F-104G (China)

This page is about the jet fighter F-104G (China). For other versions, see F-104 (Family).

␗F-104G

␗F-104A

␗F-5A

␗F-104G

␗F-104A

␗F-5A

China

VII Rank

Battle rating:

AB	RB	SB
10.7	10.7	10.3

Class:

Fighter

Jet fighter

Research:260 000

Purchase:710 000

Show in game

Description

The ␗F-104G Starfighter, commonly known as the "星式戰鬥機" (literal translation of "Starfighter") or by its notorious nicknames "寡婦製造機" (Widowmaker) and "飛行棺材" (Flying Coffin) derived from the Luftwaffe, was a later variant of the F-104 that was acquired by the ROCAF through Project Alishan (阿里山計劃) as a replacement for the earlier fleet of subsonics and F-100s during the intense conflicts across the strait in the 1960s. The first F-104Gs arrived in the ROCAF in 1963 through the Alishan No.2 program, with a series of new jets provided by Lockheed and Canadair. Later on, additional F-104Gs from the Luftwaffe and the Danish Air Force were also delivered to the ROCAF as supplementary jets. This particular variant of the Starfighter was the only one in the ROCAF to engage in aerial combat with the PLAAF in 1967, with sources suggesting different outcomes. 4353/64-17779 was confirmed as the only F-104G lost in combat. Some F-104Gs were later converted into reconnaissance variants, known as the TF-104G, and were used for reconnaissance missions along the coastline of Mainland China. Despite becoming extremely outdated by the 1990s, these jets continued to participate in the most intense Combat Air Patrol (CAP) missions around Taiwan Island, in preparation for the potential outbreak of war. After the introduction of the F-CK-1, Mirage 2000-5Ei, and the F-16 Block 20 in ROCAF service, the Starfighters were decommissioned and some are now scattered across the islands as monuments or exhibits.

Introduced in Update "Starfighters", the multi-role F-104G model, originally developed for export to Germany, represents a significant advancement compared to the preceding ROCAF F-104A. It features a more powerful engine and an improved range of suspended ordnance. This Taiwanese example differs from the original F-104G by having access to the AIM-9J Sidewinder air-to-air missile and the AGM-12B Bullpup air-to-ground missile, making it one of the most formidable Starfighters.

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 410 km/h

Turn time34 s

Max altitude16 000 m

EngineGeneral Electric J79-GE-11

Type

Cooling systemAir

Take-off weight24 t

The F-104G has about 8% more engine thrust than the F-104A in exchange for slightly increased weight. The general performance has been improved but the characteristics remain similar, so anyone used to flying the F-104A will find the transition easy. As with the other Starfighters, the F-104G has great speed, acceleration, and climb rate due to its streamlined aerodynamics and powerful engine. This is achieved at the cost of low-speed handling and turning capabilities. It only turns acceptably at transonic or supersonic speeds, anything below that being far below average for a jet fighter. The stubby wings with a low aspect ratio also contribute to poor manoeuvring energy retention, so extended turning will bleed energy quickly. The roll rate is good, which helps in defensive manoeuvres.

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	2,341	2,315	16000	34.5	35.1	230.3	222.2	850
Upgraded	2,433	2,387		33.5	34.0	292.1	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	+	-
1,555	546	N/A	827	444	~12	~5

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)
General Electric J79-GE-11		1	6,552 kg		532 kg/m2
Engine characteristics			Mass with fuel (no weapons load)				Max Takeoff Weight
Weight (each)	Type		10m fuel	20m fuel	30m fuel	35m fuel
1,615 kg	Afterburning axial-flow turbojet		7,345 kg	8,057 kg	8,809 kg	9,194 kg	24,000 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)			Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
Condition	100%	WEP	10m fuel	20m fuel	30m fuel	35m fuel	MTOW
Stationary	4,128 kgf	6,357 kgf	0.87	0.79	0.72	0.69	0.26
Optimal	4,128 kgf (0 km/h)	8,391 kgf (1,200 km/h)	1.14	1.04	0.95	0.91	0.35

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person

Speed of destruction

Structural0 km/h

Gear546 km/h

The F-104G is not equipped with any armour plating, and is therefore rather vulnerable to enemy fire, especially given the fact that most enemies at this rank sport high-calibre cannons. Since the plane's wings are so small, any damage to them at all drastically reduces stability and manoeuvrability, and may result in a crash. All of the vehicle's fuel tanks are centrally located, so fuel fires are unlikely to occur. However, the engine is very large, so it is very likely that it will sustain heavy damage if the vehicle is fired upon.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference

