Description
The F-104 series fighter jets are known as the world's first interceptor fighter to break the Mach 2 barrier. The original XF-104 made its maiden flight in February 1954 and was nicknamed the "missile with a man on board." In May 1958, it set a world speed record of 2,259 km/h, attracting attention as the fastest fighter jet in the world at the time.
In 1959, Japan decided to domestically produce the F-104 as a successor to the aging F-86 Sabre. This resulted in the F-104J, the first Japanese version of the Starfighter, assembled using parts from the F-104G . Subsequently, 29 aircraft were produced in knockdown form with parts supplied by Lockheed, and the first flight took place on May 8, 1962. After that, production was carried out by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
Separately, 20 two-seater F-104DJ trainer aircraft were imported from the United States. Because the possession of offensive weapons is prohibited in Japan by the Constitution, the F-104J was equipped with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles and fuel tanks under its wings and used as an interceptor fighter.
Furthermore, efforts were made to domestically produce the engines and armament, with the J-79 engine being produced by Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries and the JM-61 Vulcan cannon by Nittoku Metal Industries. A total of 210 F-104J Starfighters were produced, and they served in Japan's air defense missions until the mid-1980s. Some of the aircraft stored in Gifu were modified for radio control and flew.
Data:
- Crew: 1
- Length: 16.69m (excluding pitot tube)
- Height: 4.1m
- Wingspan: 6.68m (without wingtip fuel tanks)
- Wing area: 18.22m2 Empty weight: 8,387kg
- Gross weight: 13,054kg
- Engine: J-79-IHI-11A
- Thrust: 4,549kg (7,170kg with afterburner)
- Maximum speed: Mach 2.2 (at an altitude of 11,000m)
- Landing speed: 278km/h
- Maximum rate of climb: 15,200m/min at sea level
- Service ceiling: 18,300m
- Range: 2,220km
- Fixed armament: JM-61 Vulcan cannon x1
