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

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{{Specs-Card|code=f-104g_china}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| usage = other versions
 
| usage = other versions
 
| link = F-104 (Family)
 
| link = F-104 (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=f-104g_china
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.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 '''{{Specs|name}}''', 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-16A MLU (China)|F-16 Block 20]] in ROCAF service, the Starfighters were decommissioned and some are now scattered across the islands as monuments or exhibits.
−
{{Break}}
+
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Starfighters"]].
+
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 (China)|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 ==
 
== 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 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.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
−
|2,343||2,317|| rowspan="2" |{{Specs|ceiling}}||34.5||35.1||230.5||222.5|| rowspan="2" | 850
+
| 2,341 || 2,315 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 34.5 || 35.1 || 230.3 || 222.2 || rowspan="2" | 850
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
−
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
+
| 2,433 || 2,387 || 33.5 || 34.0 || 292.1 || 260.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 833 || 444 || ~13 || ~5
+
| 1,555 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 827 || 444 || ~12 || ~5
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
 
! 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" | {{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-11 || 1
 
| colspan="2" | General Electric J79-GE-11 || 1
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|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
 
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
−
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br/>Weight
+
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br>Weight
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
 
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
−
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 33m fuel
+
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 35m fuel
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 1,540 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
+
| 1,615 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
−
| 7,353 kg || 8,153 kg || 8,954 kg || 9,194 kg || 24,000 kg
+
| 7,345 kg || 8,057 kg || 8,809 kg || 9,194 kg || 24,000 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="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)
 
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Condition || 100% || WEP
 
! Condition || 100% || WEP
−
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 33m fuel || MTOW
+
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 35m fuel || MTOW
 
|-
 
|-
 
| ''Stationary'' || 4,128 kgf || 6,357 kgf
 
| ''Stationary'' || 4,128 kgf || 6,357 kgf
−
| 0.86 || 0.78 || 0.71 || 0.69 || 0.26
+
| 0.87 || 0.79 || 0.72 || 0.69 || 0.26
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Optimal'' || 4,128 kgf<br/>(0 km/h) || 8,391 kgf<br/>(1,200 km/h)
+
| ''Optimal'' || 4,128 kgf<br>(0 km/h) || 8,391 kgf<br>(1,200 km/h)
−
| 1.14 || 1.03 || 0.94 || 0.91 || 0.35
+
| 1.14 || 1.04 || 0.95 || 0.91 || 0.35
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== 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.'' -->
  
 
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.
 
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 ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== 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|M61A1 (20 mm)}}
 
{{main|M61A1 (20 mm)}}
Line 118: Line 138:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
−
* 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon, -mounted (750 rpg)
+
* 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 ===
 
=== 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 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)}}
 
−
{{main|AGM-12B Bullpup|AIM-9B Sidewinder|AIM-9J Sidewinder|Hydra-70 M247}}
 
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
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>
 +
|-
 +
! [[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 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[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
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="8" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 500 kg
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="9" | * Ordnance on hardpoint 4 cannot be carried in conjunction with missiles on hardpoints 3/5
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 +
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
  
 
* Without load
 
* 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
 
* 14 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets
 
* 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
 
* 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
−
* 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
 
−
* 4 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
 
−
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 14 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets
 
−
* 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles + 14 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets
 
−
* 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
 
−
* 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles + 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
 
 
* 3 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (1,500 lb total)
 
* 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 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 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (3,000 lb total)
−
* 1 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bomb + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (500 lb total)
+
* 3 x BLU-1 incendiary bombs
−
* 1 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bomb + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (750 lb total)
+
{{Navigation-End}}
−
* 1 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bomb + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (1,000 lb total)
+
 
−
* 1 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bomb + 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles (500 lb total)
+
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.
−
* 1 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bomb + 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles (750 lb total)
+
 
−
* 1 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bomb + 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles (1,000 lb total)
+
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 ==
 
== 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-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 enemies. Sometimes, it is even possible to outrun enemy air-to-air missiles.
+
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.
  
−
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 reemphasizes the utility of a boom and zoom playstyle. Note that the use of flaps can significantly improve turning performance, even at high speeds.
+
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 (China)|F-100A]].
  
−
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 make it well-suited for a ground-attack role.
+
=== Radars ===
 +
<!--{{main|AN/APS-19}}-->
 +
The F-104G is equipped with a PS-03 search and tracking radar. The radar is mounted in the nose of the aircraft.
  
−
=== Modules ===
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
−
{| class="wikitable"
+
! colspan="4" | PS-03 - Target Detection Radar
−
! Tier
 
−
! Flight performance
 
−
! Survivability
 
−
! colspan="4" | Weaponry
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| I
+
! {{Annotation|Maximum<br/>Detection<br/>Range|The maximum possible range at which a target can be detected}}
−
|Compressor
+
! {{Annotation|Guaranteed<br/>Detection<br/>Range|The range, below which, detection of a target is practically guaranteed}}
−
|Fuselage repair
+
! {{Annotation|Max Azimuth<br/>Scan Angle|How far to each side the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
−
|Offensive 20 mm
+
! {{Annotation|Max Elevation<br/>Scan Angle|How far up and down the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
−
|
 
−
|Mk82
 
−
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| II
+
| 90,000 m<br />(theoretical) || 30,000 m || ±60.0° || -30.0°/+60.0°
−
|New boosters
 