AB3 077 → 4 157

RB8 997 → 12 154

SB10 320 → 13 942

Total cost of modifications223 500

350 000

Talisman cost2 800

Crew training200 000

Experts710 000

Aces2 800

Research Aces1 080 000

Reward for battleAB / RB / SB

120 / 310 / 600 %

232 / 232 / 232 %

Modifications

Flight performance	Survivability	Weaponry
Compressor Research: 9 100 Cost: 14 000 320 New boosters Research: 10 000 Cost: 16 000 360 Wings repair Research: 14 000 Cost: 22 000 500 Engine Research: 18 000 Cost: 28 000 640	Fuselage repair Research: 9 100 Cost: 14 000 320 Airframe Research: 10 000 Cost: 16 000 360 G-suit Research: 14 000 Cost: 22 000 500 Cover Research: 18 000 Cost: 28 000 640	M60_belt_pack Research: 9 100 Cost: 14 000 320 BLU-1 Research: 9 100 Cost: 14 000 320 Mk82 Research: 9 100 Cost: 14 000 320 LAU-32 Research: 10 000 Cost: 16 000 360 M117 Research: 10 000 Cost: 16 000 360 AIM-9B Research: 10 000 Cost: 16 000 360 M60_new_gun Research: 14 000 Cost: 22 000 500 Mk83 Research: 14 000 Cost: 22 000 500 AGM-12B Bullpup Research: 18 000 Cost: 28 000 640 AIM-9J Research: 18 000 Cost: 28 000 640

Armaments

Ballistic Computer
CCIP (Guns)	CCIP (Rockets)	CCIP (Bombs)	CCRP (Bombs)

Offensive armament

The F-104G (China) is armed with:

• 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon, nose-mounted (750 rpg)

The M61 Vulcan is a powerful gatling cannon. A quick and accurate burst can send targets into flames and the incredible rate of fire allows for some spray-and-pray, which is especially helpful considering how difficult it can be to get guns on target in this aircraft. But it has several drawbacks: first, the gun needs to spool up momentarily before it will fire, and second, the ammunition supply of 750 rounds will be depleted in no time if fired continuously. The former makes tap firing the gun to conserve ammunition a difficult affair but the latter means that holding down the trigger is not optimal either—certainly an awkward situation! New pilots can be afford to be somewhat more trigger-happy as they get used to the gun.

Suspended armament

The F-104G (China) can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs		1		1*		1
500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs		1		1*		1
750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs		1		1*		1
1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs		1		1*		1
BLU-1 incendiary bombs		1		1*		1
Hydra-70 M247 rockets		7				7
AGM-12B Bullpup missiles		1				1
AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles	1		1*		1*		1
AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles	1						1
AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles	1		1*		1*		1
Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 500 kg
* Ordnance on hardpoint 4 cannot be carried in conjunction with missiles on hardpoints 3/5

Default weapon presets
Without load 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles 14 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles 3 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (1,500 lb total) 3 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (1,500 lb total) 3 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (2,250 lb total) 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (3,000 lb total) 3 x BLU-1 incendiary bombs

As a fighter bomber variant of the F-104, the F-104G has vastly improved ordnance compared to the F-104A's measly pair of AIM-9Bs. For air-to-air combat, the best loadout consists of four AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles. The AIM-9Js have good range, target acquisition, and manoeuvrability. They can be fired from a fairly safe distance and score kills reliably, which is definitely helpful since the F-104G does not fare well in close-quarters dogfights.

For ground attack, the F-104G can carry bombs, rockets, and missiles. The largest bombload consists of three 1000 lb bombs. The only rockets it has access to are Hydra-70s with decent penetration but low explosive mass and ammo count. The real stars of the show for tank busting are the pair of AGM-12B Bullpup air-to-ground missiles. These have a warhead twice as large as the AS-20 Nords carried by the German F-104G and require less precision to score a kill. However they fly significantly slower, which can either be a good or bad quality depending on one's skill with manual guidance. Two AIM-9J Sidewinders can be carried in addition to the Bullpups to round out the loadout.

Usage in battles

The F-104G does one thing extremely well: speed. This is the vehicle's greatest advantage, and can be used to great effect if the pilot is careful about choosing which engagements to pursue. It is recommended to keep up a high air-speed at all times, which will allow the F-104G to swoop in and out of the combat zone while evading enemies. Stick to boom-and-zoom attacks and avoid charging directly into combat. Keep a safe distance from enemy fighters, as it is easy for enemies to make the F-104G overshoot or otherwise reverse it. If an enemy gets on the F-104G's tail, there is not much one can do besides accelerating away or in emergencies using the roll rate to dodge fire and enter rolling scissors. If a safe distance is maintained, it is even possible to outrun enemy air-to-air missiles.

The F-104G struggles with manoeuvrability. With such small wings, it simply can't produce the lift necessary to throw itself around the sky, and therefore has a very poor turning circle. This means that any turning engagement is most likely futile, and also re-emphasises the utility of a boom and zoom playstyle. Note that the use of flaps can significantly improve turning performance, even at high speeds, but any situation requiring hard turning is in all likelihood unfavourable to the F-104G to begin with.

