The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter was a single-engined, high-performance, supersonic interceptor aircraft that served with the United States Air Force (USAF) from 1958 until 1967. It continued in service with the Air National Guard until it was phased out in 1975. Subsequently, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) continued to fly a small fleet. NASA F-104 aircraft flew in support of the X-15 and XB-70 projects. The F-104 continued to support the spaceflight programs until they were retired in 1995 and replaced by F/A-18 Hornets. The Starfighter was the first aircraft to hold simultaneous official world records for speed, altitude, and time-to-climb.

The F-104G version sold well amongst NATO air forces where these high-speed fighter-bomber variants continued in service with most operators until the late 1980s; the Italian Air Force examples being the last to be retired in 2004. Many air forces using F-104s eventually replaced them with the F-16 or Panavia Tornado.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale limited edition Japanese Self-Defense Air Force Lockheed F-104J Starfighter interceptor that was assigned to the 206th Fighter Group. Comes in a special chrome finish. Limited edition production run of just 600 pieces. Sold Out!

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

Release Date: January 2008

Historical Account: "A New Nippon" - The JASDF (Japan Aviation Self Defense Force) was formed in 1954 with the F-86F. In 1959 the F-104J was chosen as the replacement aircraft and at the end of manufacturing in December 1967 Japan had received 210. These aircraft equipped seven squadrons (Hikoutai) with the 207th Sq. 83rd Air Group assigned to the Southwestern Air Defense Force, Naha Airbase, Okinawa. In March 1986 the 207th who were referred to as "F-104 Brothers" were the last to retire the Starfighters for the F-15J. Over the years, 15% of the F-104s were lost to accidents.