Difference between revisions of "F-104S TAF (Italy)"

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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Apex Predators"]].
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Apex Predators"]].
  
−
The exported version of Italian's licensed F-104S to Turkey; although F-104 series are deemed obsolete at this tier, especially in terms of its doctrine of trading maneuverability for its high climb rate and speed, if used with caution to more advanced jets, it can still ensures the combat capability with high number of A2A weaponry against unaware targets by going above and wait for the chance.
+
The Italian-exported F-104S to Turkey; although the F-104 series are deemed obsolete at this tier, especially in terms of its doctrine of trading manoeuvrability for high speed and climb rate, if used with caution to more advanced jets, it is still capable in combat with a large amount of A2A weaponry against unaware targets.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 20: Line 20:
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
−
The vehicle itself is totally identical to its [[F-104S|tech-tree counterpart]] but with Turkish markings. One of the most distinctive feature of F-104 series is the pencil-like airframe with extremely thin and small control surfaces, F-104S is no exception and it also carries an engine with very similar thrust to the J79-GE-17 for [[F-4E Phantom II|Phantom]], making it even faster and accelerates faster than previous models. But this increase in thrust didn't change the other feature of F-104 series- its maneuverability, some even refer it as a jet that could only fly straight; due to the design for the highest possible climb rate against Soviet bombers and counter earlier jets of its era (ie MiG-19), it also has one of the thinnest wing of all current jets in game. Although it has a pair of flaps sufficient enough to be extended even at 900 km/h for extra maneuverability, in most cases, if the target is not something as huge as a [[B-29A-BN|B-29 Superfortress]], chances are players would have to go into energy fights with enemies which could be extra challenging to handle due to its infamous maneuverability. Be sure not being baited into a dogfight or finish the fight as fast as possible as more speed means more odds to survive the battle.
+
The vehicle itself is totally identical to its [[F-104S|tech-tree counterpart]] but with Turkish markings. One of the most distinctive features of the F-104 series is the pencil-like airframe with extremely thin and small control surfaces: the F-104S is no exception. It also carries an engine with very similar thrust to the J79-GE-17 of the [[F-4E Phantom II|F-4 Phantom]], making it even faster than previous models. However, this increase in thrust doesn't change the drawback of the F-104 series - its manoeuvrability. Due to the design calling for the highest possible climb rate to counter Soviet bombers and earlier jets of its era (e.g. [[MiG-19 (Family)|MiG-19]]), it has some of the thinnest wings of any jet aircraft. Although it has a pair of flaps able to be extended even at 900 km/h for extra manoeuvrability, in most cases, if the target is not something as huge as a [[B-29A-BN|B-29 Superfortress]], chances are that players may get drawn into energy fights with enemies which could be extra challenging to handle due to the infamous lack of manoeuvrability. Be sure not to be baited into a dogfight, and finish an engagement as fast as possible as more speed means more odds to survive the battle.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
−
! colspan="2" | Max speed<br>(km/h at _,___ m)
+
! colspan="2" | Max speed<br>(km/h at 15,240 m)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
Line 33: Line 33:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
−
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | ___
+
| 2,344 || 2,316 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 34.5 || 34.7 || 225.5 || 216.5 || rowspan="2" | 850
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
−
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
+
| 2,431 || 2,387 || 33.5 || 34.0 || 297.4 || 260.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
 
