Lockheed | Aeritalia F-104 Starfighter | Super Starfighter Fine Art Aircraft Prints
The first operational fighter capable of Mach 2+, the Zipper was a quantum performance leap beyond its contemporaries... and one of the coolest looking planes of all time. Anyone who’s heard the wounded beast howl of a Zipper’s engine run up will never forget it.
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Zipper! The original Energy Maneuverability Fig
hter, Lockheed's wicked quick Starfighter was designed for the US Air Force as a day point interceptor but developed into a versatile jet that was the backbone of multiple air forces around the world.
As with most cutting edge performance planes, the F-104 suffered a high mishap rate with many nations and had some less than flattering nicknames, but given the respect she deserved, those who flew her love her to this day.
13243 was assigned to the Luftwaffe training detachment at Luke AFB – the Cactus Staffel - and is show in a "slick" configuration emphasizing her ultra sleek lines... one of the few jets limited by the placard in level flight rather than her thrust and drag curves.
Any Fighter Studios print can be customized with different squadron marking, different store configurations, names on the nose or canopy rail. To get yours started, click Personalized Print for more information or click Email with questions.
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AMI, the Italian Air Force, was a major operator of the F-104 and worked with Lockheed to design the most advanced Starfighter built, the S Model. 5-45 is the CI Interceptor version of the F-104S in its final updated... the ASA/M version.
Originally designed as a daylight point defense interceptor, the Zipper always suffered from limited range, so as in most configurations 5-45's combat load features two tip tanks which limits the missile load out to the BL 104 stations... and 5-45 is loaded with a typically fragged configuration for OPERATION ALLIED FORCE with a ASPIDE Mk2 SAR missile under one wing and an AIM-9L under the other.
Any Fighter Studios print can be customized with different squadron marking, different store configurations, names on the nose or canopy rail. To get yours started, click Personalized Print for more information or click Email with questions.
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The 479 TFW was home to the expanded capability F-104C and was renowned for their air-to-air prowess and ability to use the Zipper to its best capability. They were tasked with being ready to deploy to any location in need of air-to-air support… and in 1965, that location was the conflict in Vietnam. The squadrons rotated through and the 435 TFS Screaming Eagles were assigned to the 8 TFW Wolfpack.
Flying over 12,000 combat hours, the Starfighter’s also flew air-to-ground sorties. Debbie Sue, named for the daughter of her Texas born pilot Capt Rodney Trimble, is shown with tip tanks and free fall bombs, ready for a strike sortie.
Any Fighter Studios print can be customized with different squadron marking, different store configurations, names on the nose or canopy rail. To get yours started, click Personalized Print for more information or click Email with questions.
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An AMI Spillone (hatpin), MM6769 is shown in the first major upgrade version to see service with the AMI, the F-104S-ASA.
The ASA upgrade included a new fire control radar which provide a look-down/shoot-down capability as well as improvement in detection and tracking capability. An improved inertial navigation system and internal electronic counter measures system were installed as well as capability to carry and launch all aspect AIM-9M IR missiles. As a result of the continual miniaturization of electronics, the originally deleted S-model 20mm cannon was reinstalled.
MM6769 is shown in the “late” original green and grey over bare metal camo scheme ready for an defensive counter air operation sortie, She carries they typical load out of a single Aspide semi-active radar missile under the starboard wing and a single AIM-9M infrared missile under the starboard wing. In addition to the internal cannon, She carries a pair of wingtip external fuel tanks.
Any Fighter Studios print can be customized with different squadron marking, different store configurations, names on the nose or canopy rail. To get yours started, click Personalized Print for more information or click Email with questions.