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-104D Starfighter interceptor that was attached to the198th Tactical Fighter Squadron "Bucaneros", Puerto Rico Air National Guard, during 1974. Sold Out!

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

Release Date: May 2013

Historical Account: "Bucaneros" - The wartime 463d Fighter Squadron was re-designated as the 198th Fighter Squadron, and was allotted to the Puerto Rico Air National Guard, on May 24th, 1946. It was organized at Isla Grande Airport, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and was extended federal recognition on November 23rd, 1947, by the National Guard Bureau. The 164th Fighter Squadron was bestowed the lineage, history, honors, and colors of the 463d Fighter Squadron. The squadron was equipped with F-47N Thunderbolts and was assigned to the Puerto Rico Air National Guard, operationally gained by Fourteenth Air Force, Air Defense Command.

The mission of the 198th Fighter Squadron was the air defense of Puerto Rico. The short runways of Isla Grande Airport at the time did not allow safe jet operations. The squadron was forced to move its aircraft to the runways at the still under-construction San Juan International Airport maintaining the rest of its organization at Isla Grande Airport. The 198th was upgraded to F-86D day/night/all-weather Sabre Interceptors.