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
 
|-
 
|-
−
| _ || _ || _ || _ || _ || _     <!-- ✓ -->
+
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓     <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || ___ || ___ || ___ || ~__ || ~__
+
| 1,527 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 827 || 444 || ~12 || ~4
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < ___ || < ___ || < ___ || N/A
+
| < 720 || < 950 || < 800 || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
−
Like its tech tree counterparts, F-104S for TAF also receives none additional protection against oncoming shots; what makes the situation even dire is that it also doesn't equipped with an EFS onboard, in case of an fire, players would have to pray for the fuel burns out before structural failure or the self-sealing tank stopped the fire eventually. In most cases, with the engine damaged by different means and damages onboard, F-104S would have extremely hard time returning for an repair.
+
Like its tech tree counterpart, the TAF F-104S also has no additional protection against oncoming shots. What makes the situation even mpre dire is that it also doesn't equip an EFS onboard: in case of an engine fire, players will have to pray that it burns out naturally before structural failure. In most cases, with the engine damaged by different means or other damage onboard, the F-104S will have an extremely hard time returning for a repair.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
 +
|-
 +
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
 +
|-
 +
|}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
Line 132: Line 141:
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|BLU-1 incendiary|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|AIM-7E Sparrow|AIM-9B Sidewinder|AIM-9P Sidewinder|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP|M61A1 (20 mm)}}
 +
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance presets:
 +
 +
* Without load
 +
* 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon (750 rpg) + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
 +
* 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
 +
* 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 6 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
 +
* 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 6 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
 +
* 2 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles
 +
* 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 +
* 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
 +
* 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (1,500 lb total)
 +
* 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 7 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (3,500 lb total)
 +
* 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 7 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (5,250 lb total)
 +
* 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (3,000 lb total)
 +
* 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb (2,000 lb total)
 +
* 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 7 x BLU-1 incendiary bombs
 +
 
==== Custom loadout options ====
 
==== Custom loadout options ====
−
''Note: identical to F-104S in AMI service.''
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
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| 1 || 1 || || 1 || || || 1 || || 1 || 1
 
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || || || 1 || || 1 || 1
 
|-
 
|-
−
! AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
+
! AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
 
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || || || 1 || || 1 || 1
 
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || || || 1 || || 1 || 1
 
|-
 
|-
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| colspan="12" | * AIM-7E Sparrow missiles cannot be equipped in conjunction with the 20 mm M61A1 cannon.
 
| colspan="12" | * AIM-7E Sparrow missiles cannot be equipped in conjunction with the 20 mm M61A1 cannon.
 
|}
 
|}
−
 
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
Being one of member the Starfighter family, F-104S excels excellently at its main feature- speed and climb rate. As one of the earliest jets to hit Mach 2.0 at high-altitude, the design doctrine called for the maximum climb rate and speed possible, this resulted to the pencil-like airframe. Players will soon find it very different from other jets of its tier; while those jets would still have the chance to be engaged into a dogfight to a certain extend, this would not be the case for F-104S. The jet itself does have varieties of air-to-air weaponries, such as later series of rear-aspect Sidewinders and even Sparrow at its disposal, the jet itself does also come with a M61 on the port side of the airframe. At first glance this might sound pleasing as there are 6 missiles in total for the jet, but when players decided to install AIM-7E for F-104S, they will find that the only fixed cannon onboard would be traded with the port side missile as Sparrow is too long for the airframe; the other thing that hindered F-104S is the radar itself. It does have 30 km search range but the scan rate is slow compare to jets at its tier; the overall performance of this radar also hindered the Sparrow as it couldn't handle targets below it- a major drawback for an interceptor. For most air-to-air combats, bring 6 AIM-9s are more than enough to handle the heated battlefield when delivering strikes upon unaware enemies; if players want to take a bet on head-on fights against target above F-104S, the pair of Sparrows can make sure they could make short work on enemies given the missiles do track on the target, make sure every missile counts as these are the only weapons onboard. F-104S should be used for high-altitude interception or going fast at lower altitudes, being fast does help its survivability; going fast and fly straight to another side of the map can make it a supporting fighter for the team if not being intercepted by enemies, then fly back to the battlefield and pick up targets who used up their energy or without any flares to make the maximum efficiency. Only go dogfights in dire or one-on-one battle; use the flaps accordingly does compensate its poor maneuverability at speeds below 900 km/h.
+
Being a member of the Starfighter family, the F-104S excels excellently at its main feature - speed and climb rate. As one of the earliest jets to hit Mach 2.0 at high altitude, the design doctrine called for the maximum climb rate and speed possible, resulting in the pencil-like airframe. Players will soon find it very different from other jets of its tier: while those jets would still have the chance to succeed in a dogfight to a certain extent, this is not the case for F-104S. The jet itself does have varieties of air-to-air weaponries, such as later series of rear-aspect Sidewinders and even Sparrows at its disposal, the jet itself does also come with an M61 cannon on the port side of the airframe. At first glance this might sound pleasing as there are 6 missiles in total for the jet, but when players decided to equip AIM-7Es, they will find that the only cannon onboard is removed to fit the Sparrow guidance equipment.
 +
 
 +
The other thing that hinders F-104S is the radar itself. It does have 30 km search range but the scan rate is slow compared to jets at its tier; the overall performance of this radar also hindered as the Sparrow has difficulty handling targets below it - a major drawback for an interceptor. For most air-to-air combats, bringing 6 AIM-9s is more than enough to handle the heated battlefield when delivering strikes upon unaware enemies; if players want to take a bet on head-on fights against targets from below, the pair of Sparrows will make short work of enemies assuming the missiles do track on the target, but make sure every missile counts as these will be the only weapons onboard. However, the high velocity and rate of fire of the M61 cannon is also often enough to deal with head-on situations.
  
