Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA1076
Lockheed F-104A Starfighter Diecast Model
ROCAF 41st TFS, #4241, Taiwan, Project Alishan, 1960s | |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Lockheed F-104A Starfighter | | 9.25" | | 3.75" |
Project Alishan, initiated by the Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) in 1960, aimed to procure advanced fighter aircraft from the United States, notably the F-104 Starfighter. The sixth batch of aircraft (Alishan 6) included F-104As equipped with a modified J79-GE-19 engine, offering 17,900 pounds of thrust - a 1,900-pound increase over standard engines. This modification enabled the aircraft to reach Mach 2 in just two minutes, reducing the time significantly. The F-104A-19 had a thrust-to-weight ratio close to 1 in a clean configuration, making it one of the highest performing Starfighters, capable of reaching the edge of the atmosphere, alongside the U-2 spy plane.
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 2003-2024 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.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
