Lockheed F-104G Starfighter
Lockheed / Fokker / Fiat / SABCA / Canadair / Dornier / MBB · United States · first flew 1960 · fighter
The F-104G is the definitive multi-role export Starfighter, extensively strengthened and equipped for ground attack, reconnaissance, and interception to meet NATO's demanding all-weather requirements. It was built in far greater numbers than any other Starfighter variant, manufactured under licence across West Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, and Canada.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Single J79 turbojet in a needle-nosed fuselage |
| T — Tail | T-tail |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Multi-role NATO Starfighter with strengthened structure
- Razor-thin stub wings with leading-edge droop
- Single J79 turbojet in a needle-nosed fuselage
The classic Starfighter silhouette — impossibly small mid-set wings, long needle fuselage, prominent T-tail, and a large ventral fin — is shared across all marks; the G is distinguishable from early models only by antenna fit and intake detail.
Specifications
- The Lockheed F-104G Starfighter has a length of 16.69 m (55 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 6.68 m (22 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 2333 km/h (1450 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed in response to a 1958 West German requirement, the G-model added a strengthened structure, improved avionics including NASARR radar, and full nuclear weapons capability. Consortium production lines in Europe and Canada delivered over 1,100 aircraft to NATO air forces through the 1960s. The type's accident rate, particularly in the Luftwaffe, led to widespread controversy and the nickname 'Witwenmacher' (widowmaker).
Variants
The G spawned the RF-104G reconnaissance variant, the CF-104 Canadian version, and the TF-104G two-seat trainer; later MAP deliveries went to Greece, Turkey, Taiwan, and Pakistan.
Where you'll see it
Operated by West Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Italy, Denmark, Norway, Greece, Turkey, Canada, Taiwan, Pakistan, and Jordan; most NATO users retired the type by the 1980s–90s.
Related aircraft
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