−
While Starfighters are infamous at ground-attacking due to its maneuverability at low-altitude as shown by their German counterparts, it does carries up to 1.36 ton of LDGP bombs or napalm. Players will have to be extremely caution on their position, diving onto targets or being too fast in this case is not a good idea for F-104S, the ballistic computer will make sure the bombs land on designated targets precisely.
+
The F-104S should be used for high-altitude interception or going fast at lower altitudes, being fast helps its survivability; going fast and flying in mostly straight lines around the battlefield, picking off targets that have used up their energy or don't have any flares for the maximum efficiency. Only engage in a dogfight in dire situations or one-on-one battles; use the flaps accordingly as this can compensate for the poor manoeuvrability at speeds below 900 km/h.
 +
 
 +
While Starfighters are infamous at ground-attacking due to its lack of manoeuvrability at low altitude, the F-104S is able to carry up to 1.36 tons of LDGP bombs or napalm. Players will have to be extremely cautious about their position, diving onto targets or being too fast in this case is not a good idea for F-104S. The ballistic computer will make sure the bombs land on desired targets precisely.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 193: Line 225:
  
 
* Rather high acceleration and climb rate than previous models
 
* Rather high acceleration and climb rate than previous models
−
* Varieties of Air-to-Air/Ground weaponry with sufficient overall payload
+
* Varieties of air-to-air/ground weaponry with sufficient overall payload
 
* Sufficient counter-measures for oncoming missiles
 
* Sufficient counter-measures for oncoming missiles
 
* Relative high ammo pool for its M61 cannon
 
* Relative high ammo pool for its M61 cannon
 
* High roll-rate at high speed
 
* High roll-rate at high speed
−
 
−
*
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
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* Way high stall speed than conventional jets
 
* Way high stall speed than conventional jets
 
* Somewhat inferior radar at its tier with a slow scan rate
 
* Somewhat inferior radar at its tier with a slow scan rate
−
 
−
*
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
−
During the heat of Cold War where the Cuban Missile Crisis almost brought an end to the world, Turkey, one of the US missile bases overseas would become the frontline and in dire for new jets. Later in May 1963, TAF received their first 54 F-104G series from the Military Aid Program (MAP; 48 104Gs and 6 TF-104Gs); this also included hundreds of other F-104G series from other NATO countries where they would be eventually replaced by their selected new jets by the 1980s. Aside from Lockheed and Canadair F-104s, Turkey also became the only export customer of F-104S series at a total of 40 of them delivered in late 1974 to May 1975.
+
During the heat of the Cold War when the Cuban Missile Crisis almost brought an end to the world, Turkey, a site of US missile bases overseas, would become the frontline and in dire need for new jets. Later in May 1963, TAF received their first 54 F-104G series from the Military Aid Program (MAP; 48 104Gs and 6 TF-104Gs); this also included hundreds of other F-104G series from other NATO countries where they would be eventually replaced by their selected new jets by the 1980s. Aside from Lockheed and Canadair F-104s, Turkey also became the only export customer of the F-104S series at a total of 40 of them delivered in late 1974 to May 1975.
  
