RAAF Lockheed F-104K Starfighter

KiwiZac · February 10, 2022, 05:34:08 PM

I completely and unapologetically love it. Bravo!!

nighthunter · February 10, 2022, 05:46:21 PM

Beautiful job on my least liked American interceptor. I heard stories of our European allies that hated the type because it was touted by Lockheed officials to NATO allies as multirole, and they lost a few good pilots for using it as it was NEVER intended to be used.

Wardukw · February 10, 2022, 11:02:58 PM

Say anything to get sales hunter mate..who cares who dies thousands of miles away..we're making crap loads of cash hence the BS .
Ive always liked the 104 mainly cause ita built for speed and i like speed

ysi_maniac · February 12, 2022, 12:20:47 PM

Highest rate modeling indeed!

Pellson · February 12, 2022, 02:42:06 PM

Quote from: nighthunter on February 10, 2022, 05:46:21 PM
Beautiful job on my least liked American interceptor. I heard stories of our European allies that hated the type because it was touted by Lockheed officials to NATO allies as multirole, and they lost a few good pilots for using it as it was NEVER intended to be used.

Ah, most of those stories were actually paper ducks and not so much embraced by the different services flying zippers. I once spoke at length with an Italian ex-zipper driver who rather adamantly defended his mount. Also the Danes, where I have some 2nd hand intel, seems to have liked their Starfighters.
And if you look at statistics, all the first generation Mach 2 fighters had rather similar loss rates.

In Germany, where most of these stories origin, initial losses were high, but as soon as it was realised that the training syllabus wasn't up to the demands put on new pilots, and this was corrected, losses stabilised on a more normal level. That also goes for the Lightning in RAF and the Draken in Sweden.

AeroplaneDriver · February 12, 2022, 04:31:34 PM

Thanks fellas!!

Regarding accident rates I have also read that the German weather was something of a factor early on for the Luftwaffe aircraft as it's apprently not the easiest thing to fly in instrument conditions. I seem to remember some correlation of higher accident rates for operations in areas with worse weather. And as mentioned early Mach 2 fighters all came with a level of risk few would accept these days.

sandiego89 · February 12, 2022, 04:45:34 PM

Fantastic paint job, well done.

jcf · February 12, 2022, 08:01:14 PM

K for Kangaroo?

Very nice.

AeroplaneDriver · February 13, 2022, 12:12:50 PM

Quote from: joncarrfarrelly on February 12, 2022, 08:01:14 PM
K for Kangaroo?

Very nice.

That actually works!!!

NARSES2 · February 18, 2022, 02:51:48 AM

Very nice build Nick

Quote from: Pellson on February 12, 2022, 02:42:06 PM

And if you look at statistics, all the first generation Mach 2 fighters had rather similar loss rates.

I spent my working life with statistics. What answer would you like sir ?

Old Wombat · February 18, 2022, 02:53:28 AM

"Lies, Damned Lies & Statistics!"

NARSES2 · February 18, 2022, 03:02:59 AM

Quote from: Old Wombat on February 18, 2022, 02:53:28 AM
"Lies, Damned Lies & Statistics!"

Moi ?

Stratos · December 17, 2023, 06:32:15 AM

Lovely paintscheme and nice background story, can you ellaborate a bit more about the Aussie modifications? Would have loved to see it armed tough!

Captain Canada · December 17, 2023, 07:23:25 AM

Hoe'd I miss this one ? One of my favourite, most coolest aeroplanes done by one my favourite, most coolest builders ? Love it ! It might have alot of rivets, but with your excellent paint work they blend right in and look like part of the weathering. Nice back strory as well.

HarryPhishnuts · December 21, 2023, 08:03:08 AM

Beautiful build and great what-if