Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA1010
Lockheed F-104N Starfighter Diecast Model
NASA, Joe Walker, Edwards AFB, CA, 1966 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Lockheed F-104N Starfighter | | 9.25" | | 3.75" |
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.
Designed to meet a need for an aircraft that could successfully compete against the MiG-15 in Korea, the F-104 Starfighter was first flown on February 20, 1958. American pilots believed that the F-86 Sabre was too large and complex to outmaneuver the lighter MiG, and they wanted a smaller, simpler, high-performance aircraft to replace it. The resulting design was a light, aerodynamic airframe wrapped around a powerful J79 turbojet engine. The F-104C was used by the USAF from 1958 until 1967, but most of the 2,578 production Starfighters were built and flown by members of NATO, including the Italian Air Force, which didn't retire it until 2004. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Hobby Master's 1:72 scale F-104 Starfighter is a good looking model with many quality features. The exceptionally long fuselage is constructed in diecast metal, with plastic side-mounted engine intakes. The rear turbine blades and the exhaust with its "turkey feathers" are some of the high points of this model, along with a canopy that opens to reveal an ejection seat and pad printed front and side instrument panels. The M61 Vulcan Gatling gun port is beautifully recreated, and the complex main landing gear is accurately rendered, securely locking into place for ground display. Most releases include removable wingtip fuel tanks, with fuselage mounted missiles on some versions.
© Copyright 2003-2014 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft.
Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