This vehicle is equipped with AIM-9J air-to-air missiles, which are some of the best in the game. With the ability to mount four of them, this vehicle has the potential to do great damage to enemy targets. The F-104G can also equip a wide variety of bombs and rockets, which allows it to fulfill a ground-attack role. It is inferior to the F-104S in total bombload and rocket selection and is still oriented towards air superiority overall. In combined battles, the Bullpup AGMs are effective for destroying tanks. But a few factors dampen the F-104G's utility here: its poor handling and high speed give only a small window of time to manually guide the Bullpups, it does not perform well in hectic low-altitude dogfights. It can be used in a lineup with the ZTZ99-II and ZTZ99-III MBTs. Tankers who wish to bring in Bullpups for close air support when playing with the ZTZ96A will be better served by the F-100A.

Radars

The F-104G is equipped with a PS-03 search and tracking radar. The radar is mounted in the nose of the aircraft.

PS-03 - Target Detection Radar
Maximum Detection Range	Guaranteed Detection Range	Max Azimuth Scan Angle	Max Elevation Scan Angle
90,000 m (theoretical)	30,000 m	±60.0°	-30.0°/+60.0°
PS-03 - Target Tracking Radar
Maximum Tracking Range	Minimum Tracking Range	Azimuth Tracking Angle	Elevation Tracking Angle
75,000 m	200 m	±60.0°	-30.0°/+60.0°

Pros and cons

• Good top speed
• Great rate of climb
• Powerful M61 cannon with high fire rate, good damage, great velocity, and plenty of rounds
• Significantly wider variety of payload options than early F-104s, including the potent AGM-12B Bullpup air-to-ground missiles
• Good roll rate
• Can carry a total of four effective AIM-9J missiles

Cons:

• Very poor overall manoeuvrability and terrible low-speed manoeuvrability
• Bleeds off airspeed quickly in sustained turns
• Lack of countermeasures is a major handicap as the IR missiles the F-104G commonly faces are extremely difficult for it to dodge without flares

History

The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter was a supersonic jet fighter known for its distinctive appearance, described as a "missile with a man in it". At the time of its introduction in 1958 with the US Air Force as an interceptor, the F-104 set multiple performance records and was the first production fighter capable of flying at twice the speed of sound. Flaws of the design included engine troubles, limited range, and poor handling characteristics that led to a poor safety record, earning it several morbid nicknames like "Widowmaker".

The F-104's involvement with the Republic of China/Taiwan began soon after it entered service with the US Air Force in 1958. The Second Taiwan Straits Crisis in the August of that year was sparked by the People's Liberation Army shelling new ROC military installations on the islands of Kinmen and the Matsu Archipelago. The USAF deployed F-104s to Taiwan and used them to perform supersonic passes into the airspace of the Straits and mainland China in order to show off the capabilities of the Mach-2 capable Starfighter and intimidate the PLAAF, which at that time was equipped with MiG-15s and MiG-17s. No actual shooting engagements occurred and the F-104s were withdrawn after a cease fire in October.

The Republic of China Air Force received its first Starfighters starting in 1960, the first batch of F-104A/Bs being from ex-USAF stock. Over the decades, subsequent batches were obtained from a wide variety of countries. The F-104G was obtained from the United States in 1964-69, from Germany in 1983, and from Denmark in 1987, totalling 99 single seaters. More than half of the total Starfighter inventory of the ROCAF consisted of the F-104G, making it the most numerically important model and also the most advanced, along with the F-104Js they had received from Japan.

In operational service, the Starfighters were used to patrol the Straits and was the ROCAF's most capable interceptor for much of the Cold War era. ROCAF F-104Gs engaged PLAAF J-6s in the airspace of Kinmen in January 1967 (the last aerial combat with the PLAAF to date) and reportedly scored two kills, though one F-104 did not return to base and may have been lost. PLAAF pilot Hu Shougen 胡寿根 claimed the victory on 4353/64-17779, while the ROCAF claimed 2 victories over J-6s from their radio surveillance. Their service was otherwise uneventful. The early Starfighter models were retired from combat roles in the 1980s and the late models continued to serve up to 1997 with upgrades to their weaponry until new fighter jets eventually replaced them in ROCAF service.

A large number of Starfighters are preserved and on display in Taiwan today. Single-seat F-104Gs can be found at Ching Chuang Kang Air Base, Kangshan Chinese Air Force Museum, Pingtung Air Base, and other locations. A full list can be found here.

Media

Skins

• Skins and camouflages for the F-104G (China) from live.warthunder.com.

Images

• 

  Retired ROCAF TF-104G at Keelung.
• 

  Retired ROCAF TF-104G at Keelung.

See also

Other F-104Gs

• F-104G
• F-104G (Italy)

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

• topic on the official game forum;
• other literature.