Description
The F-104 series fighter
is known as the world's first interceptor fighter to break the Mach 2 barrier.
The original XF-104 first flew in February 1954,
earning it the nickname "Missile with a Man on Board," and
in May 1958, it recorded the world's fastest speed of 2,259 km/h, making it
the fastest aircraft in the world at the time. It attracted attention as a fast fighter.
In 1959, Japan decided to domestically produce the F-104 as a successor to the aging F-86 Saber . This is the F-104J, and the first Japanese version of the starfighter was
assembled from parts of the F-104G . Subsequently, 29 aircraft were produced by knockdown with parts supplied by Lockheed, and made their first flight on May 8, 1962, after which they were produced by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
In addition, 20 F-104DJ two-seater training aircraft were imported from the United States.
In Japan, the possession of offensive weapons is prohibited by the constitution, so
the F-104J was equipped with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles and fuel tanks under the wings and
was used as an interceptor fighter.
In addition, the engine and armament were also domestically produced, with the
J-79 engine being produced by Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries, and
the JM-61 Vulcan gun being produced by Nittoku Metal Industry.
A total of 210 F-104J Starfighters were produced and
served in Japan's air defense role until the mid-1980s.
Some of the aircraft stored in Gifu
were modified for radio control and were flying.
<Data>
Crew: 1
Overall length: 16.69m, (excluding pitot tube)
Overall height: 4.1m
Overall width: 6.68m (Without wing tip fuel tank)
Wing area: 18.22m2, Own weight: 8,387kg
Complete weight: 13,054kg
Engine: J-79-IHI-11A
Thrust: 4,549kg (7,170kg with afterburner)
Maximum speed: Mach 2.2 (altitude 11,000m)
Landing speed: 278km/h
Maximum climb rate: 15,200m/min based on sea level
Practical climb limit: 18,300 Cruising
range: 2,220 km
Fixed armament: JM-61 Vulcan gun x 1
