Hobby Master Archive

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA1010 F-104N Starfighter NASA, Dryden FRC, Edwards AFB, California, 1966

• Accurate 1/72 scale.
• Comes completely finished.
• Maximum die-cast metal with a minimum amount of plastic.
• Optional open or closed canopy.
• Display stand provided.
• Option to display with gear up or down, on or off the display stand.
• Professionally painted.
• High quality markings are pad applied.
• Highly collectible.

Beginning in 1956 the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) acquired the first of 11 F-104 Starfighters. Over the years these aircraft proved to be the most versatile of all the different planes used at the Dryden Flight Research Center. For the next 38 years the F-104s conducted over 18,000 flights as chase planes and basic research vehicles to airborne simulation and aerodynamic test-beds. The first F-104 was retired in 1975 and is now on display at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC.

In 1963 Lockheed delivered three single-seat F-104G Starfighters to NASA and were re- designated F-10N with the N for NASA. The three were the only purpose built Starfighters for NASA. Their main job was to be chase planes for other high speed airborne test planes. The tail numbers were 011, 012 and 013 with 013 being involved in a major mishap. On June 8, 1966 the second North American XB-70A Valkyrie was on a public advertising photo shoot with F-104N 013 as chase plane. Speculation is 013 got too close and was flipped over by the vortices of the massive XB-70A and sheered off the Valkyrie’s left tail. The F014N immediately burst into flames killing the test pilot instantly. The XB-70A continued in straight and level flight for 16 seconds without the crew being aware of the incident. Finally the XB-70A went into an uncontrollable flat spin and the pilot ejected with just seconds left but the co-pilot was unable and was killed.

F-104G specifications First Flight (XF-104) February 7, 1954 CREW 1 pilot DIMENSIONS Length: 54.75 ft (16.69 m) Wingspan: 21.92 ft (6.68 m) Height: 13.50 ft (4.11 m) Wing Area: 196.1 ft2 (18.22 m2)

WEIGHTS These aircraft were stripped of any military equipment in an effort to reduce weight Empty: 14,082 lb (6,387 kg) Max Takeoff: 28,779 lb (13,054 kg) Fuel Capacity: Internal: 5,822 lb (2,641 kg) / External: 5,538 lb (2,512 kg) Max Payload: 4,310 lb (1,995 kg)

PROPULSION Powerplant: 1 X General Electric J79-19 turbojet Thrust: 10,000 lb (44.5 kN) / 15,800 lb (70.28 kN) with afterburner PERFORMANCE Max Level Speed: at altitude - 1,450 mph (2,335 km/h) at 36,000 ft (10,975 m), Mach 2.2 / at sea level - Mach 1.2 Initial Climb Rate: 50,000 ft (15,239 m) / min Service Ceiling: 58,000 ft (17,680 m) / 90,000 ft (27,430 m) zoom ceiling Range: typical - 260 nm (480 km) with max payload / ferry - 1,576 nm (2,920 km)

THESE ARE PRE-PRODUCTION PICTURES NOT THE FINISHED PRODUCT