The Lockheed XF-104 Starfighter was a single-engine, high-performance, supersonic interceptor prototype for a United States Air Force (USAF) series of lightweight and simple fighters.

Dec 13, 2017 · Often called “the rocket with a man in it,” the F-104 was the first operational aircraft to sustain Mach 2 speed in flight.

The Lockheed XF-104 was a single-engine, high-performance, supersonic interceptor prototype for a United States Air Force (USAF) series of lightweight and simple fighters. Only two aircraft …

Mar 4, 2025 · Designed by the legendary Kelly Johnson, the XF-104 was a prototype Mach 2+ interceptor and was known in the news media of the time as “the missile with a man in it.” …

Oct 5, 2024 · The XF-104 had a maximum speed of 1,324 miles per hour (2,131 kilometers per hour), a range of 800 miles (1,287 kilometers) and a service ceiling of 50,500 feet (15,392 …

The XF-104 was the prototype of the Starfighter powered by a General Electric J65 engine. In total two aircraft were build of which the second one had a more powerful afterburner version …

Apr 19, 2024 · The XF-104 had a downward-firing ejection seat, built by Stanley Aviation Inc. It was intended to avoid the airplane’s tall vertical tail. Later production aircraft used an upward …

The XF-104 was a sleek dart of an aircraft, no doubt breathtakingly advanced in appearance compared to contemporary jet fighters in service. It was made mostly of aviation aluminum …

The F-104 was the first operational interceptor capable of sustained speeds above Mach 2 and was the first aircraft ever to hold the World Speed and Altitude records simultaneously. The …

Mar 31, 2021 · This 1954 silent color footage depicts prototype flight tests at Edwards Air Force Base for the Lockheed XF-104 Starfighter, a single-engine, supersonic interceptor aircraft …