Difference between revisions of "F-104S"

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{{Specs-Card|code=f-104s}}
+
{{About
 +
| about = Italian jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| link = F-104 (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=f-104s
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 +
|cockpit=cockpit_f-104s.jpg
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
The F-104S would be one of the most capable Starfighter variants ever built. The F-104S would receive Sparrow missiles, the NASARR R-21G/H radar, more hardpoints, and other airframe improvements. It was essentially an evolution in the F-104G. Fiat would take charge of producing the new Starfighter variant with the help of Alfa Romeo and Selenia. The first F-104S would take flight in late 1968, and Fiat would build over 200 F-104S Starfighters by 1979. Around 40 F-104S aircraft were exported to Turkey which continued using them until the mid-1990s. This would also mark the end of the Starfighter's production run as more advanced planes replaced it.
−
{{Break}}
+
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Starfighters"]].
+
Introduced in [[Update "Starfighters"]], the '''{{Specs|name}}''' is an Italian supersonic interceptor based on the American [[F-104 (Family)|Lockheed F-104 "Starfighter"]] series. The external appearance is much the same besides the additional ventral fins, but as the final variant of the Starfighter family, it boasts the best speed and payload capacity of any F-104. It can be used as a high-speed ground attacker with a sizeable load of assorted bombs and rockets. Alternatively, it can be a deadly interceptor if equipped with air-to-air missiles. Unique among Starfighters is its ability to carry a pair of AIM-7E Sparrow semi-active radar homing missiles, the same variant used by the [[F-4E Phantom II]]. However, players should take note that equipping Sparrow missiles requires the removal of the M61 Vulcan.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
=== Flight performance ===
 +
{{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.''
+
 
 +
The sleek and missile-like Starfighters are known for having excellent speed, climb rate, and acceleration, and the F-104S is no exception. Its J79-GE-19 engine has the highest thrust of all F-104 variants by a large margin: optimal thrust on afterburner is about 22% greater than the J79-GE-11 used by the [[F-104G]]. The F-104S will have few issues with outrunning or outclimbing its opponents. But this performance comes at the cost of very poor manoeuvrability, which has not been improved on this variant. The tiny wings and long body make for awful low-speed handling and there is only so much that the combat flaps can do to improve the turn rate. Avoid turning engagements when at all possible. That said, its handling at supersonic speeds is not so poor. Hard turns tend to bleed speed due to the low aspect ratio of the wings. The roll rate is good overall, which helps in defensive manoeuvres.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
−
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | 850
+
| 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
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== Engine performance ====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Engine
 +
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
 +
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="2" | General Electric J79-GE-19 || 1
 +
| colspan="2" | 6,850 kg || colspan="3" | 565 kg/m<sup>2</sup>
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
 +
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross<br>Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
 +
|-
 +
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
 +
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 32m fuel
 +
|-
 +
| 1,740 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
 +
| 7,722 kg || 8,645 kg || 9,543 kg || 9,758 kg || 13,110 kg
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
 +
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
 +
|-
 +
! Condition || 100% || WEP
 +
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 32m fuel || MGW
 +
|-
 +
| ''Stationary'' || 4,992 kgf || 7,688 kgf
 +
| 1.00 || 0.89 || 0.80 || 0.79 || 0.59
 +
|-
 +
| ''Optimal'' || 5,044 kgf<br>(1,200 - 1,400 km/h) || 10,253 kgf<br>(1,200 km/h)
 +
| 1.33 || 1.18 || 1.07 || 1.05 || 0.78
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and 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 F-104S 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. Taking any critical damage in the F-104S will almost instantly cripple it, to the point where you will have to fly back to base, or be a sitting duck for the enemy team. Taking a critical hit to the fuselage will disable you so badly you won't be able to reach supersonic speeds, which is your greatest advantage. The same goes for taking any sort of wing damage or tail damage: it will instantly result in a huge amount of drag on the airframe, reducing your already poor energy retention in manoeuvres making you an easy target to pick off from afar and in effective gun range. Lastly, the engine is a massive target for guns and missiles alike. Having a slightly orange engine will effectively put you out of the fight. And with the already heavy weight of the F-104S, you require the engine power to stay in the fight.
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
 