−
Their only combat operation was the Invasion of Cyprus where they could have encounter Starfighters from their neighbor across the Aegean Sea: Greece, but both air forces didn't meet each other and the F-104 series were kept in service until TAI's license-assembled F-16Cs arrived and eventually replaced them by mid-1990s.<ref>http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/f104_24.html</ref><ref>http://www.karo-aviation.nl/favorite/pages/f104/f104thk.htm</ref>
+
Their only combat operation was the Invasion of Cyprus where they could have encountered Starfighters from their neighbour across the Aegean Sea, Greece, but both air forces didn't meet each other and the F-104 series were kept in service until TAI's license-assembled F-16Cs arrived and eventually replaced them in the mid-1990s.<ref>Baugher, Joe. Starfighters with Turkey, December 12, 1999. http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/f104_24.html.</ref><ref>F-104 Starfighter with the THK. http://www.karo-aviation.nl/favorite/pages/f104/f104thk.htm.</ref>
  
−
This jet, numbered '''MM6900/75-6900''' of the Project Bora-II delivery was then stored as part of the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) and later scrapped in June 1995.<ref>http://www.916-starfighter.de/F-104_THK_S.pdf</ref>
+
This jet, numbered '''MM6900/75-6900''' of the Project Bora-II delivery was then stored as part of the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) and later scrapped in June 1995.<ref>Peitzmeier, Hubert. “F-104S Turkish Air Force Serials,” May 21, 2022. http://www.916-starfighter.de/F-104_THK_S.pdf.</ref>
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
Line 234: Line 262:
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
  
−
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
+
=== References ===
−
* ''other literature.''
+
<references />
  
 
{{Italy jet aircraft}}
 
{{Italy jet aircraft}}
 
{{Italy premium aircraft}}
 
{{Italy premium aircraft}}

Revision as of 15:32, 10 January 2023

This page is about the premium jet fighter F-104S TAF (Italy). For other versions, see F-104 (Family).
▄F-104S TAF
f-104s_cb.png
GarageImage F-104S TAF (Italy).jpg
StoreImage F-104S TAF (Italy) 002.jpg
▄F-104S TAF
Italy flag.png Italy
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
10.7 11.0 10.3
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
Show in game
STORE

Description

The ▄F-104S Starfighter TAF is a premium gift rank VII Italian jet fighter with a battle rating of 10.7 (AB), 11.0 (RB), and 10.3 (SB). It was introduced in Update "Apex Predators".

The Italian-exported F-104S to Turkey; although the F-104 series are deemed obsolete at this tier, especially in terms of its doctrine of trading manoeuvrability for high speed and climb rate, if used with caution to more advanced jets, it is still capable in combat with a large amount of A2A weaponry against unaware targets.

General info

Flight performance

Arrestor gear
Accelerates braking by grabbing the brake cable on the deck of the aircraft carrier
Air brakes
Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps
Drogue parachute
Reduces braking distance when landing on any runway
Max speed
at 15 240 m2 387 km/h
Turn time34 s
Max altitude16 000 m
EngineGeneral Electric J79-GE-19
Type
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight24 t

The vehicle itself is totally identical to its tech-tree counterpart but with Turkish markings. One of the most distinctive features of the F-104 series is the pencil-like airframe with extremely thin and small control surfaces: the F-104S is no exception. It also carries an engine with very similar thrust to the J79-GE-17 of the F-4 Phantom, making it even faster than previous models. However, this increase in thrust doesn't change the drawback of the F-104 series - its manoeuvrability. Due to the design calling for the highest possible climb rate to counter Soviet bombers and earlier jets of its era (e.g. MiG-19), it has some of the thinnest wings of any jet aircraft. Although it has a pair of flaps able to be extended even at 900 km/h for extra manoeuvrability, in most cases, if the target is not something as huge as a B-29 Superfortress, chances are that players may get drawn into energy fights with enemies which could be extra challenging to handle due to the infamous lack of manoeuvrability. Be sure not to be baited into a dogfight, and finish an engagement as fast as possible as more speed means more odds to survive the battle.

Characteristics Max speed
(km/h at 15,240 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 2,344 2,316 16000 34.5 34.7 225.5 216.5 850
Upgraded 2,431 2,387 33.5 34.0 297.4 260.0

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
X ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
1,527 546 N/A 827 444 ~12 ~4
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 720 < 950 < 800 N/A

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Basic mass Wing loading (full fuel)
_____ _ _,___ kg ___ kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Gross
Weight
Weight (each) Type _m fuel __m fuel __m fuel
___ kg ___ _,___ kg _,___ kg _,___ kg _,___ kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (___%/WEP)
Condition 100% ___%/WEP _m fuel __m fuel __m fuel MGW
Stationary ___ kgf ___ kgf _.__ _.__ _.__ _.__
Optimal ___ kgf
(_ km/h) 		___ kgf
(_ km/h) 		_.__ _.__ _.__ _.__

Survivability and armour

Flares/Chaff
Aircraft countermeasures to distract IR and radar-guided missiles and also AA radar
Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear546 km/h

Like its tech tree counterpart, the TAF F-104S also has no additional protection against oncoming shots. What makes the situation even mpre dire is that it also doesn't equip an EFS onboard: in case of an engine fire, players will have to pray that it burns out naturally before structural failure. In most cases, with the engine damaged by different means or other damage onboard, the F-104S will have an extremely hard time returning for a repair.

