Difference between revisions of "F-104S.ASA"

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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Wind of Change"]].
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Wind of Change"]].
  
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The F-104S 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 Slenia Aspide semi-active radar homing missiles.
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The F-104S.ASA 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 Selenia Aspide semi-active radar homing missiles.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
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<!--''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.-->
 
  
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The F-104S ASA 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 ASA 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 air frame, 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 ASA, you require the engine power to stay in the fight.
+
The F-104S.ASA 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.ASA 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 air frame, 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.ASA, you require the engine power to stay in the fight.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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== 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).'' -->
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<!--''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 ASA does one thing extremely well is speed, it is one of 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 ASA to swoop in and out of the combat zone while evading enemies. Sometimes, it is even possible to outrun enemy air-to-air missiles.
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The one thing the F-104S.ASA does extremely well is speed, it is one of 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.ASA to swoop in and out of the combat zone while evading enemies. Sometimes, it is even possible to outrun enemy air-to-air missiles.
  
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However, the F-104S ASA 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.
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However, the F-104S.ASA 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.
  
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When used in conjunction with its speed, the available armaments really allow the F-104S ASA to shine. The AIM-9Ls, already difficult to dodge with their decent manoeuvrability and flare-resistance, become nigh-on impossible to avoid when launched at supersonic speeds, particularly against much slower targets. And with 6 of them, the pilot can be a little less frugal than would be the case with other aircraft. The Selenia Aspide can also be a welcome addition in a high-altitude, long-range, all-aspect engagement however you will have to compromise for the 20mm Vulcan. Speaking of which, 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.
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When used in conjunction with its speed, the available armaments really allow the F-104S.ASA to shine. The AIM-9Ls, already difficult to dodge with their decent manoeuvrability and flare-resistance, become nigh-on impossible to avoid when launched at supersonic speeds, particularly against much slower targets. And with 6 of them, the pilot can be a little less frugal than would be the case with other aircraft. The Selenia Aspide can also be a welcome addition in a high-altitude, long-range, all-aspect engagement however you will have to compromise for the 20mm Vulcan. Speaking of which, 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.
  
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When it comes to countermeasures, unlike the F104-S, this jet is able to bring both Flare and Chaff countermeasures to give it a fighting chance against the top dogs of the air. Your main enemies will be aircraft such as the F-14 Tomcat or the MIG-27, its best you try and avoid close engagements and instead focus on picking people from afar. As previously mentioned you will not be able to turn well at high speeds so make sure that every person you engage won't become a threat if things dont go your way.
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Unlike the F104S, the ASA is able to bring countermeasures to give it a fighting chance against the top dogs of the air. Your main enemies will be aircraft such as the [[F-14A Early|F-14 Tomcat]] or the [[MiG-27K|MiG-27]], it's best to try and avoid close engagements and instead focus on picking people from afar. As previously mentioned, you will not be able to turn well at high speeds so make sure that every person you engage won't become a threat if things don't go your way.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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== 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).'' -->
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<!--''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).-->
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{{main|F-104S#History|l1=History of the F-104S}}
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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 ASA is differentiated by the additions of the AIM-9L Sidewinder missile and the Italian Selenia Aspide semi-active radar homing missile. The avionics, countermeasure systems, and weapons were improved, however the cannon could not be carried along with the missile guidance equipment due to improvements in avionics. The ASA was also tested with Flare and Chaff pods, which was also one of the notable improvements over the S variant. The ASA would be updated once more beginning in 1995-1997 to the ASA/M standard. The changes were relatively minor and limited to the addition of modern AIM-9Ls, overhauling the electrical system, and adding new navigation features. These changes also resulted in a pure interceptor and therefore could not carry rockets or bombs.
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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.
 
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The 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.
 
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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.
 
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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.
 
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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 (ASA Standing for Amodernamento Sistema Arma). The ASA is differentiated by the additions of the AIM-9L sidewinder missile and the Italian Selenia Aspide semi-active homing radar missile. The avionics, countermeasure systems, and weapons were improved, sadly however, the cannon could not be carried along with the missile guidance equipment due to improvements in avionics. The ASA was also tested with Flare and Chaff pods, which was also one of the notable improvements over the S variant. The ASA would be updated once more beginning in 1995-1997 to the ASA/M standard. The changes were relatively minor and limited to the addition of modern AIM-9L's, overhauling the electrical system and adding new navigation features. These changes also resulted in a pure interceptor and therefore could not carry rockets or bombs.
 
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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.
 
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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.
 
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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 ==
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
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''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
  
 
* https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/548752-f104-s-asa-and-its-missing-capabilities-wrong-radar-loadouts-and-more/
 
* https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/548752-f104-s-asa-and-its-missing-capabilities-wrong-radar-loadouts-and-more/

Revision as of 12:54, 29 June 2022

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
This page is about the Italian jet fighter F-104S.ASA. For other versions, see F-104 (Family).
F-104S.ASA
f-104s_asa.png
GarageImage F-104S.ASA.jpg
F-104S.ASA
Italy flag.png Italy
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
12.0 12.0 11.7
Class:
Research:350 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:950 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The F-104S.ASA Starfighter is a rank VII Italian jet fighter with a battle rating of 12.0 (AB/RB) and 11.7 (SB). It was introduced in Update "Wind of Change".