 +
The most important modules to research are the ''Flares/Chaff'' modification, alongside the ''AIM-9B'' and ''AIM-9J'' air-to-air missiles. The ''Flight performance'' modifications also capitalize on this vehicle's speed advantage, while the missiles greatly increase its ability to do damage to the enemy, and along with its countermeasures, it gives you great breathing space against advanced missiles such as [[R-60]]s, [[Matra R550 Magic 2|Matra Magic]]s, and even the occasional, but dangerous [[PL-5B]] and [[AIM-9L_Sidewinder|AIM-9L]]s.
 +
 
 +
Some modifications that may be saved for last are the ''G-suit'', ''Offensive 20 mm'', and ''New 20 mm cannons'', as well as the modifications that allow the plane to equip bombs.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== 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}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
−
{{main|M61 (20 mm)}}
 
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
−
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon, -mounted (750 rpg)
+
* A choice between two presets:
 +
** Without offensive armament
 +
** 60 x countermeasures
  
 
=== 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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|AIM-9B Sidewinder|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP}}
 
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
−
* Without load
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
−
* 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (1,500 lb total)
+
|-
−
* 7 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (3,500 lb total)
+
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10
−
* 7 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (5,250 lb total)
+
| rowspan="15" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_F-104S.ASA.png]]</div>
−
* 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (3,000 lb total)
+
|-
−
* 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb (2,000 lb total)
+
! [[M61A1 (20 mm)|20 mm M61A1]] cannons (750 rpg)
−
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
+
| || || || || || 1* || || || ||
−
* 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
+
|-
−
* 6 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
+
! [[LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|250 lb LDGP Mk 81]] bombs
−
* 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (1,500 lb total)
+
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
−
* 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (2,500 lb total)
+
|-
−
* 5 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (3,750 lb total)
+
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
−
* 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (3,000 lb total)
+
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
−
* 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (2,000 lb total)
+
|-
−
* 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets (2,500 lb total)
+
! [[Mk 82 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye]] bombs
−
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
+
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
−
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
+
|-
 +
! [[M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|750 lb M117 cone 45]] bombs
 +
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83]] bombs
 +
| || || 1 || || 1 || || || 1 || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|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-9J Sidewinder]] missiles
 +
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || || || 1 || || 1 || 1
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="11" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 3,400 kg<br>Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 500 kg
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="12" | * AIM-7E Sparrow missiles cannot be equipped in conjunction with the 20 mm M61A1 cannon.
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
* 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon (750 rpg)
 +
* 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
 +
* 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
 +
* 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 6 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
 +
* 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 6 x AIM-9J 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 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye 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
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
 +
 
 +
The M61A1 Vulcan is a powerful gatling cannon that may be a fun surprise to Italian pilots. 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.
 +
 
 +
The F-104S has a very wide range of ordnance. For attacking ground targets, the bombs and rockets should be adequate.The largest individual bomb the F-104S can carry is 2,000 lbs, sufficient for clearing out a capture zone in mixed battles. Two types of rockets are available, 70 mm FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets and 130 mm Zuni rockets. The FFARs have a decent penetration of 290 mm but have small warheads with relatively low post-penetration damage. The Zunis are more potent but only 8 can be carried.
 +
 
 +
Thanks to the custom loadouts, it is possible to make a extremely diverse ordnance loadouts, and the {{PAGENAME}} is capable of carrying in the range of 3,700 kgs of bombs, rockets and missiles, and even with a ballistic computer assistance for all weapons, but with the cost of getting extremely and dangerously heavy and slow.
 +
 
