- The F-104 series fighter is known as the first interceptor fighter in the world to break the Mach 2 barrier.
- As soon as the prototype XF-104 first flew in February 1954, it took on the nickname of [Missile with a man on board], and in May 1958, it recorded the world's fastest speed of 2,259 km / h, which was the world's fastest at that time. It attracted attention as the fastest fighter plane.
- In 1959, Japan decided to domestically produce the F-104 as a successor to the aging F-86 Saber.
- This is the F-104J, the first Japanese starfighter built from the parts of the F-104G.
- Subsequently, 29 aircraft were knocked down with parts supplied by Lockheed, first flew on May 8, 1962, and thereafter produced by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
- Separately, 20 F-104DJ two-seater training aircraft were imported from the United States.
- Japan's constitution prohibits the possession of offensive weapons, so the F-104J was equipped with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles and underwing fuel tanks and was used as an interceptor.
-In addition, domestic production of engines and armaments was promoted, and the J-79 engine was produced by Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries, and the JM-61 Vulcan cannon was produced by Nittoku Metal Industry.
- A total of 210 F-104J Starfighters were produced and served in Japanese air defense until the mid-1980s.
- Some of the aircraft stored in Gifu were modified for radio control and flew.
[data]
- Crew: 1
- Total length: 16.69m (excluding pitot tube)
- Total Height: 4.1m
- Wingspan: 6.68m (without wing tip fuel tank)
- Wing area: 18.22m2
- Weight: 8,387kg
- Gross Weight: 13,054kg
- Engine: J-79-IHI-11A
- Thrust: 4,549kg (7,170kg with afterburner)
- Maximum speed: Mach 2.2 (altitude 11,000m)
- Landing speed: 278km/h
- Maximum rate of climb: 15,200m/min at sea level
- Practical ascent limit: 18,300m
- Cruising range: 2,220km
- Fixed Armament: JM-61 Vulcan Cannon X1
( This is a machine translation. Please allow for possible misinterpretations in the text. )