Difference between revisions of "F-104G (France)"

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<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Seek & Destroy"]].
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Seek & Destroy"]].
 +
 +
The Belgian Starfighter is an aircraft that constitutes the last gasps of an era of supersonic interceptors where speed was of utmost importance, and thus often faces adversaries of the next generation of fighters, carrying high performance missiles, both infrared and radar guided. As such, the tremendous engine power of the F-104G becomes an obsolete asset. The tactics based on hit-and-run, flaking the enemy group, and passing through furballs still work, they yield moderate results.
 +
 +
Belgium operated a fleet of around 100 F-104Gs between 1963 and 1983. Except for the very first aircraft, all F-104Gs for the Belgian Air Force were produced locally in Belgium by SABCA who also produced some for the German Air Force. The F-104G would be the main fighter of the Belgian Air Force until they were replaced by the F-16A. After retirement, they were mainly placed into storage, with around 20 being sold to Turkey and a couple sold to Taiwan.
 +
 +
This specific F-104G, FX-99, was the last flying Belgian F-104G during its retirement. It is currently privately owned and was recently restored back to flying conditions.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 17: Line 23:
 
{{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.'' -->
−
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
As with all the Starfighters, the airplane is characterised by it's enormous engine and stubby wings, and demonstrates a good capability for acceleration, but an abysmal manoeuvrability.
 +
 
 +
The engine power that was the main advantage of the F-104s of previous generations is neutralised on this particuliar version, not because it is worse in any way, but because at the Battle Rating of 11.0, nearly all adversaries are supersonic, and a few of them can out-accelerate the aircraft. Mig-21s and F-5Cs and Es are of that breed and are a dangerous opponent to the Belgian Starfighter.
 +
 
 +
Manoeuvrability wise, turning should nearly never be considered as a combat option. The F-104 turns miserably, has a very low nose authority, and when turning trades of it's only remaining viable defense mechanism, it's speed. It is less manoeuvrable than the F-4 family, the A-10, Su-25 family, or even the F-111.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
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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.'' -->
−
''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.''
+
The Belgian F-104G carries a pair of armour plates in the pilot seat, as well as a pane of bulletproof grass in from of him. Compared to the caliber, velocity and explosive mass of the aircrafts it faces, these protections are virtually useless.
 +
 
 +
The two gameplay facets that ensure this aircrafts survival are it's speed, to reduce the enemy reaction and engagement time, and the use of flares, that the aircraft comes equipped with.
 +
 
 +
It is to be noted that at it's battle rating, this Starfighter can face opponents equipped with advanced radars and SARH missiles. As such, staying in the ground clutter and avoiding to appear as a sore thumb on their scopes is a necessary survival tactic.
 +
 
 +
In general, not being the center of attention increases the Starfighter lifespan.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
Line 140: Line 156:
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
{{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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
−
''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.''
+
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
|-
 +
! !! width="6%" | 1 !! width="6%" | 2 !! width="6%" | 3 !! width="6%" | 4 !! width="6%" | 5 !! width="6%" | 6 !! width="6%" | 7
 +
| rowspan="12" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_F-104G_(Germany).png]]</div>
 +
|-
 +
! [[Matra 25E (250 kg)|250 kg Matra 25E]] bombs
 +
| || 1 || || 1* || || 1 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
 +
| || 1 || || 1* || || 1 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[Mk 82 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye]] bombs
 +
| || 1 || || 1* || || 1 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|750 lb M117 cone 45]] bombs
 +
| || 1 || || 1* || || 1 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83]] bombs
 +
| || 1 || || 1* || || 1 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[BLU-1 incendiary]] bombs
 +
| || 1 || || 1* || || 1 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[Hydra-70 M247]] rockets
 +
| || 7 || || || || 7 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[AIM-9B Sidewinder]] missiles
 +
| 1 || || 1* || || 1* || || 1
 +
|-
 +
! [[AIM-9E Sidewinder]] missiles
 +
| 1 || || || || || || 1
 +
|-
 +
! [[AIM-9J Sidewinder]] missiles
 +
| 1 || || 1* || || 1* || || 1
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="8" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 500 kg
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="9" | * Ordnance on hardpoint 4 cannot by carried in conjunction with missiles on hardpoints 3/5
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
 
