Hobby Master Archive

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA1052 Japanese F-104DJ Starfighter 207th SQ, 83rd AW “J.A.S.D.F.”

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.

The Japanese Air Self Defense Force operated 210 F-104Js and 20 F-104DJs. The DJ was the two-seater version of the J. The DJ electronics and other systems were compatible with the single-seat J. The F-104 entered service with the JASDF in October 1966. These aircraft were used solely for interceptor roles. The last JASDF F-104 was retired in March 1986. Some of the retired aircraft were transferred to Taiwan. F-104DJ 26-5001 was c/n 583B-5401, the first aircraft built of this variant.

Japan Air Self Defense Force aircraft Insignia True 1/72 scale Professionally painted Great attention to detail 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 F-104DJ is the dual-control variant 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