Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA1003
Lockheed F-104G Starfighter Diecast Model
HAF 336 Mira Olympus, Araxos AB, Greece, Final Flight 1993 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Lockheed F-104G Starfighter | | 9.25" | | 3.75" |
The Hellenic Air Force, abbreviated to HAF is the air force of Greece. The mission of the Hellenic Air Force is to guard and protect Greek airspace, provide air assistance and support to the Hellenic Army and the Hellenic Navy, as well as the provision of humanitarian aid in Greece and around the world.
Greece originally received 45 F-104Gs and 6 TF-104Gs under the US MAP (Military Assistance Program) in 1964. In 1972 used planes started to be bought with nine more F-104Gs and one TF-104G aircraft acquired from Spain, ten more F-104Gs from the Netherlands in 1982. The largest purchase came when a further thirty eight F-104Gs, twenty two RF-104Gs and twenty TF-104Gs were bought from West Germany. The West German planes were acquired mainly between 1981 – 1988. With one hundred second hand planes some were mothballed and used as spare parts. Originally flown with just the natural metal finish they eventually were given a camouflage 3 color paint scheme on top of olive drab / dark green / sand, the bottom was a light grey.These planes were flown by two Greek squadrons, the first being 335 Mira from the 114 Pterix (Wing) based at Tanagra AB. The second was 336 Mira, also based at Tanagra AB at the time. December 21st 1966 saw 336 Mira move to a new base at 116 Pterix at Araxos AB. The F-104 went on in the Hellenic Air Force service until 1993 when 336 "Olympus" Mira Diokseos Bombardismou (Fighter-Bomber Squadron) was deactivated March 31. Deserving of its eye-catching form, the Greek Air Force painted this spectacular scenic scheme to commemorate the "Final Flight" of the F-104 in Greek service.
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 2003-2026 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Hobby Master's 1:72 scale F-104 Starfighter is a good looking model with many quality features. The exceptionally long fuselage is constructed in diecast metal, with plastic side-mounted engine intakes. The rear turbine blades and the exhaust with its "turkey feathers" are some of the high points of this model, along with a canopy that opens to reveal an ejection seat and pad printed front and side instrument panels. The M61 Vulcan Gatling gun port is beautifully recreated, and the complex main landing gear is accurately rendered, securely locking into place for ground display. Most releases include removable wingtip fuel tanks, with fuselage mounted missiles on some versions.
© Copyright 2003-2013 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft.
Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" 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.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2026 The Flying Mule, Inc.