* Without load
 
* Without load
 
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
 
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
Line 156: Line 215:
 
* 3 x BLU-1 incendiary bombs
 
* 3 x BLU-1 incendiary bombs
 
{{Navigation-End}}
 
{{Navigation-End}}
 +
 +
The F-104G in the french tech tree is the first aircraft to propose as it's onboard armament the M61 Vulcan revolving canon. As such, pilots will not be used to it's characteristics, rather being aquainted to the slower firing, but very harder hitting DEFA canons. Where a single DEFA hit redered any adversary unable to keep fighting at the very least (more often than not exploding like a grenade), the Vulcan hits are less catastrophic in terms of damage. On the other hand, multiple hits can be registered on the target in a single pass.
 +
 +
The main Air-to-Air armament of the Belgian Starfighter, the AIM-9J, is a relatively capable missile at it's tier, even if it's manoeuvrability is mediocre with regard to the closing speeds of the engagements.
  
 
== 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).'' -->
−
''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).''
+
The F-104G should be used as what it is, a last version a style of aircraft based on an obsolete paradigm. Supplanted in 1v1 scenarios by basically any other fighter, the pilote must read the sway of the battle consistently to discover flanking routes and engaged furballs to attack, and notable ennemies to avoid. Overall, the Belgian Starfighter is stuck in a support role for other aircrafts, harrassing high energy state ennemies, and destroying lower energy state ones.
 +
 
 +
In Air-to-Air roles, maintaining the upper hand on the enemy team requires a lot of focus. Flanking routes should be prioritised, and extended as far as possible, even up to attacking from behind.
 +
 
 +
In Mixed battle, the F-104G is a poor choice, being completely outclassed by aircrafts and weapons decades mode modern, such as the Jaguar A/E, or the Super Etendard, or even the Milan and Etendard IVM.  
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->'''Pros:'''
−
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''
+
 
 +
* Has access to stock flares
  
−
'''Pros:'''
 
 
*
 
*
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
 +
 +
* Terrible manoeuvrability
 +
* No radar missiles
 +
* Mediocre IR missiles, unslavable to the radar
 +
* Radar is poor for Air-to-Air roles
 +
* Operating altitudes severely hampered by Fox 1 carriers.
 +
 
*
 
*
  
Line 183: Line 257:
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
−
''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;''
+
;Related development
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
 
 +
* [[F-104 (Family)]]
 +
** [[F-104G (Germany)]]
 +
** [[F-104G (Italy)]]
 +
** [[F-104G (China)]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 191: Line 269:
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 +
 
* [[wt:en/news/8919-development-dutch-and-belgian-aircraft-are-joining-the-french-tree-en|[Devblog] Dutch and Belgian Aircraft are Joining the French Tree!]]
 
* [[wt:en/news/8919-development-dutch-and-belgian-aircraft-are-joining-the-french-tree-en|[Devblog] Dutch and Belgian Aircraft are Joining the French Tree!]]
 +
* [https://www.belgian-wings.be/lockheed-f-104g-starfighter-basis <nowiki>[Belgian Wings]</nowiki> Lockheed F-104G Starfighter]
  
 
{{AirManufacturer SABCA}}
 
{{AirManufacturer SABCA}}
 
{{France jet aircraft}}
 
{{France jet aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 21:49, 6 November 2024

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
This page is about the Belgian jet fighter F-104G (France). For other versions, see F-104 (Family).
▄F-104G
f-104g_belgium.png
GarageImage F-104G (France).jpg
▄F-104G
France flag.png France
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
10.7 11.0 10.7
Class:
Research:300 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:830 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The ▄F-104G Starfighter is a rank VII French jet fighter with a battle rating of 10.7 (AB/SB) and 11.0 (RB). It was introduced in Update "Seek & Destroy".

