The Starfighter Serials - 183-1063

d/d 03feb58, 83rd FiS (feb58-nov59), storage (nov59-nov60) delivered Republic of China Air Force 01dec60

d/d 14oct66, storage (oct66-jun69) delivered Royal Jordanian Air Force 30sep69

NOTE:
This Starfighter was ready for its first testflight after rolling of the production line, on the 23rd of August 1957. It was accepted by the USAF on January 31st, 1958 and officilally delivered February 3rd although it arrived already at Hamilton Air Base (83 FiS) on the day of acceptance (January 31st). It is strange that they put this aircraft in storage at McClellan on November 30th, 1959, likely because they had more aircraft then needed.
After its career in Taiwan it returned back (MAP regulations) in October 1966 and was put in storage at MASDC where it arrived on October 14th. Soon after it was transferred to Lockheed Palmdale for IRAN and modifications and put in MAP storage at McCellan. Then after a year it received overhaul and was delivered to Jordan.

Accident Reports:

There are no accidents known with this aircraft within the Jordanian Air Force.

Sadly no photos are known of this F-104 Starfighter. We would be glad if someone could help us.

d/d 01dec60, 3rd AirGroup - 8th TFS (dec60-oct66) transferred back to USA 14oct66

NOTE:
After having received more modern F-104G aircraft the remaining F-104A aircraft were given back to the USA (MAP regulations) and this Starfighter was one of them.

Accident Reports:

October 1961 (F-104A)
This month the aircraft, operated by the 8th TFS, made an emergency landing (likely at CCK Air Force Base) and any damage was repaired soon. Pilot Tzu Hao Lee was safe.

7 November 1963 (F-104A)
This day the aircraft, still operated by the 8th TFS, caught fire during a mission, near Tainan City. Pilot Major Li (or Lee) Zi Hao made an emergency landing at Tainan Air Force Base and the aircraft could be repaired soon since the damage was minor. The aircraft was carrying 700 gallons of fuel and 750 rounds of M-61 Vulcan ammonution when it happened which made the landing a bit tricky. Gladly the pilot succeeded in bringing the aircraft back and saved his life.

Photos of aircraft 4211 are very rare. Here it is seen at CCK AFB wearing the old style colorscheme with the traditional blue white striped rudder. (Photo RoCAF)

d/d 30sep69, 9th squadron (sep69-jul77), wfud 01jul77, decoy Prince Hassan Air Base in Mirage F1 camouflage scheme

NOTE:
This Starfighter flew with 9 squadron at Amman Air Force Base for almost 8 years. Then the F-104As were replaced by Mirage F-1 aircraft and this particular Starfighter was repainted in Mirage camouflage colors to represent a Mirage as decoy on Prince Hassan Air Base. There have been rumours that this aircraft has been brought over to Marka Air Base around 2000 where it was assigned to the Jordanian Historical Flight to prepare the aircraft as flyworthy war-bird. However during a visit at Marka in 2007 it was not seen (anymore)...

Accident Reports:

There are no accidents known with this aircraft within the Jordanian Air Force.

F-104A 905 code "D" received a Mirage F1 camouflage pattern and was used as Decoy at Prince Hassan Air Base for many years. Here it is seen at Prince Hassan Air Base in 1995 (top) and again in 1996 (bottom). Photos have been taken by Emiel Sloot and Ron Damstra.

Interesting to see the typical Arabic code for "905" and the code "A" representing number 9 squadron.