Lockheed F-104 Starfighter

The high-speed interceptor built around a powerful engine and slender wings.

Lockheed F-104S ASA Starfighter – Italian Air Force © Lewis Grant

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Overview

Lockheed Martin United States ICAO: F104 1954–1979 Active $1.4 million (1962)

The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter was developed in the 1950s as a high-speed interceptor. Known for its thin, short wings and powerful engine, it emphasized speed and climb performance. The aircraft served with numerous air forces worldwide.

Live Fleet Activity (F104)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
1 × General Electric J79
Engine type
Jet
Thrust
15,600 lbf · 69 kN
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
1
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
54 ft 8 in  ·  16.66 m
Tail height
13 ft 6 in  ·  4.11 m
Fuselage diameter
3 ft 3 in  ·  1.00 m
Wing span
21 ft 9 in  ·  6.63 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
29,000 lb  ·  13,200 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
6,150 lb  ·  2,800 kg
Fuel capacity
1,340 gal · 5,100 L · 4,100 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
1,260 kt  ·  1,450 mph  ·  2,334 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
180 kt  ·  207 mph  ·  333 km/h
Range
1,420 nm  ·  1,630 mi  ·  2,630 km
Fuel burn
—
Ceiling
58,000 ft  ·  17,700 m
Rate of climb
48,000 ft/min  ·  244 m/s
Takeoff distance
4,000 ft  ·  1,220 m
Landing distance
5,000 ft  ·  1,520 m
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Lockheed F-104G Starfighter during a training flight on 1 August 1979 armed with two AIM-9J Sidewinder air to air missiles.

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Operational Context

Lockheed F-104 Starfighter — supersonic interceptor

The F-104 first flew in 1954 and entered service in 1958. It featured a very small, straight wing and a sleek fuselage optimized for high-speed flight. The design prioritized rapid climb and supersonic performance over maneuverability.

Powered by a General Electric J79 turbojet producing approximately 15,800 pounds of thrust (70 kN) dry and over 17,000 pounds (76 kN) with afterburner depending on variant, the F-104 exceeded Mach 2. Maximum takeoff weight exceeded 28,000 pounds (12,701 kg). Armament included a cannon and external missiles.

The Starfighter served extensively in NATO air forces. While admired for speed, it also gained a reputation for challenging handling. The aircraft remains one of the most recognizable Cold War interceptors.