The Belgian Starfighter is an aircraft that constitutes the last gasps of an era of supersonic interceptors where speed was of utmost importance, and thus often faces adversaries of the next generation of fighters, carrying high performance missiles, both infrared and radar guided. As such, the tremendous engine power of the F-104G becomes an obsolete asset. The tactics based on hit-and-run, flaking the enemy group, and passing through furballs still work, they yield moderate results.

Belgium operated a fleet of around 100 F-104Gs between 1963 and 1983. Except for the very first aircraft, all F-104Gs for the Belgian Air Force were produced locally in Belgium by SABCA who also produced some for the German Air Force. The F-104G would be the main fighter of the Belgian Air Force until they were replaced by the F-16A. After retirement, they were mainly placed into storage, with around 20 being sold to Turkey and a couple sold to Taiwan.

This specific F-104G, FX-99, was the last flying Belgian F-104G during its retirement. It is currently privately owned and was recently restored back to flying conditions.

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-11
Type
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight24 t

As with all the Starfighters, the airplane is characterised by it's enormous engine and stubby wings, and demonstrates a good capability for acceleration, but an abysmal manoeuvrability.

The engine power that was the main advantage of the F-104s of previous generations is neutralised on this particuliar version, not because it is worse in any way, but because at the Battle Rating of 11.0, nearly all adversaries are supersonic, and a few of them can out-accelerate the aircraft. Mig-21s and F-5Cs and Es are of that breed and are a dangerous opponent to the Belgian Starfighter.

Manoeuvrability wise, turning should nearly never be considered as a combat option. The F-104 turns miserably, has a very low nose authority, and when turning trades of it's only remaining viable defense mechanism, it's speed. It is less manoeuvrable than the F-4 family, the A-10, Su-25 family, or even the F-111.

Characteristics Max speed
(km/h at _,___ m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock ___ ___ 16000 __._ __._ __._ __._ ___
Upgraded ___ ___ __._ __._ __._ __._

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
_ _ _ _ _ _
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
0 546 ___ ___ ___ ~__ ~__
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< ___ < ___ < ___ -

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

The Belgian F-104G carries a pair of armour plates in the pilot seat, as well as a pane of bulletproof grass in from of him. Compared to the caliber, velocity and explosive mass of the aircrafts it faces, these protections are virtually useless.

The two gameplay facets that ensure this aircrafts survival are it's speed, to reduce the enemy reaction and engagement time, and the use of flares, that the aircraft comes equipped with.

It is to be noted that at it's battle rating, this Starfighter can face opponents equipped with advanced radars and SARH missiles. As such, staying in the ground clutter and avoiding to appear as a sore thumb on their scopes is a necessary survival tactic.

In general, not being the center of attention increases the Starfighter lifespan.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 135 → 4 235 Sl icon.png
RB9 174 → 12 394 Sl icon.png
SB9 411 → 12 714 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications264 800 Rp icon.png
414 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 900 Ge icon.png
Crew training240 000 Sl icon.png
Experts830 000 Sl icon.png
Aces3 000 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 140 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
120 / 320 / 600 % Sl icon.png
238 / 238 / 238 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
8 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods booster.png
New boosters
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
29 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
45 000 Sl icon.png
980 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
8 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
M60_belt_pack
Research:
8 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods napalm fire bomb.png
BLU-1
Research:
8 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Type 25C
Research:
8 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
Flares/Chaff
Research:
8 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
LAU-32
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk82
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-9B
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods weapon.png
M60_new_gun
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
M117
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk83
Research:
29 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
45 000 Sl icon.png
980 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-9J
Research:
29 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
45 000 Sl icon.png
980 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Ballistic Computer
CCIP (Guns) CCIP (Rockets) CCIP (Bombs) CCRP (Bombs) EEGS
Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon RedXCross.png Icon RedXCross.png