 +
In the air-to-air missile department, the F-104S has access to AIM-9B and AIM-9J Sidewinders. The AIM-9B is disappointing at the F-104S's battle rating and is easily dodged or spoofed by a target who spots it coming. The AIM-9J, on the other hand, is one of the best IR missiles in the game, with good flight characteristics and high resistance to flares. They are very hard to dodge when launched correctly, even with efficient use of countermeasures. The F-104S can carry up to 6 of them, a record number of missiles for a Starfighter. The other option is the AIM-7E Sparrow, of which 2 can be carried, but cannot be taken in conjunction with the cannon. It requires a continuous radar lock to guide and will not work well at close distances or when looking towards the ground, but has very good range and can be fired at a target at any aspect.
 +
 
 +
Unlike the F-104G models available to [[F-104G|Germany]] and [[F-104G (China)|China]], the F-104S cannot carry guided air-to-ground missiles.
  
 
== 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).''
 
  
−
=== Modules ===
+
The F-104S 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-104S to swoop in and out of the combat zone while evading powerful enemy missiles with its countermeasures and using its high speed to outrun enemy air-to-air missiles in certain situations. Countermeasures also help evade missiles if the {{PAGENAME}} find itself at low speed or other unforeseen circumstances where an enemy plane is able to get a jump on the {{PAGENAME}}.
−
{| class="wikitable"
+
 
−
! Tier
+
However, the F-104S 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.
−
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
+
 
−
! Survivability
+
When used in conjunction with its speed, the available armaments really allow the F-104S to shine. The AIM-9Js, already difficult to dodge with their decent manoeuvrability, become nigh-on impossible to avoid when launched at supersonic speeds, particularly against much slower targets. With 6 of these missiles available, the pilot can be a little less frugal than would be the case with other aircraft. The AIM-7E Sparrows can also be a welcome addition in a high-altitude, long-range, all-aspect engagement, or the extremely accurate and powerful M61A1 Vulcan cannon can be used instead for quick head-ons and to mop any remaining opponents at close-range.
−
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
+
 
 +
=== Radars ===
 +
<!--{{main|NASARR}}-->
 +
The F-104S is equipped with an NASARR search and tracking radar. The radar is mounted in the nose of the aircraft.
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
! colspan="4" | NASARR - Target Detection Radar
 +
|-
 +
! {{Annotation|Maximum<br/>Detection<br/>Range|The maximum possible range at which a target can be detected}}
 +
! {{Annotation|Guaranteed<br/>Detection<br/>Range|The range, below which, detection of a target is practically guaranteed}}
 +
! {{Annotation|Max Azimuth<br/>Scan Angle|How far to each side the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
 +
! {{Annotation|Max Elevation<br/>Scan Angle|How far up and down the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
| I
+
| 37,000 m<br />(theoretical) || 18,000 m || ±45.0° || ±43.0°
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| II
+
! colspan="4" | NASARR - Target Tracking Radar
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| III
+
! {{Annotation|Maximum<br/>Tracking<br/>Range|The maximum range at which a target can be tracked}}
−
|
+
! {{Annotation|Minimum<br/>Tracking<br/>Range|The range below which targets cannot be tracked by the radar}}
−
|
+
! {{Annotation|Azimuth Tracking<br/>Angle|How far to each side the radar can track a target}}
−
|
+
! {{Annotation|Elevation Tracking<br/>Angle|How far up and down the radar can track a target}}
−
|
 
−
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| IV
+
| 18,500 m || 150 m || ±10.0° || ±10.0°
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 146: Line 267:
 