The F-104S.ASA 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 Selenia Aspide semi-active radar homing missiles.

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
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 562 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Takeoff
Weight
Weight (each) Type 9m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 32m fuel
1,740 kg Afterburning axial-flow turbojet 7,710 kg 8,621 kg 9,506 kg 9,718 kg 24,000 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 MTOW
Stationary 4,992 kgf 7,688 kgf 1.00 0.89 0.80 0.79 0.32
Optimal 5,044 kgf
(1,200 km/h) 		10,253 kgf
(1,200 km/h) 		1.33 1.18 1.07 1.06 0.43

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.ASA 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.ASA 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 air frame, 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.ASA, you require the engine power to stay in the fight.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 675 → 4 068 Sl icon.png
RB7 868 → 11 967 Sl icon.png
SB8 051 → 12 245 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications296 000 Rp icon.png
451 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost3 000 Ge icon.png
Crew training270 000 Sl icon.png
Experts950 000 Sl icon.png
Aces3 200 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 210 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
100 / 320 / 600 % Sl icon.png
244 / 244 / 244 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods booster.png
New boosters
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
620 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
620 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
620 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
620 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
M60_belt_pack
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods napalm fire bomb.png
BLU-1
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk82
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
Flares/Chaff
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
LAU-3/A
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
M117
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-9L
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
420 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods weapon.png
M60_new_gun
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
620 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk83
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
620 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon block rocket large.png
LAU-10/A
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
620 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk84
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
620 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air midrange missile.png
Aspide
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
620 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

The F-104S.ASA is armed with:

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

Suspended armament

Main articles: LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb), M117 cone 45 (750 lb), LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb), LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb), BLU-1 incendiary
Main articles: AIM-9L Sidewinder, Aspide-1A, FFAR Mighty Mouse, Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP, M61A1 (20 mm)

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

  • 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon (750 rpg)
  • 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
  • 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 4 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
  • 2 x Aspide-1A missiles
  • 2 x Aspide-1A missiles + 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
  • 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 6 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (3,000 lb total)
  • 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 6 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (4,500 lb total)
  • 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 6 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs + 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles (4,500 lb total)
  • 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles (2,000 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 + 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb + 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles (2,000 lb total)
  • 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 + 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 5 x BLU-1 incendiary bombs

Custom loadout options

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Hardpoints F-104S.ASA.png
20 mm M61A1 cannons (750 rpg) 1
500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs 1 1 1 1 1 1
750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs 1 1 1 1 1 1
1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs 1 1
2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs 1
BLU-1 incendiary bombs 1 1 1 1 1 1
FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets 19 19 19 19
Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets 4 4
AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles 1 1 1 1
Aspide-1A missiles* 1 1
Aspide aim block* 1
Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 500 kg
* The "Aspide aim block" must be selected to use Aspide-1A missiles, replacing the 20 mm M61A1.

Usage in battles

The one thing the F-104S.ASA does extremely well is speed, it is one of 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.ASA to swoop in and out of the combat zone while evading enemies. Sometimes, it is even possible to outrun enemy air-to-air missiles.

However, the F-104S.ASA 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.ASA to shine. The AIM-9Ls, already difficult to dodge with their decent manoeuvrability and flare-resistance, become nigh-on impossible to avoid when launched at supersonic speeds, particularly against much slower targets. And with 6 of them, the pilot can be a little less frugal than would be the case with other aircraft. The Selenia Aspide can also be a welcome addition in a high-altitude, long-range, all-aspect engagement however you will have to compromise for the 20mm Vulcan. Speaking of which, 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.

Unlike the F104S, the ASA is able to bring countermeasures to give it a fighting chance against the top dogs of the air. Your main enemies will be aircraft such as the F-14 Tomcat or the MiG-27, it's best to try and avoid close engagements and instead focus on picking people from afar. As previously mentioned, you will not be able to turn well at high speeds so make sure that every person you engage won't become a threat if things don't go your way.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good top speed and acceleration
  • Fantastic climb rate
  • All-aspect AIM-9Ls have very good tracking and range
  • Aspide SARH missiles with great tracking and range, plus a look-down/shoot-down radar
  • 60 countermeasures

Cons:

  • Very poor manoeuvrability
  • No internal M61A1 cannon when Aspide missiles are equipped
  • No guided air-to-ground weaponry

History

Main article: History of the F-104S

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 ASA is differentiated by the additions of the AIM-9L Sidewinder missile and the Italian Selenia Aspide semi-active radar homing missile. The avionics, countermeasure systems, and weapons were improved, however the cannon could not be carried along with the missile guidance equipment due to improvements in avionics. The ASA was also tested with Flare and Chaff pods, which was also one of the notable improvements over the S variant. The ASA would be updated once more beginning in 1995-1997 to the ASA/M standard. The changes were relatively minor and limited to the addition of modern AIM-9Ls, overhauling the electrical system, and adding new navigation features. These changes also resulted in a pure interceptor and therefore could not carry rockets or bombs.

Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #300 - Metal Beasts section at 01:11 discusses the F-104S.ASA.

See also

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

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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