Difference between revisions of "F-104A"

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(Added a screenshot to the Media section)
(Edits)
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== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
=== Flight performance ===
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->[[File:Shot 2020.05.28 22.49.16.jpg|alt=F-104 Starfighter breaks the soundbarrier at sunset with its afterburner roaring|thumb|A F-104A Starfighter breaks the sound barrier at sunset]]
+
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 +
[[File:F-104A in the sunset.jpg|alt=F-104 Starfighter breaks the soundbarrier at sunset with its afterburner roaring|thumb|A F-104A Starfighter breaks the sound barrier at sunset]]
 
''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.''
  
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|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | 1,180
+
| 2,104 || 2,079 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 32.4 || 33.0 || 190.9 || 182.9 || rowspan="2" | 1,180
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || ___ || ___ || ___ || ~__ || ~__
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 2,350 || 833 || 444 || ~12 || ~5
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
|-
 
|-
| < ___ || < ___ || < ___ || N/A
+
| < 720 || < 950 || < 800 || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon, -mounted (750 rpg)
+
* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon, chin-mounted (750 rpg)
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
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|-
 
|-
 
| I
 
| I
|Fuselage Repair
+
| Fuselage repair
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
|Offensive 20 mm
+
| Offensive 20 mm
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
| II
 
| II
 
|
 
|
|Compressor
+
| Compressor
|Airframe
+
| Airframe
 
|
 
|
|AIM-9B
+
| AIM-9B
 
|-
 
|-
 
| III
 
| III
|Wings Repair
+
| Wings repair
|Engine
+
| Engine
 
|
 
|
|New 20 mm cannons
+
| New 20 mm cannons
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
| IV
 
| IV
|G-suit
+
| G-suit
 
|
 
|
|Cover
+
| Cover
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
* Good top speed for its rank.
+
* Good top speed for its rank
* Great rate of climb; even the F-4 Phantom may struggle to match it.
+
* Great rate of climb; even the F-4 Phantom may struggle to match it
* Decent high-speed maneuverability, in spite of its tiny wings.
+
* Decent high-speed manoeuvrability, in spite of its tiny wings
* 20 mm Vulcan gun can really do some serious damage.
+
* 20 mm Vulcan gun can really do some serious damage
* Has access to AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles.
+
* Has access to AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* Good roll rate for a jet.
+
* Good roll rate for a jet
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
* Lousy low-speed maneuverability.
+
* Lousy low-speed manoeuvrability
* Only one secondary weapon load.
+
* Only one secondary weapon load
* Can't carry bombs.
+
* Can't carry bombs
* Relatively low ammo count for the Vulcan; trigger discipline is necessary.
+
* Relatively low ammo count for the Vulcan; trigger discipline is necessary
* As with most jets, it tends to bleed off speed quickly in sustained turns.
+
* As with most jets, it tends to bleed off speed quickly in sustained turns
  
 
== 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).'' -->
The F-104A Starfighter was the first in-service United States Air Force (USAF) fighter to fly at twice the speed of sound, and made its first flight on February 7th, 1954<ref>https://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/lockheed-f-104a-starfighter/nasm_A19761017000</ref>. In [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DV7q-ptOyQ&feature=youtu.be this video] from Lockheeed Martin's archives, the Starfighter's maiden flight can be viewed. The F-104 began being designed in November 1952, when the USAF requested a superiority day fighter<ref name=":0">https://www.airplanesofthepast.com/f104-starfighter.htm</ref>.  The USAF chose Lockheed Martin's protype, with its unusually stubby straight wings, in a time when fighters had large, swept back, wings<ref name=":0" />. The first F-104A's were delivered to the 83rd Fighter-Interceptor squadron stationed at Hamilton Air Force Base on January 26, 1958, where they would break speed and altitude records<ref name=":0" />. One major record that was set by an F-104A was when Major Howard C. Johnson set a new altitude record by flying at 91,243 ft on May 7th, 1958<ref>https://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.asp?aircraft_id=113</ref>.  
+
The F-104A Starfighter was the first in-service United States Air Force (USAF) fighter to fly at twice the speed of sound, and made its first flight on February 7th, 1954<ref>https://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/lockheed-f-104a-starfighter/nasm_A19761017000</ref>. In [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DV7q-ptOyQ&feature=youtu.be this video] from Lockheeed Martin's archives, the Starfighter's maiden flight can be viewed. The F-104 began being designed in November 1952, when the USAF requested a superiority day fighter<ref name=":0">https://www.airplanesofthepast.com/f104-starfighter.htm</ref>.  The USAF chose Lockheed Martin's protype, with its unusually stubby straight wings, in a time when fighters had large, swept back, wings<ref name=":0" />. The first F-104A's were delivered to the 83rd Fighter-Interceptor squadron stationed at Hamilton Air Force Base on January 26, 1958, where they would break speed and altitude records<ref name=":0" />. One major record that was set by an F-104A was when Major Howard C. Johnson set a new altitude record by flying at 91,243 ft on May 7th, 1958<ref>https://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.asp?aircraft_id=113</ref>.
  
