YF-104A (pre-production, 1-seater, model number 183) - photos on this website
c/n 1011 till 1017 (Lockheed, USA)
1011/55-2965
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This often published photo shows the YF-104A 55-2965 taking off for a testflight, operated by the AFFTC. The photo was taken around autumn 1957 when it was used for AIM9 sidewinder testing. Note the wingmounted AIM9 Sidewinder missiles. (photo courtesy Lockheed-Martin)
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This photo shows the YF-104A 55-2965 during an open house, likely at Edwards Air Force Base in 1959. It is lacking the red tailband and AIM9 sidewinder launch rails.
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YF-104A 55-2965 on its unlucky day 13 November 1959. It clearly shows the structural damage to the airframe (especially on the third photo). It took a lot of effort to get the aircraft flyworthy again at Lockheed Palmdale. |
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YF-104A 55-2965 on its unlucky day 13 November 1959. It clearly shows the structural damage to the airframe (especially on the third photo). It took a lot of effort to get the aircraft flyworthy again at Lockheed Palmdale. |
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YF-104A 55-2965 on its unlucky day 13 November 1959. It clearly shows the structural damage to the airframe (especially on the third photo). It took a lot of effort to get the aircraft flyworthy again at Lockheed Palmdale. |
1012/55-2966
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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 photo which shows the aircraft without engine, was taken in September 1959. |
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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. |
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YF-104A 55-2966 seen here used by the ARDC not long after delivery. |
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Photo showing the 55-2966 as QF-104A drone with serial "0-52966" on the tail. Soon after the photo was taken the aircraft was shot down. . |
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Photo showing the 55-2966 as QF-104A drone with serial "0-52966" on the tail. Soon after the photo was taken the aircraft was shot down. . |
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55-2966 crashed November 27, 1961 but was repaired. |
1013/55-2967
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Here aircraft 55-2967 is seen at the USAF Academy, being preserved outside. The aicraft stayed here at least until 2000. This photo was taken by Ronald de Roij on 7 February 1997. |
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Here aircraft 55-2967 is seen inside the Weisbrod museum during a visit in July 2005. It is interesting to see that the aircraft has got clear canopy glass again |
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55-2967 preserved in 2012 |
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55-2967 in restoration at Pueblo 20 January 2022 (Timothy Fox) |
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55-2967 in restoration at Pueblo 20 January 2022 (Timothy Fox) |
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55-2967 in restoration at Pueblo 20 January 2022 (Timothy Fox) |
1014/55-2968
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YF-104A 55-2968 as test aircraft for air-refuelling with the first developed systems. |
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QF-104A modified Starfighter 55-2968 at Eglin Air Force Base (3205 Drone Squadron) during mid 1962. |
1015/55-2969
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On May 8th, 1958 Walter Irwin broke a new world record with this YF-104A 55-2969. Here it is seen while taking off from Edwards on this successfull day. Note the 83 FiS badge on the tail. (USAF photo)
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In 1958 the 55-2969 was used for a while at China Lake NAS for AIM9 sidewinder shooting exercises. Here the only photo known of this Starfighter on the China Lake platform. The aircraft is still having its initial modification level without ventral fin, arrestor hook and still down-ejecting seat. (photo was taken by J. Premselaar in 1958, thanks to Gary Verver)
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55-2969 used by General Electric |
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55-2969 used by General Electric |
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55-2969 nicknamed "Queenie" |
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This photo was likely taken early 1960 when the project had just started. The GE testpilots on the photo are from left to right, Dick Scoles, Elliot See, Bill Todd, John Fritz, Roy Pryor and "Swede" Davis. These were all GE test pilots at the time. Roy Pryor was the chief test pilot for GE from 1952-1958. (Edwards, 1960, General Electric via David Markely).
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This photo was taken at Edwards in 1960 showing the project team. Craig Markley is seen here in the rear center. The 55-2969 is showing the "Queenie" zapp and the GE logo on the tail. Also the dayglow paint scheme is visible. (Edwards, 1960, General Electric via David Markely). |
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55-2969 taxying for a record flight. |
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The end is near. Here QF-104A 55-2969 is seen on the 3205th Drone Squadron at the Eglin AFB flightline, next to drone chase F-104D 57-1324. It was taken on 12 November 1969. It is the very last photo known of this aircraft which was shot down 14 months later.... The sprarkling dayglow scheme on the QF-104s was always a big challenge to all color photo and slide films....very hard to reproduce !!!! |
1016/55-2970
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These are the only photos known taken of the YF-104A 55-2970. The girl on the photos is very likely Ann LeVier, daughter of the Lockheed testpilot Tony LeVier. (Photos by Lockheed thanks to Pete Cluckey) |
1017/55-2971
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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)
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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).
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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.
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55-2971, recovered after another incident during test program in 1959 (USAF).
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55-2971, recovered after another incident during test program in 1959 (USAF).
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55-2971, recovered after another incident during test program in 1959 (USAF).
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Soon after it was repaired it was modified into QF-104A and was transferred to the 3205nd DS at Eglin AFB. Here a photo taken during unmanned flight tests. Photo taken by Chuck Dildine.
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Soon after it was repaired it was modified into QF-104A and was transferred to the 3205nd DS at Eglin AFB. Here a photo taken during unmanned flight tests. Photo taken by Chuck Dildine.
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Soon after it was repaired it was modified into QF-104A and was transferred to the 3205nd DS at Eglin AFB. Here a photo taken during unmanned flight tests. Photo taken by Chuck Dildine.
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