F-104 & Supersonic Penetration

[NARSES2]

I'm also sure I've seen a twin pylon carried on the centreline somewhere - German, perhaps?

Yup

[Pellson]

Some non-US F-104s could carry up to four Sidewinders.   Some had two underfuselage pylons, in front of and to the side of the centreline pylons.  I've seen Italian and Japanese ones with that configuration.  With the two wingtip that could be as many as four.  I'm also sure I've seen a twin pylon carried on the centreline somewhere - German, perhaps?

The seemingly two pylons under the fuselage was really one unit, the so called "catamaran pylons". They were connected with two "strips" of metal and together attached to the lower uselage of the Starfighter. These were developed for the F-104C and then an improved (less draggy) variant on F-104G and derivatives thereof, i.e. japanese and italian developments. Mr Goebel's "Vectorsite" Starfighter article deals with this:
"The centerline stores station of the F-104G could be fitted with an improved "catamaran" rack, less draggy than that used on the F-104C, to carry two Sidewinder AAMs. This fit is rarely shown in pictures of the F-104G."



The most loadable version was the Italian F-104S that all in all had nine pylons available for different mixes of payload. Note that the diagram below lacks the centerline pylon as this isn't compatible with the catamaran pylon. You use either of them, not both at the same time.



it should be noted that not only most of the european Starfighters but also the Canadian examples were not bought as fighters or interceptors but rather intended to deliver low level strike attacks on WP armed assaults rolling westwards through the Hamburg and Fulda gaps. To sort this, all F-104G:s and S:s were considerably strengthened in comparison to earlier marks, also featuring more powerful engines to counter the increased empty weights resulting from the structural reinforcements. They were never as "bricky" as the Bucc, but strong enough to last some twenty years in front line service.

In the strike role, the small wing delivered enough grip in the more dense air at lower altitudes to permit manouverability sufficient for treetop strike corridor flying. Thus, an inderdictor/penetrator variant of the F-104, in particular the TF-104 with seating for a WSO, is not as far fetched as perhaps at first glance. The main problem would obviously be range vs payload, as always.

[albeback]

It certainly could!! I witnessed just such an event at Fairford in   (I think ) 1985. A pair of Lutwaffe F104s were doing a joint display. One came in low with everything hanging. The second came in even lower, very fast & pulled up ahead of the first F104.  The pilot went supersonic as he climbed. At that low altitude, the shockwave and sonic boom were most impressive!!

I'm sure he got a serious talking to after he landed!!

I also remember talking to a Luftwaffe F-104 pilot at Fairford and he more or less comfirmed what you said. The acceleration for what was a relatively light aircraft was exceptional. He also confirmed that the 104 was extremely fast and steady at low level

Allan

Saw something like that at Greenham Common. The pair did a low, very high speed pass with smoke on over the Greenham Women's Peace Campaigners tent site. They'd had a right go at the crowd on entry. When we left they were still trying to find their tents and washing  Ah happy days 

Couldn't have happened to a nicer bunch!!

I believe the F104s were a 2 ship formation team known as The Vikings? I heard another funny story about another "peace " camp. It was related by a USAF jet engine mechanic from ( I think) Lakenheath.  There had been some vandalism conducted by the "peace campaigners" & it was decided to teach them a lesson.(Very)early one morning, an F-111 was towed up to the end of the runway  as close to the tents as possible. The crew got in, startered her up, lit both burners.........................................!!!!!!!

The "peace camp" was allegedly flattened by the blast!! Possibly an apocryphal story but, as you say, happy days!!