F-104/S STARFIGHTER 1/32

The supersonic interceptor aircraft F-104 Starfighter was, without doubts, one of the most famous, and long-lasting, aircraft in History. The F-104 entered in service in the late ‘50s and served with USAF for a long time. Later on, it has formed the fighter squadrons of several NATO air forces for more than 40 years. The “Starfighter” was based and developed on an original and unique concept for its time : innovative shape of the plane extremely thin, small, straight  mid-mounted, trapezoidal wings, the stabiliator mounted atop the fin, a powerful and reliable General Electric J-79 turbojet engine able to guarantee outstanding supersonic performances. The F-104G, manufactured under license in several NATO countries, has been built in a huge number of units  and used, thanks to its increased flight range and load capacity, as multi-role fighter-bomber. The F-104S, upgraded in technological features and weapons system, has equipped the Italian Air Force fighter squadrons until the mid-2000s, replaced with the Eurofighter Typhoon,  showing an impressive operational life.