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 replica of a RCAF Canadair CF-104D Starfighter interceptor that was deployed to CFB Baden-Soellingen, Germany. Sold Out!

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

Release Date: December 2011

Historical Account: "Cannucks" - The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) (French: Aviation Royale Canadienne (ARC)), formerly Canadian Forces Air Command, is one of three environmental commands of the Canadian Forces. The professional head of the RCAF holds the title Chief of the Air Force Staff and Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force. The position is currently held by Lieutenant General Yvan Blondin. The RCAF consists of 14,500 Regular Force and 2,600 Primary Reserve airmen and airwomen, supported by 2,500 civilians.

The Royal Canadian Air Force is responsible for all aircraft operations of the Canadian Forces, enforcing the security of Canada's airspace and providing aircraft to support the missions of the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Army. The RCAF is a partner with the United States Air Force in protecting continental airspace under the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). The RCAF also provides all primary air resources to the National Search and Rescue Program.

The RCAF, an independent service until 1968, developed from the Canadian Air Force, which was formed in 1920. The Canadian Air Force was incorporated into the Department of National Defence in 1923 and granted royal sanction in 1924 by King George V.