NASA flew this F-104A for 19 years as a flying test bed
and a chase plane. It was used to test the reaction controls later used
on the X-15. This aircraft was the seventh F-104 built and was transferred
to the Museum after its last flight, to Andrews Air Force Base, on 26
August 1975.
Lockheed F-104A
Starfighter
Known as "the missile with a man in it," the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter was the first U.S. jet fighter in service to fly Mach 2, twice the speed of sound. Designed as a high-performance day fighter, the F-104 had excellent acceleration and top speed. It first flew on February 7, 1954.