=== 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".'' -->
−
''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:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Excellent top speed even with some ordnance
 +
* Great rate of climb
 +
* Absurdly high rip speed of 1527Km/h and being possible reach that with a clean load
 +
* Powerful M61 cannon with high fire rate, damage and velocity
 +
* Significantly wider variety of payload options than early F-104s
 +
* Good roll rate
 +
* Can carry a total of six potent AIM-9Js or four AIM-9J and two AIM-7E missiles
 +
* Has the ability to equip countermeasures like the F-104G and ASA, being extremely important at this rank for a F-104
 +
* Has a drogue chute as well as excellent brakes
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Can only use either the M61 cannon or the AIM-7E missiles at once, not both
 +
* Very poor overall manoeuvrability and terrible manoeuvrability at low speeds
 +
* Bleeds off airspeed quickly in sustained turns
 +
* Only 750 rounds of cannon ammo, trigger discipline is a must
 +
* No air-to-ground missiles
 +
* Despite being the fastest variant of the F-104, many planes in uptiers can follow and outrun the F-104
 +
** And also being the heaviest and least manoeuvrable variant of all F-104s
  
 
== 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).'' -->
−
''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).''
+
 
 +
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-104G variant was modified for multi-role capabilities in line with German requirements and ultimately was adopted by several other NATO countries, including Italy.
 +
 
 +
The [[F-104G (Italy)|F-104G]] began to replace the [[CL-13 Mk.4|Canadair Sabre]] in Italian service beginning in 1963-1965. Although the airframes were not very old, the subsonic Sabres were already outdated compared to the new Mach-2 capable supersonic aircraft available to NATO and the Warsaw Pact. The Starfighters also supplanted the similarly outdated [[F-84G-21-RE (Italy)|F-84 Thunderjet]] fighter-bomber. As was the case for many foreign designs in Italian service, the F-104Gs were for the most part assembled locally by Fiat. They were configured in interceptor, strike, and reconnaissance variants. Trainer variants were also obtained. The original Lockheed ejection seats were replaced with Martin-Baker seats. In Italian hands, the F-104 earned the nickname of Spillone ("Hairpin"), no doubt due to its pointed, needle-like shape.
 +
 
 +
Despite its poor accident record, the F-104 proved to be popular with the Italian Air Force. In the mid 1960s, the Italian military began to look for new and more advanced aircraft. Options considered included the American [[F-4C|F-4 Phantom II]], British [[Lightning F.6|English Electric Lighting]], and French [[Mirage IIIC|Mirage III]]. Lockheed's proposal was an upgraded version of the Starfighter with the company designation of CL-901. This was to feature a new J79-GE-19 engine, slight modifications to the air intakes, improved avionics, extra pylons, and additional ventral fins. The CL-901 was ultimately selected due to its low price and the Italian industry's familiarity with the F-104, and it was produced as the '''F-104S'''. The first examples were modified from the F-104G.
 +
 
 +
Two configurations of the F-104S were produced. The F-104S/CI interceptor version replaced the internal cannon with additional avionics required to support the semi-active radar homing Sparrow missiles while the F-104S/CB fighter-bomber variant retained the gun. The two variants may have had different radars with features suited to their roles, though sources are unclear about this distinction. A total of 246 examples of the F-104S were produced over ten years from 1969-1979. An upgrade program was carried out in the 1980s while the Italian military was working on the Eurofighter Typhoon, resulting in the [[F-104S.ASA|F-104S-ASA]] (Amodernamento Sistema Arma; "Weapon Systems Upgrade").
 +
 
 +
The only combat service seen by the F-104 was in Serbia as part of Operation Allied Force, where they flew combat air patrols. They were finally retired by Italy in 2004, being replaced by the General dynamics F-16 Fighting falcon. This was due to the Eurofighter Typhoon not being fully operational yet. This brought the F-104's career worldwide to an end. The only other user of the F-104S was Turkey, who received 40 aircraft and used them alongside other F-104 models obtained from many countries. Turkey retired all its Starfighters by 1995.
 +
 
 +
The F-104 was a remarkable plane for its time and offered NATO countries a relatively simple aircraft with spectacular performance. Though Italy adopted the F-104 a few years after the United States and Germany, it used the F-104 for longer than any other country and the domestically produced F-104S was the most advanced variant built. Its service was marred by a frightening accident record, as over a third of all Italian F-104s were lost in crashes. By the time the F-104S was retired, 50 years had passed since the F-104's first flight in 1954.
 +
 
