F-104As of the USAF’s 83rd FIS over San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge in 1958

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed F-104 Starfighter - СШАUSA - 1954

The first prototype of the “missile with a man in it": Lockheed XF-104-LO 53-7786

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed F-104 Starfighter - СШАUSA - 1954

The Wright XJ65-powered first prototype XF-104, 53-7786, made its first full flight on March 4, 1954, in the hands of Tony LeVier.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed F-104 Starfighter - СШАUSA - 1954

Another view of the first prototype XF-104, fitted with wingtip drop tanks. This aircraft was accepted by the USAF in November 1955.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed F-104 Starfighter - СШАUSA - 1954

56-883 was the first of 77 F-104C tactical strike variants delivered to the USAF. Note the ventral fin, added from the YF-104A onwards to improve supersonic directional stability.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed F-104 Starfighter - СШАUSA - 1954

The two Starfighter prototypes, XF-104s 53-7786 and 53-7787, in formation. The second aircraft was lost during gun firing trials in April 1955.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed F-104 Starfighter - СШАUSA - 1954

YF-104A 55-2965 undergoing afterburner testing at night at Edwards AFB.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed F-104 Starfighter - СШАUSA - 1954

The first of 17 YF-104As built, 55-2955. This variant had a much longer fuselage than the XF-104 to accommodate the General Electric J79 engine and improve handling.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed F-104 Starfighter - СШАUSA - 1954

Первый прототип "Старфайтера" XF-104 на испытательном полигоне авиабазы Эдвардс в Калифорнии. Разбился в авиакатастрофе 19 апреля 1956 года.
The first prototype of the “missile with a man in it": Lockheed XF-104-LO 53-7786

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed F-104 Starfighter - СШАUSA - 1954

The first of 17 YF-104As built, 55-2955. This variant had a much longer fuselage than the XF-104 to accommodate the General Electric J79 engine and improve handling.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed F-104 Starfighter - СШАUSA - 1954

Lockheed F-104 Starfighter

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed F-104 Starfighter - СШАUSA - 1954