The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter was one of the best-known supersonic single-engine US fighter aircraft of the 20th century. The aircraft was designed by Lockheed to succeed the F-100 Super Sabre and was operational with the USAF from 1958-1967, during the Cold War. The aircraft was predominantly used as a fighter-bomber, but there were also versions modified for a fighter role. The F-104 was used by the US in combat operations in the Vietnam War, among others, and until its final phase-out in the US in 1975, the aircraft still served in the Air National Guard.
The Starfighter was NATO's standard fighter-bomber in the period 1961-1985 after which the aircraft was replaced, mostly by the F-16. The aircraft also served in the Belgian Air Force and the Royal Air Force for many years. The F-104 held the dubious honour of setting the worst safety record.
Kris Christiaens is a professional aviation photographer who always tries to portray the power, manoeuvrability and history of aircraft and helicopters in the most original and impressive way possible... Read more…
Netherlands
Germany
Germany
Netherlands
Germany
Germany
Germany
Netherlands
Germany
Germany
Netherlands
Netherlands