Hobby Master Archive

Italy and Lockheed developed an improved F-104G, the F-104S (Super). The new variant had an advanced weapons system for AIM-7 missiles, deleted M61 cannon, new engine, stronger airframe, 2 additional ventral fins and 2 additional under wing pylons for AIM-7 missiles. The “S” variant was updated twice, the “ASA” (Aggiornamento Sistema d’Armi - meaning Weapon System Update) look-down/shoot-down air-superiority fighter) and the “ASA-M” (Aggiornamento Sistema d’Arma-Modificato, Weapon System Update-Modified). By 1984 electronic miniaturization allowed the ASA update that meant 2/3s of the 205-plane fleet had the M61 cannon re-installed, new navigation systems, avionics and missiles.

F-104S Starfighter MM6934 was delivered to the Italian Air Force in September 1978 and assigned to the 36th Wing. In June 1984 MM6934 was assigned to 5 ° Stormo as 5-37. In April 2000 the aircraft was converted into an ASA-M and after several more moves the aircraft was assigned to 10° Gruppo/9° Stormo on November 11, 2001. On October 11, 2004 MM6934 of 9° Stormo completed its final flight as 9-51 having flown 3,836 hours. In 2014 the aircraft became a monument located at Grazzanise.

Specifications for the F-104S ASA Engine 1 X General Electric J79-GE-19 turbojet 11,870 lb.s.t. dry and 17,900 lb.s.t. with afterburner Performance Maximum speed: 1450 mph at 36,000 feet 913 mph (Mach 1.2) at sea level Stalling speed: 196 mph Take-off distance: Carrying 2 X AIM-7 Sparrows 2700 feet Initial climb rate: 55,000 fpm Service ceiling: 58,000 feet Normal range: 1550 miles Maximum range: 4 drop tanks 1815 miles Dimensions Wingspan: 21 feet 11 inches Length: 54 feet 9 inches Height: 13 feet 6 inches Wing area: 196.1 square feet Weights Empty: 14,900 lbs Combat: 21,690 lbs Maximum take-off: 31,000 lbs Armament 1 X 20mm M61A1 rotary cannon with 750 rounds 2 X AIM-9 Sidewinder infrared homing air-to-air missiles 2 X AIM-7 Sparrow semi-active radar homing air-to-air missiles Or replace Sparrows with 2 X Selenia Apside radar homing air-to-air missiles Up to 7500 pounds of bombs, rockets, napalm tanks, and fuel tanks can be carried on nine hard-points (four underneath the wing, two at wingtips, one centerline, and one at each fuselage side)

Fuel Standard internal fuel capacity: 896 US gallons Additional fuel for extended range: Two 195-US gallon under-wing tanks Two 170-US gallon wingtip tanks One 121-US gallon auxiliary tank in the ammunition bay Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA1045 F-104S ASA-M Starfighter MM6934/9-31, 10° Gruppo/9° Stormo Grazzanise AB, October 2004

Die-cast metal. Superb detailing in 1/72 scale. Pre-painted with pad applied markings. Fully assembled. Display stand included. Option to display model with wheels up or down. Minimum use of plastic. Very collectable