known as the F-104S. One aircraft crashed prior to delivery and is often not included in the total number built. The F-104S was upgraded for the interception role having NASARR R-21G/H radar with moving-target indicator and continuous-wave illuminator for SARH missiles (initially AIM-7 Sparrow), two additional wing and two underbelly hardpoints (increasing the total to nine), more powerful J79-GE-19 engine with 11,870 lbf (53 kN) and 17,900 lbf (80 kN) thrust, and two additional ventral fins for increased stability. The M61 cannon was sacrificed to make room for the missile avionics in the interceptor version but retained for the fighter-bomber variants. Up to two Sparrow; and two, theoretically four or six Sidewinder missiles were carried on all the hardpoints except the central (underbelly), or seven 340 kg bombs (normally two-four 227-340 kg). The F-104S was cleared for a higher maximum takeoff weight, allowing it to carry up to 7,500 lb (3,400 kg) of stores; other Starfighters had a maximum external load of 4,000 lb (1,814 kg). Range was up to 1,250 km with four tanks.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of a USAF Lockheed F-104G Starfighter interceptor that was attached to FG-214 during the early 1960s. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 4-inches
Length: 9-inches

Release Date: August 2019

Historical Account: "Tomorrow is Yesterday" - "Bluejay 4" was the call sign of an American F-104 Starfighter interceptor, registry FG-914, that was in service with the United States Air Force in the mid-20th century. This airplane was piloted by Captain John Christopher in July 1969.

In that year, Bluejay 4 was scrambled to intercept and investigate an apparent UFO contact in 1969. The "UFO" was actually the USS Enterprise, which had accidentally been thrown back in time. Spock warned Captain Kirk that the closing aircraft may be equipped with nuclear warheads and could pose a real threat. Kirk used the tractor beam to hold the aircraft off, but due to the fragility of the jet, it began to break up under the force of the tractor beam. As a result, Kirk ordered its pilot beamed aboard the Enterprise. Christopher was saved, but the aircraft was demolished. Its wreckage fell back to Earth and landed in southern Nebraska. The flight recorder and footage from the wing cameras were taken to the 498th Air Base in Nebraska to be processed.