Hobby Master Archive

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA1023 Japanese F-104J Starfighter 207th SQ, 83rd AG “J.A.S.D.F.”

THESE ARE PRE-PRODUCTION PICTURES

HA1023 Japanese F-104J Starfighter The Lockheed F-104J was the Japanese Starfighter with the “J” standing for Japan. The first F-104Js were just re-assembled “G” versions and first flew in March 8, 1962. Because the Japanese constitution forbid offensive weapons the F-104J was set up purely as an interceptor. The Japanese referred to the Starfighter as “Eikou (Glory) while other countries called it the “Widow Maker”. Instead of a 20mm cannon the early variants had an additional fuel tank and could carry four Sidewinder missiles or drop tanks but no bombs.

Data for HA1023 The JASDF (Japan Air Self Defense Force) was formed in 1954 with the F-86F. In 1959 the F-104J was chosen as the replacement aircraft and at the end of manufacturing in December 1967 Japan had received 210. These aircraft equipped seven squadrons (Hikoutai) with the 207th Sq. 83rd Air Group assigned to the Southwestern Air Defense Force, Naha Airbase, Okinawa. In March 1986 the 207th who were referred to as “F-104 Brothers” were the last to retire the Starfighters for the F-15J. Over the years 15% of the F-104s were lost to accidents.

Japan Air Self Defense Force aircraft Insignia Southwestern Air Defense Force Insignia

True 1/72 scale Professionally painted All markings are Tampoed (pad applied) Option to display the model on a stand that is provided Model can be shown with the landing gear in the down or up positions Optional armament has been provided Canopy opens Extremely heavy metal with a minimum of plastic Highly collectable

Specifications F-104J Engine: 1 x 15,600-lb thrust J79-IHI-11A Japanese-built GE J79-GE-11A afterburning turbojet.

Weight: Empty - 13,900 lbs. Max Takeoff - 29,303 lbs.

Dimensions: Wing Span - 21ft 9in. Length - 54ft 8in. Height - 13ft. 5in.

Performance: Maximum speed at 50, 000 ft. - 1,145 mph (Mach 2.2). Service ceiling - 50,000ft. Rate of climb - 48,000 ft./min. Range - 1,080 miles.

Armament: 1 x 20mm six-barrel cannon only on the later versions, early versions were without it and replaced by a fuel tank. 2 x wingtip mounted Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. 2 x rack-mounted air-to-air Sidewinder missiles on the fuselage forward- centerline. Provisions for wingtip mounted fuel tanks and optional fuel drop tanks under the wings