The Starfighter Serials

d/d 04jan57, ARDC (jan57-sep59), Lockheed (nov60-jul62) as QF-104A 3205th DS (apr64-oct66) w/o 27oct66

Note: After it had run off the runway in 1959 it was brought over to McCellan (Sacramento Air Material Area) and later to Lockheed. First it arrived at Palmdale in November 1960, later it was brought over to Burbank factory in February 1962. Soon after it was converted to QF-104A, officially designated in July 1962. Strange that it took almost two years before it was sent over to the drone-squadron at Eglin Air Base. It arrived with the Air Force Proving Ground Center (part of the Air Force Systems Command) at Eglin in April 1964. Around 1965 it was on deployment to Holloman Air Force Base.

Accident Reports:

1 October 1958 (YF-104A)
Damaged during barrier tests at Edwards AFB where it was tested by AFFTC and was nicknamed "Slosher" which was applied in white on the fuselage. Pilot was safe and aircraft could be repaired soon.

1959 (YF-104A)
A photo showed this aircraft from ARDC, probably in 1959, after it had run off the runway damaging its undercarriage. It was nicknamed "Slosher II" which was applied inside a black arrow on the fuselage.

8 December 1965 (QF-104A)
This day this QF-104A was hit in its nozzle area by an AIM-4 during an unmanned mission. The "damaged" aircraft could be landed but blew its tire during this landing with no further damage to the QF-104. It was repaired and flew again soon.

21 June 1966 (QF-104A)
This day QF-104A 55-2971 was the luckiest aircraft in the world. During an unmanned mission it was struck three times by lightning. All it did was blow some circuit breakers. Nevertheless the QF-104 could be landed without any problem.

27 October 1966 (QF-104A)
On its 11th unmanned mission it was lost this day. It was shot down by an AIM-7 missile. The EGT on the QF-104 was last seen at 900degrees by telemetry. The aircraft was completely destroyed.

In 1958 the 55-2971 was seen on the static show during the Open House at Edwards Air Force Base. On the fuselage the nickname "Slosher" in white can be clearly seen. (photo: unknown source)

Here a famous photo showing the 55-2971 heavily damaged during arrestor hook testing when it collapsed. It happened on 1 October 1958. It must have been a lot of work to get this aircraft back in flying condition. When looking carefully the "Slosher" zapp is clearly seen on the fuselage. (Photo US Air Force).

On this photo taken by Craig Fuller, the YF-104A 55-2971 is seen after it run off the runway during extensive barrier landing testing. It was soon repaired and continued flying in the test-program. Note the ARDC markings and the beautiful artwork on the forward airframe "Slosher No II". This was applied after having received a new life from Lockheed after its major accident in October 1958.

55-2971

Soon after it was repaired it was modified into QF-104A and was transferred to the 3205nd DS at Eglin AFB. Here a few photos which have been taken during unmanned flight tests. Photos all taken by Chuck Dildine.