Franklin Mint Armour Collection B11E385
Lockheed F-104C Starfighter Diecast Model
USAF 198th TFS, PR ANG, Puerto Rico| 1:48 Scale | | Length | | Width |
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| Lockheed F-104C Starfighter | | 13.75" | | 5.5" |
The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter was an American single-engined, high-performance, supersonic interceptor aircraft that served with the United States Air Force (USAF) from 1958 until 1967. One of the Century Series of aircraft, it continued in service with Air National Guard units until it was phased out in 1975. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) flew a small mixed fleet of F-104 types in supersonic flight tests and spaceflight programs until they were retired in 1994. Several two-seat trainer versions were produced, the most numerous being the TF-104G. The poor safety record of the Starfighter brought the aircraft into the public eye, especially in Luftwaffe service; the subsequent Lockheed bribery scandals surrounding the original purchase contracts caused considerable political controversy in Europe and Japan. However, a USAF study of other Century Series fighters revealed that the F-100 Super Sabre had a statistically higher accident rate than that of the F-104.
Designed to meet a need for an aircraft that could successfully compete against the MiG-15 in Korea, the F-104 Starfighter was first flown on February 20, 1958. American pilots believed that the F-86 Sabre was too large and complex to outmaneuver the lighter MiG, and they wanted a smaller, simpler, high-performance aircraft to replace it. The resulting design was a light, aerodynamic airframe wrapped around a powerful J79 turbojet engine. The F-104C was used by the USAF from 1958 until 1967, but most of the 2,578 production Starfighters were built and flown by members of NATO, including the Italian Air Force, which didn’t retire it until 2004.© Copyright 2003-2010 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Franklin Mint "Armour Collection" presents diecast detailed, ready-made diecast models of military and civilian aircraft. Armour Collection diecast airplanes from The Franklin Mint require no glueing or painting. Each model is an instant display piece or diorama centerpiece straight from the box. Made from diecast metal and plastic components, the die cast airplanes in the Franklin Mint's Armour Collection are 100% true to scale. Franklin Mint "Armour Collection" diecast airplanes feature: - Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Detailed cockpit interiors.
- No pilot figures.
- Sturdy fixed metal landing gear for static display.
- Authentic fixed ordnance loads.
- Accurately detailed underside.
© Copyright 2003-2010 The Flying Mule, Inc.
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