 
== 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.''
 
  
[[File:F-104A Starfighter Among the Stars.jpg|alt=F104A Starfighter flying with a full afterburner on a clear starry night (in-game screenshot)|center|thumb|F-104A Starfighter Among the Stars]]
+
[[File:F-104A Starfighter Among the Stars.jpg|alt=F104A Starfighter flying with a full afterburner on a clear starry night (in-game screenshot)|left|thumb|F-104A Starfighter Among the Stars]]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
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* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
=== References ===
 
+
<references/>
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
  
 
{{USA jet aircraft}}
 
{{USA jet aircraft}}
<references />
 

Revision as of 09:22, 29 May 2020

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
f-104a.png
F-104A
AB RB SB
9.7 9.3 9.7
Research:160 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:450 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

GarageImage F-104A.jpg


The F-104A Starfighter is a rank VI American jet fighter with a battle rating of 9.7 (AB/SB) and 9.3 (RB). It was introduced in Update "Starfighters".

General info

Flight performance

F-104 Starfighter breaks the soundbarrier at sunset with its afterburner roaring
A F-104A Starfighter breaks the sound barrier at sunset

Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 10,668 m)
Max altitude
(metres)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(metres/second)
Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 2,104 2,079 18900 32.4 33.0 190.9 182.9 1,180
Upgraded ___ ___ __._ __._ __._ __._

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
0 546 2,350 833 444 ~12 ~5
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 720 < 950 < 800 N/A

Survivability and 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.

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: M61 (20 mm)

The F-104A is armed with:

  • 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon, chin-mounted (750 rpg)

Suspended armament

Main article: AIM-9B Sidewinder

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

  • Without load
  • 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles

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).

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage repair Offensive 20 mm
II Compressor Airframe AIM-9B
III Wings repair Engine New 20 mm cannons
IV G-suit Cover

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good top speed for its rank
  • Great rate of climb; even the F-4 Phantom may struggle to match it
  • Decent high-speed manoeuvrability, in spite of its tiny wings
  • 20 mm Vulcan gun can really do some serious damage
  • Has access to AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
  • Good roll rate for a jet

Cons:

  • Lousy low-speed manoeuvrability
  • Only one secondary weapon load
  • Can't carry bombs
  • Relatively low ammo count for the Vulcan; trigger discipline is necessary
  • As with most jets, it tends to bleed off speed quickly in sustained turns

History

The F-104A Starfighter was the first in-service United States Air Force (USAF) fighter to fly at twice the speed of sound, and made its first flight on February 7th, 1954[1]. In this video from Lockheeed Martin's archives, the Starfighter's maiden flight can be viewed. The F-104 began being designed in November 1952, when the USAF requested a superiority day fighter[2]. The USAF chose Lockheed Martin's protype, with its unusually stubby straight wings, in a time when fighters had large, swept back, wings[2]. The first F-104A's were delivered to the 83rd Fighter-Interceptor squadron stationed at Hamilton Air Force Base on January 26, 1958, where they would break speed and altitude records[2]. One major record that was set by an F-104A was when Major Howard C. Johnson set a new altitude record by flying at 91,243 ft on May 7th, 1958[3].

Media

F104A Starfighter flying with a full afterburner on a clear starry night (in-game screenshot)
F-104A Starfighter Among the Stars

See also

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;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

References


USA jet aircraft
  Fighters
F-4  F-4C Phantom II · F-4E Phantom II · F-4J Phantom II · F-4S Phantom II
F-5  F-5A · F-5C · F-5E · F-20A
F-8  F8U-2 · F-8E
F-80  F-80A-5 · F-80C-10
F-84  F-84B-26 · F-84F · F-84G-21-RE
F-86  F-86A-5 · F-86F-25 · F-86F-2 · F-86F-35
F-89  F-89B · F-89D
F-100  F-100D
F-104  F-104A · F-104C
F-14  F-14A Early · F-14B
F-15  F-15A
F-16  F-16A · F-16A ADF · F-16C
F9F  F9F-2 · F9F-5 · F9F-8
Other  P-59A · F2H-2 · F3D-1 · F3H-2 · F4D-1 · F11F-1
  Strike Aircraft
FJ-4  FJ-4B · FJ-4B VMF-232
A-4  A-4B · A-4E Early
A-6  A-6E TRAM
A-7  A-7D · A-7E · A-7K
AV-8  AV-8A · AV-8C
A-10  A-10A · A-10A Late
B-57  B-57A · B-57B
F-105  F-105D
F-111  F-111A