 +
A large number of F-104S Starfighters have survived today and are on display throughout Italy. A full list of survivors can be found [https://www.i-f-s.nl/preserved-f-104s/preserved-in-italy/ here].
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
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''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
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;Skins
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f-104s Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
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;Images
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<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
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File:F-104S WTWallpaper 01.jpg|
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File:F-104S WTWallpaper 02.jpg|
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File:F-104S WTWallpaper 03.jpg|
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File:F-104S WTWallpaper 04.jpg|
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File:F-104S WTWallpaper 05.jpg|
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File:F-104S WTWallpaper 06.jpg|
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</gallery>
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;Videos
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{{Youtube-gallery|6grJB3S7DDs|'''Italian F-104S - Naked Guns''' - ''OddBawZ''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 166: Line 331:
 
* ''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.'' -->
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''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;''
+
* [[F-104G (Italy)]]
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
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* [[F-104S.ASA]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
 
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* ''other literature.'' -->
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
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* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
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* ''other literature.''
 
  
 +
* [[wt:en/news/6731-development-f-104-starfighter-the-manned-missile-en|[Devblog] F-104 Starfighter: The Manned Missile]]
 +
 +
{{AirManufacturer Fiat}}
 
{{Italy jet aircraft}}
 
{{Italy jet aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 13:48, 16 May 2024

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
This page is about the Italian jet fighter F-104S. For other versions, see F-104 (Family).
F-104S
f-104s.png
GarageImage F-104S.jpg
360://https://wiki.warthunder.com/images/f/f1/Cockpit_f-104s.jpg
F-104S
Italy flag.png Italy
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
11.0 11.3 10.7
Class:
Research:300 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:830 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The F-104S would be one of the most capable Starfighter variants ever built. The F-104S would receive Sparrow missiles, the NASARR R-21G/H radar, more hardpoints, and other airframe improvements. It was essentially an evolution in the F-104G. Fiat would take charge of producing the new Starfighter variant with the help of Alfa Romeo and Selenia. The first F-104S would take flight in late 1968, and Fiat would build over 200 F-104S Starfighters by 1979. Around 40 F-104S aircraft were exported to Turkey which continued using them until the mid-1990s. This would also mark the end of the Starfighter's production run as more advanced planes replaced it.

Introduced in Update "Starfighters", the F-104S Starfighter is an Italian supersonic interceptor based on the American Lockheed F-104 "Starfighter" series. The external appearance is much the same besides the additional ventral fins, but as the final variant of the Starfighter family, it boasts the best speed and payload capacity of any F-104. It can be used as a high-speed ground attacker with a sizeable load of assorted bombs and rockets. Alternatively, it can be a deadly interceptor if equipped with air-to-air missiles. Unique among Starfighters is its ability to carry a pair of AIM-7E Sparrow semi-active radar homing missiles, the same variant used by the F-4E Phantom II. However, players should take note that equipping Sparrow missiles requires the removal of the M61 Vulcan.

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 sleek and missile-like Starfighters are known for having excellent speed, climb rate, and acceleration, and the F-104S is no exception. Its J79-GE-19 engine has the highest thrust of all F-104 variants by a large margin: optimal thrust on afterburner is about 22% greater than the J79-GE-11 used by the F-104G. The F-104S will have few issues with outrunning or outclimbing its opponents. But this performance comes at the cost of very poor manoeuvrability, which has not been improved on this variant. The tiny wings and long body make for awful low-speed handling and there is only so much that the combat flaps can do to improve the turn rate. Avoid turning engagements when at all possible. That said, its handling at supersonic speeds is not so poor. Hard turns tend to bleed speed due to the low aspect ratio of the wings. The roll rate is good overall, 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 2,344 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)
General Electric J79-GE-19 1 6,850 kg 565 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Gross
Weight
Weight (each) Type 9m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 32m fuel
1,740 kg Afterburning axial-flow turbojet 7,722 kg 8,645 kg 9,543 kg 9,758 kg 13,110 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
Condition 100% WEP 9m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 32m fuel MGW
Stationary 4,992 kgf 7,688 kgf 1.00 0.89 0.80 0.79 0.59
Optimal 5,044 kgf
(1,200 - 1,400 km/h) 		10,253 kgf
(1,200 km/h) 		1.33 1.18 1.07 1.05 0.78

