Lockheed F-104 Starfighter

An illustrated technical history of the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter supersonic interceptor and fighter-bomber. One of the Century Series of aircraft, it was operated by the air forces of more than a dozen nations from 1958 to 2004. The different versions of the plane, from the prototypes to the final export and licence built versions are described and illustrated; all the changes in specification, equipment and performance are recorded. Drawings and data from the original technical manuals, full dimensional details and photographs of surviving examples preserved in aviation museums illustrate all aspects of the airframe, inside and out. Contemporary photographs and many pages of colour illustrations complete the book's comprehensive coverage. A rarely documented aspect of Cold War aviation history. Features 40 superb colour profiles of camouflage and markings, walk-around colour photographs and rare b&w archive photographs.