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB1 960 Sl icon.png
RB5 812 Sl icon.png
SB6 208 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts1 160 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 800 Ge icon.png
Research Aces2 150 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 110 / 300 / 600 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 232 / 232 / 232 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Mods booster.png
New boosters
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Mods ammo.png
M60_belt_pack
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk81
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
Flares/Chaff
Mods pilon block rocket.png
LAU-3/A
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods napalm fire bomb.png
BLU-1
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk82
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon block rocket large.png
LAU-10/A
Mods pilon block rocket large.png
LAU-10/A
Mods air to air midrange missile.png
AIM-7E
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
M60_new_gun
Mods pilon bomb.png
M117
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-9B
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk83
Mod arrow right 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk84
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-9P

Armaments

Ballistic Computer
CCIP (Guns) CCIP (Rockets) CCIP (Bombs) CCRP (Bombs)
alt={{{alt}}} alt={{{alt}}} alt={{{alt}}} alt={{{alt}}}

Offensive armament

The F-104S TAF (Italy) is armed with:

  • A choice between two presets:
    • Without offensive armament
    • 60 x countermeasures

Suspended armament

Too many parameters for {{main}}!Main articles: LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb), LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb), M117 cone 45 (750 lb), BLU-1 incendiary, LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)

The F-104S TAF (Italy) can be outfitted with the following ordnance presets:

  • Without load
  • 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon (750 rpg) + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
  • 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
  • 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 6 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
  • 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 6 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
  • 2 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles
  • 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
  • 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (1,500 lb total)
  • 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 7 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (3,500 lb total)
  • 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 7 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (5,250 lb total)
  • 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (3,000 lb total)
  • 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb (2,000 lb total)
  • 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 7 x BLU-1 incendiary bombs

Custom loadout options

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Hardpoints F-104S.ASA.png
20 mm M61A1 cannons (750 rpg) 1
250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs 1 1 1 1 1 1
500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs 1 1 1
2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs 1
BLU-1 incendiary bombs 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets 19 19 19 19
Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets 4 4
AIM-7E Sparrow missiles 1 1
AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles 1 1 1 1 1 1
AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles 1 1 1 1 1 1
Maximum permissible loadout weight: 3,400 kg
Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 500 kg
* AIM-7E Sparrow missiles cannot be equipped in conjunction with the 20 mm M61A1 cannon.

Usage in battles

Being a member of the Starfighter family, the F-104S excels excellently at its main feature - speed and climb rate. As one of the earliest jets to hit Mach 2.0 at high altitude, the design doctrine called for the maximum climb rate and speed possible, resulting in the pencil-like airframe. Players will soon find it very different from other jets of its tier: while those jets would still have the chance to succeed in a dogfight to a certain extent, this is not the case for F-104S. The jet itself does have varieties of air-to-air weaponries, such as later series of rear-aspect Sidewinders and even Sparrows at its disposal, the jet itself does also come with an M61 cannon on the port side of the airframe. At first glance this might sound pleasing as there are 6 missiles in total for the jet, but when players decided to equip AIM-7Es, they will find that the only cannon onboard is removed to fit the Sparrow guidance equipment.

The other thing that hinders F-104S is the radar itself. It does have 30 km search range but the scan rate is slow compared to jets at its tier; the overall performance of this radar also hindered as the Sparrow has difficulty handling targets below it - a major drawback for an interceptor. For most air-to-air combats, bringing 6 AIM-9s is more than enough to handle the heated battlefield when delivering strikes upon unaware enemies; if players want to take a bet on head-on fights against targets from below, the pair of Sparrows will make short work of enemies assuming the missiles do track on the target, but make sure every missile counts as these will be the only weapons onboard. However, the high velocity and rate of fire of the M61 cannon is also often enough to deal with head-on situations.