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 F-104S 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. Taking any critical damage in the F-104S will almost instantly cripple it, to the point where you will have to fly back to base, or be a sitting duck for the enemy team. Taking a critical hit to the fuselage will disable you so badly you won't be able to reach supersonic speeds, which is your greatest advantage. The same goes for taking any sort of wing damage or tail damage: it will instantly result in a huge amount of drag on the airframe, reducing your already poor energy retention in manoeuvres making you an easy target to pick off from afar and in effective gun range. Lastly, the engine is a massive target for guns and missiles alike. Having a slightly orange engine will effectively put you out of the fight. And with the already heavy weight of the F-104S, you require the engine power to stay in the fight.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 026 → 4 088 Sl icon.png
RB8 660 → 11 699 Sl icon.png
SB9 411 → 12 714 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications274 500 Rp icon.png
428 000 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
110 / 310 / 600 % Sl icon.png
238 / 238 / 238 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
7 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods booster.png
New boosters
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
510 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
670 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
7 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
510 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
670 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
M60_belt_pack
Research:
7 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk81
Research:
7 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
Flares/Chaff
Research:
7 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
LAU-3/A
Research:
7 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods napalm fire bomb.png
BLU-1
Research:
7 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk82
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon block rocket large.png
LAU-10/A
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon block rocket large.png
LAU-10/A
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air midrange missile.png
AIM-7E
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
M60_new_gun
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
510 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
M117
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
510 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-9B
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
510 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk83
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
670 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow right 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk84
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
670 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-9J
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
670 Ge icon.png

The most important modules to research are the Flares/Chaff modification, alongside the AIM-9B and AIM-9J air-to-air missiles. The Flight performance modifications also capitalize on this vehicle's speed advantage, while the missiles greatly increase its ability to do damage to the enemy, and along with its countermeasures, it gives you great breathing space against advanced missiles such as R-60s, Matra Magics, and even the occasional, but dangerous PL-5B and AIM-9Ls.

Some modifications that may be saved for last are the G-suit, Offensive 20 mm, and New 20 mm cannons, as well as the modifications that allow the plane to equip bombs.

Armaments

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

Offensive armament

The F-104S is armed with:

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

Suspended armament

The F-104S can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

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
500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye 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-9J 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.
Default weapon presets
  • 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon (750 rpg)
  • 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
  • 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
  • 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 6 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
  • 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 6 x AIM-9J 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 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye 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

The M61A1 Vulcan is a powerful gatling cannon that may be a fun surprise to Italian pilots. 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.

The F-104S has a very wide range of ordnance. For attacking ground targets, the bombs and rockets should be adequate.The largest individual bomb the F-104S can carry is 2,000 lbs, sufficient for clearing out a capture zone in mixed battles. Two types of rockets are available, 70 mm FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets and 130 mm Zuni rockets. The FFARs have a decent penetration of 290 mm but have small warheads with relatively low post-penetration damage. The Zunis are more potent but only 8 can be carried.

Thanks to the custom loadouts, it is possible to make a extremely diverse ordnance loadouts, and the F-104S is capable of carrying in the range of 3,700 kgs of bombs, rockets and missiles, and even with a ballistic computer assistance for all weapons, but with the cost of getting extremely and dangerously heavy and slow.