Offensive armament

Main article: M61A1 (20 mm)

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

  • 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon, cheek-mounted (750 rpg)
  • 60 x countermeasures

Suspended armament

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

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Hardpoints F-104G (Germany).png
250 kg Matra 25E bombs 1 1* 1
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
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 by 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
  • 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 250 kg Matra 25E bombs (750 kg total)
  • 3 x BLU-1 incendiary bombs

The F-104G in the french tech tree is the first aircraft to propose as it's onboard armament the M61 Vulcan revolving canon. As such, pilots will not be used to it's characteristics, rather being aquainted to the slower firing, but very harder hitting DEFA canons. Where a single DEFA hit redered any adversary unable to keep fighting at the very least (more often than not exploding like a grenade), the Vulcan hits are less catastrophic in terms of damage. On the other hand, multiple hits can be registered on the target in a single pass.

The main Air-to-Air armament of the Belgian Starfighter, the AIM-9J, is a relatively capable missile at it's tier, even if it's manoeuvrability is mediocre with regard to the closing speeds of the engagements.

Usage in battles

The F-104G should be used as what it is, a last version a style of aircraft based on an obsolete paradigm. Supplanted in 1v1 scenarios by basically any other fighter, the pilote must read the sway of the battle consistently to discover flanking routes and engaged furballs to attack, and notable ennemies to avoid. Overall, the Belgian Starfighter is stuck in a support role for other aircrafts, harrassing high energy state ennemies, and destroying lower energy state ones.

In Air-to-Air roles, maintaining the upper hand on the enemy team requires a lot of focus. Flanking routes should be prioritised, and extended as far as possible, even up to attacking from behind.

In Mixed battle, the F-104G is a poor choice, being completely outclassed by aircrafts and weapons decades mode modern, such as the Jaguar A/E, or the Super Etendard, or even the Milan and Etendard IVM.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Has access to stock flares

Cons:

  • Terrible manoeuvrability
  • No radar missiles
  • Mediocre IR missiles, unslavable to the radar
  • Radar is poor for Air-to-Air roles
  • Operating altitudes severely hampered by Fox 1 carriers.

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: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable).

Media

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

See also

Related development

External links


Belgian Limited Company of Aeronautical Constructions (SABCA)
Jet Fighters  ▄Mirage 5BA*
  ▄F-104G*
  ▄F-16A* · ▄F-16AM*
  * Licensed Production / Variants
See also  Dassault · Lockheed · General Dynamics

France jet aircraft
Fighters  M.D.450B Ouragan · M.D.450B Barougan · M.D.452 IIA · M.D.452 IIC · Mystere IVA · Super Mystere B2
  ▄F-86K · ▄F-100D · ▄F-8E(FN)
  Mirage IIIC · Mirage IIIE · Milan · Mirage 5F · Mirage 2000C-S4 · Mirage 2000C-S5 · Mirage 2000-5F · Mirage 4000
  Mirage F1C · Mirage F1C-200 · Mirage F1CT
Strike aircraft  ▄F-84F · F-84F IAF · ▄F-84G-26-RE
  Etendard IVM · Super Etendard · Alpha Jet E
  Jaguar A · Jaguar E · Mirage 2000D-R1 · Mirage 2000D-RMV
Bombers  S.O.4050 Vautour IIA · Vautour IIA IDF/AF · S.O.4050 Vautour IIB · S.O.4050 Vautour IIN · S.O.4050 Vautour IIN (late)
Belgium  ▄Meteor F Mk.8 · ▄Mirage 5BA · ▄F-104G · ▄F-16A · ▄F-16AM
Netherlands  ◘Sea Hawk Mk.50 · ◘Hunter F.6

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