| Aircraft | |
|---|---|
| Registration / Serial: | 53-7786 |
| Alternate Serial: | 37786 |
| Military Code: | FG-786 |
| Aircraft Original Type: | Lockheed F-104 Starfighter |
| Aircraft Generic Type: | Lockheed F-104 Starfighter |
| Aircraft Version: | Lockheed XF-104 Starfighter |
| C/n (msn): | 083-1001 |
| Operator Titles: | USA - Air Force |
| Location | |
|---|---|
| City / Airport: | Palmdale - USAF Plant 42Map |
| Region / Country: | California, United States |
| Airport Codes: | ICAO: KPMD IATA: PMD Local: PMD Other: - |
| Photo Date: | 17 April 1956 |
| Photo from: | AirHistory.net Photo Archive |
| Photo ID: | 581935 |
| Photo Comment |
|---|
|
The XF-104 first flew in 1954 but the Starfighter was not unveiled until 17 April 1956. The photo was likely taken that same day as both an YF-104A and this XF-104 were flown for the press at Palmdale. The two XF-104 prototypes were powered by the J65 (Sapphire) engine. Consequently they had no intake shock cones and were noticeably shorter than the J79-powered aircraft. 53-7786 crashed on 17 July 1957. Lockheed pilot Bill Park ejected. Photo by: Doomis Lean / Life This photo was added on 28 June 2023, and has since been viewed 2536 times. |