In the air-to-air missile department, the F-104S has access to AIM-9B and AIM-9J Sidewinders. The AIM-9B is disappointing at the F-104S's battle rating and is easily dodged or spoofed by a target who spots it coming. The AIM-9J, on the other hand, is one of the best IR missiles in the game, with good flight characteristics and high resistance to flares. They are very hard to dodge when launched correctly, even with efficient use of countermeasures. The F-104S can carry up to 6 of them, a record number of missiles for a Starfighter. The other option is the AIM-7E Sparrow, of which 2 can be carried, but cannot be taken in conjunction with the cannon. It requires a continuous radar lock to guide and will not work well at close distances or when looking towards the ground, but has very good range and can be fired at a target at any aspect.

Unlike the F-104G models available to Germany and China, the F-104S cannot carry guided air-to-ground missiles.

Usage in battles

The F-104S 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-104S to swoop in and out of the combat zone while evading powerful enemy missiles with its countermeasures and using its high speed to outrun enemy air-to-air missiles in certain situations. Countermeasures also help evade missiles if the F-104S find itself at low speed or other unforeseen circumstances where an enemy plane is able to get a jump on the F-104S.

However, the F-104S 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.

When used in conjunction with its speed, the available armaments really allow the F-104S to shine. The AIM-9Js, already difficult to dodge with their decent manoeuvrability, become nigh-on impossible to avoid when launched at supersonic speeds, particularly against much slower targets. With 6 of these missiles available, the pilot can be a little less frugal than would be the case with other aircraft. The AIM-7E Sparrows can also be a welcome addition in a high-altitude, long-range, all-aspect engagement, or the extremely accurate and powerful M61A1 Vulcan cannon can be used instead for quick head-ons and to mop any remaining opponents at close-range.

Radars

The F-104S is equipped with an NASARR search and tracking radar. The radar is mounted in the nose of the aircraft.

NASARR - Target Detection Radar
Maximum
Detection
Range 		Guaranteed
Detection
Range 		Max Azimuth
Scan Angle 		Max Elevation
Scan Angle
37,000 m
(theoretical) 		18,000 m ±45.0° ±43.0°
NASARR - Target Tracking Radar
Maximum
Tracking
Range 		Minimum
Tracking
Range 		Azimuth Tracking
Angle 		Elevation Tracking
Angle
18,500 m 150 m ±10.0° ±10.0°

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Excellent top speed even with some ordnance
  • Great rate of climb
  • Absurdly high rip speed of 1527Km/h and being possible reach that with a clean load
  • Powerful M61 cannon with high fire rate, damage and velocity
  • Significantly wider variety of payload options than early F-104s
  • Good roll rate
  • Can carry a total of six potent AIM-9Js or four AIM-9J and two AIM-7E missiles
  • Has the ability to equip countermeasures like the F-104G and ASA, being extremely important at this rank for a F-104
  • Has a drogue chute as well as excellent brakes

Cons:

  • Can only use either the M61 cannon or the AIM-7E missiles at once, not both
  • Very poor overall manoeuvrability and terrible manoeuvrability at low speeds
  • Bleeds off airspeed quickly in sustained turns
  • Only 750 rounds of cannon ammo, trigger discipline is a must
  • No air-to-ground missiles
  • Despite being the fastest variant of the F-104, many planes in uptiers can follow and outrun the F-104
    • And also being the heaviest and least manoeuvrable variant of all F-104s

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-104G variant was modified for multi-role capabilities in line with German requirements and ultimately was adopted by several other NATO countries, including Italy.

The F-104G began to replace the Canadair Sabre in Italian service beginning in 1963-1965. Although the airframes were not very old, the subsonic Sabres were already outdated compared to the new Mach-2 capable supersonic aircraft available to NATO and the Warsaw Pact. The Starfighters also supplanted the similarly outdated F-84 Thunderjet fighter-bomber. As was the case for many foreign designs in Italian service, the F-104Gs were for the most part assembled locally by Fiat. They were configured in interceptor, strike, and reconnaissance variants. Trainer variants were also obtained. The original Lockheed ejection seats were replaced with Martin-Baker seats. In Italian hands, the F-104 earned the nickname of Spillone ("Hairpin"), no doubt due to its pointed, needle-like shape.

