- Yes
- No
Description: Here the first F104S, the F104 G/S. But first, let’s talk about the F104’S story.The first F104 ever built, the XF104, flew in the USA in 1954. It was not used in large numbers in U.S. service (the variants were the A, B and C), but it was very successful in export and was built under license in Europe. The first variant to enter service in Europe was the F104G with a maximum number of 947 aircraft.It was operated by Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Greece and also by other countries on other continents such as Canada, China and Japan. The Super Starfighter came into reality with the F104S, the most powerful of all versions. It was upgraded several times, first in the ASA 1, then in the ASA 2 (the one in the game) and the last one, the ASA M, built in 1997. It remained in service until 2004, when it was replaced by the EF2000 Typhoon. Speaking of the latter: In the 1960s, Italy was looking for a new interceptor to replace the old F104G, which was already in service. The new launch fighter was called F104S (S stands for Sparrow, the new radar missiles the aircraft could carry) and two G variants, the MM6658 and the MM6600, were sent to the US to be equipped with the new systems. The first, the MM6658, took off for the first time on December 30 1966, and the second, the MM6600, on December 28, 1966. The two aircraft returned to Italy and were both sent to the Reparto Sperimentale di Volo for further testing. Nothing is known about the fate of MM6658, but MM6600, after being retired, was first used as a gate guardian at Pratica di Mare airport, then used as a train object for the fire department, and finally scrapped. The F104G/S was the main platform equipped and tested with most of the systems and new features of the F104S. These aircraft were not a new F104S, but a converted F104G from Fiat. Together with the other prototype (the MM6600), it formed the basis for all the tests that led to the F104S as we know it today. In terms of performance, it was equipped with the General Electric J79- GE -19 engine, which gave the aircraft a top speed of 2470 km/h and a maximum trusth of 79.6 kN. Compared to the normal F104G, it was equipped with a new radar, more breakpoints, new avionics, new weapons and new engine.
Why it Should be in the Game: It will be basically the best F104G ever constructed since it will have sparrow and more bombs compared to the normal F104G and it could be an interesting unit compared to the other F104G alredy in game. And since three Starfighter are alredy present in the TT, this one could be a good addition as a event/squadron.
Specifications:
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Engine: One General Electric J79-GE-19 afterburning turbojet, 52.8 KN (11,870 lbs) thrust without afterburner, 79.6 KN (17,900 lbs) thrust with afterburner
Length: 16.69m
Wingspan: 6.68m
Height: 4.11m
Empty Weight: 6,760 kg (14,900 lbs)
Gross Weight: 9,840 kg (21,690 lbs)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 14,060 kg (31,000 lbs)
Maximum Speed: 2470 kmh (Mach 2.2)
Cruising Speed: 981 kmh (610 mph)
Crew: 1
60x Countromesure
Armaments:
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Cannon
1x 20 mm Vulcan cannon
Air To air missiles
4x AIM9B
4x AIM9J
2x AIM7 E Sparrow
Bombs
7x M117 750 lb Free Fall Bombs Bombs
3x MK83
7x MK82
7x MK82 Snakeye
7x BLU1
1x MK84
6x MK81
Rokets
8x MK32 Zuni
38x Mighty Mouse
Sources:
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https://xoomer.virgilio.it/aviostoria/A/Aeritalia/F-104S.html
L'arrivo in Italia del primo Lockheed F-104 Starfighter - Aviation Report
Aeritalia F-104S Starfighter - Wikipedia
F-104 Italiani - Starfighters.it
Aeritalia Lockheed F 104S MM 6660, il primo F 104S in assoluto.
Pictures
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