The first > thrust than weight fighter
My uncle was assigned to George Air Force Base back in the mid to late 60s. We would go out to visit him. We would wind up out in the desert shooting guns, and I would see those things taking off. Even as a little kid, those jets were cool.
The West German air force used Starfighters, and they had a bad reputation for crashing.
If you’re into the aviation thing, Sun n Fun is definitely something to see.
Get one now.. :)
https://vintageaviationnews.com/warbirds-news/iconic-cf-104d-starfighter-for-sale.html
The beloved Widow Maker.
A bomark rocket with stubby wings and a pointy nose cone.pointy is scarey round is not scarey.
Said they were a death trap.
Stationed at Luke AFB outside Phoenix back in 72-73. German Luftwaffe trained in their F104s there. Saw plenty of them.
Had one flame out on takeoff. Heard roar roar then silence then pop there went the pilot. He was OK. Lots of farm fields out there back then; we bought some farmer’s crop.
1978 or so: Cruising a crooked river valley down by Trier, Germany on a Gold Wing, about 400 or 500 hundred above the river, got a buddy on the back. Here comes some crazy in a F104 following the river - under us. Buddy asks “Did you see that?” Sure did, fighter buddy was about five seconds behind, doing the same stunt.
Them Boys Were Crazy.
Obviously populist propaganda.
Like Papa Joe told us repeatedly FOR FOUR FRIGGIN’ YEARS, civilians can’t own fighter jets!
Made me think of the Steve Canyon tv show.
I think they flew 104’s or maybe 102’s?