Category: Rank VII
Rationale: The F-104G (1980 Upgrade) represents a significant modernization of the Starfighter, reflecting the Luftwaffe’s efforts to maintain the aircraft’s relevance during the 1980s. This upgrade provides improved capabilities in both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat, enhancing its role in War Thunder with historically accurate features and upgrades.
The F-104 Starfighter was West Germany’s first Mach 2-capable fighter, designed initially as an interceptor during the 1950s. At the time, the primary concern was high-altitude nuclear bombers, leading to the F-104’s emphasis on speed and climb rate. The aircraft was armed with a 20mm M61 “Vulcan” gatling cannon and air-to-air missiles (AAMs) to counter these threats.
In 1956, Germany sought a new fighter jet, leading to a competition with requirements including Mach 2 capability, nuclear ordnance capacity, and all-weather functionality. Despite controversies and allegations of bribery, the F-104G was selected over competitors like the F11F-1F and Mirage IIIA.
The F-104G, an all-weather fighter-bomber variant, featured strengthened wings, increased fuel capacity, reinforced landing gear with larger wheels, and modified flaps for better maneuverability. It was equipped with the Autonetics NASARR F15A-41B radar, Litton LN-3 navigational system, and infrared optics. A total of 916 F-104Gs were acquired by West Germany, with many being license-built domestically, marking the F-104G as the first German license-built aircraft. It entered service in 1960 and was retired in 1991.
The F-104G is noted for its high crash rate, partly due to its design as a high-altitude interceptor being used as a fighter-bomber. This resulted in issues such as high stall speeds and challenges in landing, which will be reflected in its gameplay dynamics in War Thunder, adding to the aircraft’s complexity and interest.
Proposed Folder Structure:
- German Tech Tree
- F-104G
- F-104G (1980 Upgrade)
- F-104G
Key Differences Between F-104G and F-104G (1980 Upgrade):
-
Missile Armament:
- F-104G:
- AIM-9J Sidewinder - Rear-aspect engagement only.
- F-104G (1980 Upgrade):
- AIM-9L Sidewinder - All-aspect capability for enhanced dogfighting performance.
- F-104G:
-
Bombs and Ground Attack Ordnance:
- F-104G:
- Mk 82/83 bombs - Standard general-purpose munitions.
- F-104G (1980 Upgrade):
- MK 82 Snake Eye Bombs: For low-altitude precision bombing.
- BLU-1 and BLU-27/B Napalm Bombs: Effective for anti-personnel and area denial.
- Durandal Anti-Runway Bombs: Designed to disable airfields.
- F-104G:
-
Radar and Avionics:
- F-104G:
- In-game radar likely represents the older NASARR F15A-41B with basic capabilities.
- F-104G (1980 Upgrade):
- Upgraded to NASARR R-21G/H radar for better ground-mapping, improved look-down/shoot-down performance, and enhanced target detection.
- F-104G:
-
Electronic Countermeasures:
- F-104G (1980 Upgrade):
- ALQ-70/72 ECM system for improved defense against radar-guided threats.
- F-104G (1980 Upgrade):
-
Fuel Tanks:
- Current Limitation: External drop tanks (e.g., 300-gallon) are absent in all F-104 variants.
- Recommendation: Add these tanks to reflect real-world operational configurations and enhance in-game strategic options.
Additional Recommendation: F-4F Phantom II (1980 Upgrade):
- Armament Enhancement:
- AIM-9L Sidewinder: Upgrade the F-4F to include AIM-9L missiles for enhanced dogfighting capability.
- Additional Bombs: Incorporate low-altitude and runway-denial bombs reflecting 1980s improvements.
Conclusion:
The F-104G (1980 Upgrade) offers a historically accurate and gameplay-enhancing addition to War Thunder. With its modernized radar, enhanced missile and bomb options, and the unique challenges associated with its design, this aircraft provides a comprehensive and engaging experience. Incorporating the F-104G (1980 Upgrade) will not only fill a historical gap but also offer players a more nuanced and challenging aircraft to master.
Sources:
- Wikipedia on F-104 Starfighter - Information on radar, missile, and electronic upgrades.
- Global Security - Overview of bomb types and their Cold War roles.
- Aviation-Militaire - F-104G Starfighter - Technical specifications and upgrade history.
Pictures
Paganmine.