The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter was one of the best-known supersonic single-engine US fighter aircraft of the 20th century. The aircraft was designed by Lockheed to succeed the F-100 Super Sabre and was operational with the USAF from 1958-1967, during the Cold War. The aircraft was predominantly used as a fighter-bomber, but there were also versions modified for a fighter role. The F-104 was used by the US in combat operations in the Vietnam War, among others, and until its final phase-out in the US in 1975, the aircraft still served in the Air National Guard.
The Starfighter was NATO's standard fighter-bomber in the period 1961-1985 after which the aircraft was replaced, mostly by the F-16. The aircraft also served in the Belgian Air Force and the Royal Air Force for many years. The F-104 held the dubious honour of setting the worst safety record.
Kris Christiaens is a professional aviation photographer who always tries to portray the power, manoeuvrability and history of aircraft and helicopters in the most original and impressive way possible... Read more…