Debunking the Myth: The Enduring Excellence of the F-104 Starfighter as an Interceptor

The F-104 Starfighter: A Supersonic Legend

The F-104 Starfighter was a true legend in the world of military aviation. Renowned for its exceptional interception capabilities and supersonic speed, the F-104 outperformed many of its contemporaries. This remarkable aircraft was designed as a supersonic superiority fighter, and its journey began in 1952 when development commenced. The first XF-104 took to the skies in 1954, marking the beginning of a new era in fighter jet technology.

As the YF-104A testing program progressed into 1956, the United States Air Force (USAF) recognized the immense potential of this aircraft. On March 2, a contract was awarded for 146 F-104As and six F-104Bs, earmarked for Air Defense Command (ADC). Additionally, 56 F-104Cs were ordered for Tactical Air Command (TAC). Subsequently, another 21 F-104Cs were added to the order on December 26.

The F-104 Starfighter entered ADC service with the 83rd Fighter Interceptor Squadron (FIS) at Hamilton Air Force Base, California, on January 26, 1958. This introduction came two years later than originally anticipated. Its counterpart, the 84th FIS, transitioned from their Northrop F-89J Scorpions to become the first ADC unit equipped with the two-seat F-101B Voodoo in June 1959. A total of seventeen squadrons eventually adopted this substantial McDonnell fighter, which served as ADC’s primary all-weather interceptor for four years.

While the F-104A demonstrated its effectiveness in close-range interceptions with its gun and two Sidewinder missiles, the F-101B could carry two AIR-2A Genie nuclear-tipped missiles with a range of more than six miles or up to six AIM-4 Falcon infrared missiles. F-104As, however, were limited in their ability to integrate fully into America’s complex SAGE (Semi-Automatic Ground Environment) defense network due to their lack of electronic equipment.

The F-104’s extraordinary climb rate and speed performance proved invaluable for ADC at a time when the United States believed it lagged behind the USSR in terms of its bomber forces. However, this perception changed in 1961 with the emergence of the Lockheed U-2, which revealed the smaller size of the Soviet air forces and dispelled the myth of the “nuclear-powered bomber” believed to exist in 1958.

By then, ADC had ordered the Convair F-102A Delta Dagger, followed by an improved version, the F-106A Delta Dart. With a more potent search radar and Genie missile armament, the F-106A was intended to be ADC’s primary interceptor. However, production delays meant that the F-104A was temporarily used as an interim interceptor, given its superior performance compared to the existing F-102A and other outdated aircraft.

Some concerns were raised about the F-104’s short interception range due to its reliance on internal fuel. It was estimated that the aircraft could only reach a target 150 miles away at 45,000 feet, even less at higher altitudes. However, the F-104 was the only fighter capable of making Mach 1.5 or better interceptions up to a distance of 150 miles with its wingtip Sidewinders. Its interception times outperformed the F-106A, and it could engage targets at a greater range than any comparable fighter. The misconception of the F-104’s lack of range may have arisen from the fact that senior officers and politicians often sought high-speed flights in the two-seat F-104B, which had a lower fuel capacity than the single-seat variant.

Within ADC, the 83rd FIS’s primary mission was to intercept and destroy high-altitude intruders, including SAC bombers and U-2 reconnaissance aircraft. The Starfighter excelled in this role, and its service with the 83rd FIS and other squadrons left a lasting impression. Notably, Tom Delashaw intercepted a U-2 at 72,000 feet and performed aerobatics around the spyplane to demonstrate the Starfighter’s capabilities. He also achieved a remarkable altitude of 92,000 feet over West Germany during the Berlin Crisis, showcasing the F-104’s potential to match Soviet high-flyers.

The entry of the 83rd FIS F-104As into service presented a golden opportunity to showcase the aircraft’s performance and enhance its reputation, especially at a time when accidents during the fighter’s test program were generating unfavorable publicity. Maj Harold C Johnson set a new altitude record by reaching 91,249 feet over Edwards AFB, California, on May 7, 1958. Capt Walter W Irwin achieved a speed record of 1404.9 mph over a 15-mile course at the same location on May 16. The F-104A became the first aircraft to hold both the World Airspeed and World Altitude records simultaneously.

Further records were set on December 10 and 13, and on the 14th, Capt Joe Jordan piloted an F-104C to an astonishing altitude of 103,389 feet, surpassing the existing high-altitude balloon record. This historic achievement solidified the F-104’s reputation as a high-performance marvel, being the first aircraft to exceed 100,000 feet under its own power.

The F-104 Starfighter will forever be remembered as a true icon in the world of aviation, with its exceptional capabilities and record-breaking achievements leaving an indelible mark on history.

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