The F-104S should be used for high-altitude interception or going fast at lower altitudes, being fast helps its survivability; going fast and flying in mostly straight lines around the battlefield, picking off targets that have used up their energy or don't have any flares for the maximum efficiency. Only engage in a dogfight in dire situations or one-on-one battles; use the flaps accordingly as this can compensate for the poor manoeuvrability at speeds below 900 km/h.

While Starfighters are infamous at ground-attacking due to its lack of manoeuvrability at low altitude, the F-104S is able to carry up to 1.36 tons of LDGP bombs or napalm. Players will have to be extremely cautious about their position, diving onto targets or being too fast in this case is not a good idea for F-104S. The ballistic computer will make sure the bombs land on desired targets precisely.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Rather high acceleration and climb rate than previous models
  • Varieties of air-to-air/ground weaponry with sufficient overall payload
  • Sufficient counter-measures for oncoming missiles
  • Relative high ammo pool for its M61 cannon
  • High roll-rate at high speed

Cons:

  • Installation of AIM-7 missiles trades the internal M61 cannon
  • Huge turning radius
  • Way high stall speed than conventional jets
  • Somewhat inferior radar at its tier with a slow scan rate

History

During the heat of the Cold War when the Cuban Missile Crisis almost brought an end to the world, Turkey, a site of US missile bases overseas, would become the frontline and in dire need for new jets. Later in May 1963, TAF received their first 54 F-104G series from the Military Aid Program (MAP; 48 104Gs and 6 TF-104Gs); this also included hundreds of other F-104G series from other NATO countries where they would be eventually replaced by their selected new jets by the 1980s. Aside from Lockheed and Canadair F-104s, Turkey also became the only export customer of the F-104S series at a total of 40 of them delivered in late 1974 to May 1975.

Their only combat operation was the Invasion of Cyprus where they could have encountered Starfighters from their neighbour across the Aegean Sea, Greece, but both air forces didn't meet each other and the F-104 series were kept in service until TAI's license-assembled F-16Cs arrived and eventually replaced them in the mid-1990s.[1][2]

This jet, numbered MM6900/75-6900 of the Project Bora-II delivery was then stored as part of the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) and later scrapped in June 1995.[3]

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the aircraft;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

References

  1. ↑ Baugher, Joe. Starfighters with Turkey, December 12, 1999. http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/f104_24.html.
  2. ↑ F-104 Starfighter with the THK. http://www.karo-aviation.nl/favorite/pages/f104/f104thk.htm.
  3. ↑ Peitzmeier, Hubert. “F-104S Turkish Air Force Serials,” May 21, 2022. http://www.916-starfighter.de/F-104_THK_S.pdf.


Italy jet aircraft
Aerfer  Sagittario 2 · Ariete
Fiat  G.91 pre-serie · G.91 R/1 · G.91 R/4 (Portugal) · G.91 Y · G.91 YS
AMX International  AMX
Panavia  Tornado ADV · ▄Tornado IDS (1995)
  Foreign:
Vampire  Vampire FB 52A
F-84  ▄F-84F · ▄F-84G-21-RE
F-86  CL-13 Mk.4 · ▄F-86K
F-104  ▄F-104G · F-104S · ▄F-104S TAF (Turkey) · F-104S.ASA
F-16  ▄F-16A ADF
AV-8  ▄AV-8B Plus
Hungary 
Mikoyan-Gurevich  ◔MiG-15bis · ◔MiG-17PF · ◔MiG-21MF · ◔MiG-21bis-SAU · ◔MiG-23MF · ◔MiG-29
Ilyushin  ◔IL-28
Sukhoi  ◔Su-22M3
Saab  ◔JAS39EBS HU C

Italy premium aircraft
Fighters  CR.32 bis · Marcolin's C.R.42 CN · He 112 B-1/U2 · Re.2001 gruppo 22
  C. 202D · IAR-81C · ▄Spitfire Mk Vb/trop · ◐Bf 109 F-4 · ◐Bf 109 G-2 · G.55S
Jet fighters  Ariete · G.91 R/4 · ▄F-104S TAF
Strike aircraft  ◐Bf 110 G-4 · Hs 129 B-2 (Romania) · Ro.57 Quadriarma

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