The Starfighter Serials

Accident Reports:

27 November 1961 (QF-104A)
Being converted to a QF-104A drone, 55-2966 made an Air Force acceptance flight on November 27, 1961 from Air Force Plant 42 at Palmdale. Modification was done by Lockheed, California, assigned to AFSC. Pilot was USAF Capt Richard Bragg Hunt. An unsafe gear indication on take-off could be solved and the mission was continued to a Mach 2 run and airframe evaluation. The Drone stabilization and control equipment (DSCE) system check was planned on an ILS approach. At that time the landing gear did not come down, it was recycled and the emergency release handle was pulled. This time only the left main gear came down safe. On landing on runway 22 the pilot bounced the aircraft to shake loose the right main gear without success. After a smooth landing the aircraft pulled to the right off the runway and came to a stop 315 feet to the right and 100 degrees off runway heading. Pilot Capt Richard Hunt was ok, aircraft was could be repaired. (Sadly we only have a rough quality photo from the official accident report available, see beneath).

55-2966

21 March 1967 (QF-104A)
After a mission this QF-104A drone returned for the landing. During this landing the aircraft lost the anti-skid brakes and blew both main tires. The aircraft stopped however without any damage and could fly soon again.

14 June 1967 (QF-104A)
During an unmanned flight of this QF-104A, the ground controller lost all pitch control. The QF oscillated between 17m and 40m feet. The chase aircraft, being a manned QF-104A, stayed with this drone. The DT-33A managed to join up and take control of the sick QF-104. Still unable to control pitch the DT-33 controller tried to de-struct the drone but once again the self-destruction packed failed to operate. The QF was then put in an orbit and flown over the gulf of Mexico until it flamed out and was guided to impact in the sea. As a result of the failed self-destruct function, "again", it was determined that the loss of voltage was occurring between the batteries and the package itself, due to too many relays etc. This problem was solved - finally. However QF-104A 55-2966 was no more. It was lost on its 3rd drone mission.

YF-104A 55-2966 seen here used by the ARDC not long after delivery.

Two photos showing YF-104A 55-2966 with a beautiful dayglow red silver test colorscheme. It was used extensively at Edwards Air Force Base for various airframe tests. The black and white photo which shows the aircraft without engine, was taken in September 1959.

Here two photos showing the 55-2966 as QF-104A drone with serial "0-52966" on the tail. Soon after these photos were taken the aircraft was shot down. .