Despite its poor accident record, the F-104 proved to be popular with the Italian Air Force. In the mid 1960s, the Italian military began to look for new and more advanced aircraft. Options considered included the American F-4 Phantom II, British English Electric Lighting, and French Mirage III. Lockheed's proposal was an upgraded version of the Starfighter with the company designation of CL-901. This was to feature a new J79-GE-19 engine, slight modifications to the air intakes, improved avionics, extra pylons, and additional ventral fins. The CL-901 was ultimately selected due to its low price and the Italian industry's familiarity with the F-104, and it was produced as the F-104S. The first examples were modified from the F-104G.

Two configurations of the F-104S were produced. The F-104S/CI interceptor version replaced the internal cannon with additional avionics required to support the semi-active radar homing Sparrow missiles while the F-104S/CB fighter-bomber variant retained the gun. The two variants may have had different radars with features suited to their roles, though sources are unclear about this distinction. A total of 246 examples of the F-104S were produced over ten years from 1969-1979. An upgrade program was carried out in the 1980s while the Italian military was working on the Eurofighter Typhoon, resulting in the F-104S-ASA (Amodernamento Sistema Arma; "Weapon Systems Upgrade").

The only combat service seen by the F-104 was in Serbia as part of Operation Allied Force, where they flew combat air patrols. They were finally retired by Italy in 2004, being replaced by the General dynamics F-16 Fighting falcon. This was due to the Eurofighter Typhoon not being fully operational yet. This brought the F-104's career worldwide to an end. The only other user of the F-104S was Turkey, who received 40 aircraft and used them alongside other F-104 models obtained from many countries. Turkey retired all its Starfighters by 1995.

The F-104 was a remarkable plane for its time and offered NATO countries a relatively simple aircraft with spectacular performance. Though Italy adopted the F-104 a few years after the United States and Germany, it used the F-104 for longer than any other country and the domestically produced F-104S was the most advanced variant built. Its service was marred by a frightening accident record, as over a third of all Italian F-104s were lost in crashes. By the time the F-104S was retired, 50 years had passed since the F-104's first flight in 1954.

A large number of F-104S Starfighters have survived today and are on display throughout Italy. A full list of survivors can be found here.

Media

Skins
Images
  • F-104S WTWallpaper 01.jpg
  • F-104S WTWallpaper 02.jpg
  • F-104S WTWallpaper 03.jpg
  • F-104S WTWallpaper 04.jpg
  • F-104S WTWallpaper 05.jpg
  • F-104S WTWallpaper 06.jpg
Videos
Italian F-104S - Naked Guns - OddBawZ

See also

External links


Fiat Aviation (Fiat Aviazione)
Fighters  CR.32 · CR.32 bis · CR.32 quater
  CR.42 · Marcolin's C.R.42 CN · ▀Marcolin's C.R.42 CN
  G.50 serie 2 · G.50 AS serie 7
  G.55 sottoserie 0 · G.55 serie 1 · G.55S
  G.56
Jet fighters  G.91 pre-serie · G.91 R/1 · G.91 Y · G.91 YS
  ▄F-86K*
  ▄F-104G* · F-104S* · F-104S.ASA* · ▄F-104S TAF*
Strike aircraft  F.C.20 Bis
Bombers  B.R.20DR · B.R.20M M1
Export/Captured  J11 · ▀CR.42
  ▀G.50 serie 2 · ▀G.50 AS serie 7
  ◄G.91 R/3 · ◄G.91 R/4 · G.91 R/4
  *Licensed
See also  North American Aviation · Lockheed Martin

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 · AMX A-1A (Brazil)
Panavia  Tornado ADV · ▄Tornado IDS · ▄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

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