−
|Airframe
 
−
|
 
−
|LAU-32
 
−
|M117
 
−
|AIM-9B
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| III
+
! colspan="4" | PS-03 - Target Tracking Radar
−
|Wings repair
 
−
|G-suit
 
−
|New 20 mm cannons
 
−
|
 
−
|Mk83
 
−
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| IV
+
! {{Annotation|Maximum<br/>Tracking<br/>Range|The maximum range at which a target can be tracked}}
−
|Engine
+
! {{Annotation|Minimum<br/>Tracking<br/>Range|The range below which targets cannot be tracked by the radar}}
−
|Cover
+
! {{Annotation|Azimuth Tracking<br/>Angle|How far to each side the radar can track a target}}
−
|RWR
+
! {{Annotation|Elevation Tracking<br/>Angle|How far up and down the radar can track a target}}
−
|AGM-12B Bullpup
+
|-
−
|
+
| 75,000 m || 200 m || ±60.0° || -30.0°/+60.0°
−
|AIM-9J
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 199: Line 245:
 
=== 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:'''
+
* 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
  
−
* Very high speed compared to its peers
+
'''Cons:'''
−
* Highly effective air-to-air missiles
 
−
* Above-average rate of climb
 
  
−
*
+
* 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
  
−
'''Cons:'''
+
== 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).'' -->
 +
 
 +
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 [[J-2|MiG-15]]s and [[J-4|MiG-17]]s. No actual shooting engagements occurred and the F-104s were withdrawn after a cease fire in October.
  
−
* Very poor manoeuvrability
+
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-104J]]s 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-6A|J-6]]s 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.
  
−
== History ==
+
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 [https://www.i-f-s.nl/preserved-f-104s/preserved-in-taiwan/ here].
−
<!-- ''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).''
 
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f-104g_china Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Images
 +
<div><ul>
 +
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:ROCAF-TF-104G-1.jpg|thumbnail|x150px|Retired ROCAF TF-104G at Keelung.]] </li>
 +
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:ROCAF-TF-104G-2.jpg|thumbnail|x150px|Retired ROCAF TF-104G at Keelung.]]
 +
</li>
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</ul></div>
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 227: Line 290:
 
* ''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;''
+
;Other F-104Gs
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
 
 +
* [[F-104G]]
 +
* [[F-104G (Italy)]]
  
 
== 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;''
 
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
''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;''
 
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Lockheed}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Lockheed}}
 
{{China jet aircraft}}
 
{{China jet aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 05:11, 23 May 2024

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Chinese A-5C Pack
This page is about the jet fighter F-104G (China). For other versions, see F-104 (Family).
␗F-104G
f-104g_china.png
GarageImage F-104G (China).jpg
␗F-104G
China flag.png China
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
10.7 10.7 10.3
Class:
Research:260 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:710 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
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 Sl icon.png
RB8 997 → 12 154 Sl icon.png
SB10 320 → 13 942 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications223 500 Rp icon.png
350 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 800 Ge icon.png
Crew training200 000 Sl icon.png
Experts710 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 800 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 080 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
120 / 310 / 600 % Sl icon.png
232 / 232 / 232 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods booster.png
New boosters
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
500 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
18 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
640 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
500 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
18 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
640 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
M60_belt_pack
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods napalm fire bomb.png
BLU-1
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk82
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
LAU-32
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
M117
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-9B
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods weapon.png
M60_new_gun
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
500 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk83
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
500 Ge icon.png
Mods agm missile.png
AGM-12B Bullpup
Research:
18 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
640 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-9J
Research:
18 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
640 Ge icon.png

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

Main article: M61A1 (20 mm)

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
Hardpoints F-104G (Germany).png
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
Images
  • Retired ROCAF TF-104G at Keelung.
  • Retired ROCAF TF-104G at Keelung.

See also

Other F-104Gs

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

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


Lockheed Corporation
Fighters  XP-38G · P-38E · P-38G-1 · P-38J-15 · Bong's P-38J-15 · P-38K · P-38L-5-LO · YP-38
Bombers  B-34 · PV-2D
Jet Fighters  F-80A-5 · F-80C-10
  F-104A · F-104C
Strike Aircraft  F-117
Export / License  A-29 · ▄Hudson Mk V
  ␗P-38L-1
  ␗F-104A · ▀F-104G · ␗F-104G · ▄F-104G · ▅F-104J · ▄F-104S
  The Lockheed Corporation merged with Martin Marietta Corporation in 1995 to form Lockheed Martin Corporation.
See Also  SABCA · Mitsubishi Heavy Industries · Fiat Aviation

China jet aircraft
Fighters  J-2 · J-4 · J-6A · J-7II · J-7D · J-7E · J-8B · J-8F · J-10A · J-11 · J-11A
Strike aircraft  Q-5 early · Q-5A · Q-5L · JH-7A
Bombers  H-5
France  ␗Mirage 2000-5Ei
USA  ␗F-84G-21-RE · ␗F-84G-31-RE · ␗F-86F-30 · ␗F-86F-40 · ␗F-100A · ␗F-100F · ␗F-104A · ␗F-104G · ␗F-5A · ␗F-5E · ␗F-16A MLU
USSR  ␗MiG-9 · ␗MiG-9 (l)
North Korea  Shenyang F-5
Pakistan  A-5C · JF-17

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