Editing Lockheed F-104 Starfighter (section)

==Operational history==

===U.S. Air Force===
[[File:F104-AIM9.gif|thumb|alt=Video vignette of an F-104 destroying a QF-80 target drone with an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile|F-104 test-firing an [[AIM-9 Sidewinder]] against a [[Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star|QF-80]] target drone]]
Although the F-104 was designed as an [[air superiority|air-superiority]] fighter, the United States Air Force's immediate need at the time was for a supersonic [[interceptor aircraft|interceptor]]. In the late 1950s, the United States government believed it had dangerously fewer [[bomber gap|jet-powered bombers]] than the [[USSR|Soviet Union]]. In response, the USAF had ordered two interceptors from Convair, the [[F-102 Delta Dagger]] and the [[F-106 Delta Dart]], but both aircraft were experiencing long development delays. The Starfighter's speed and rate-of-climb performance intrigued the Air Force, who pressed the F-104A into service as an interim interceptor with the [[Air Defense Command]] (ADC), even though its range and armament were not well-suited for the role. On 26 February 1958, the first unit to become operational with the F-104A was the [[83d Fighter Weapons Squadron|83rd Fighter Interceptor Squadron]] (FIS) at [[Hamilton AFB]], California.<ref name="Davies2014p15"/>

The newly operational aircraft experienced problems with both the J79 engine and M61 cannon, and after three months of service, the unit was grounded following a series of engine-related accidents. The aircraft were then fitted with the J79-GE-3B engine and another three ADC units were equipped with the F-104A. During this time, the Air Force's interest in the Starfighter was waning due to a shift in strategy toward fighters with longer ranges and heavier ordnance loads.<ref name="Davies2014p19">Davies 2014, p. 19.</ref> As a result, the USAF reduced their orders of the F-104A from 722 to 170,<ref name="Pace1992p32">Pace 1992, p. 32.</ref> and the F-104A and F-104B aircraft of the 83rd, [[56th Training Squadron|56th]] and [[337th Flight Test Squadron|337th]] FIS were handed over to the [[151st Air Refueling Squadron|151st]], [[157th Fighter Squadron|157th]] and [[197th Air Refueling Squadron|197th]] FIS of the [[Air National Guard]] (ANG) after less than a year of service with the ADC.<ref name="Bowman2000p45">Bowman 2000, p. 45.</ref>

====Taiwan Strait Crisis of 1958====
{{main|Second Taiwan Strait Crisis}}
[[File:F-104 Starfighter Republic of China Air Force 342-C-KE-40094.jpg|thumb|left|An F-104G [[target tug]] of the [[Republic of China Air Force]] (ROCAF) taking off from [[Ching Chaun Kang AB]], Taichung, Taiwan, in 1969, with a Dart tow target slung under its wing.]]

In August 1958, only a few months after establishing operational readiness with the F-104, the 83rd FIS was assigned to an air defense and deterrence mission in Taiwan after the [[People's Republic of China]] began an intense artillery campaign against the [[Republic of China]] (ROC) on the disputed islands of [[Quemoy]] and [[Matsu Islands|Matsu]]. Tension between the two forces was high; artillery duels were ongoing since the [[First Taiwan Strait Crisis|first crisis in 1954]] and the [[People's Liberation Army Air Force]] (PLAAF) had recently relocated 200 MiG-15s and [[MiG-17]]s to airfields on the mainland to fight against the [[Republic of China Air Force]] (ROCAF). According to Colonel Howard "Scrappy" Johnson, one of the F-104 pilots deployed to Taiwan, the Starfighters' presence was so the PLAAF would "track them on their radar screens&nbsp;... and sit back and scratch their head in awe."<ref name="Davies2014p22">Davies 2014, p. 22.</ref><ref name="Bowman2000p44">Bowman 2000, p. 44.</ref><ref name="Scrappy">{{cite book |last1=Johnson |first1=Howard C. and O'Connor, Ian A. |title=Scrappy : memoir of a U.S. fighter pilot in Korea and Vietnam |date=2008 |publisher=McFarland & Co. |location=Jefferson, NC |isbn=978-0-78645-498-3 |page=151}}</ref>

[[File:Dafb-c-124-f-104-1958.jpg|thumb|alt=A C-124 being loaded with a disassembled F-104 for transport|An F-104A being loaded onto a [[C-124]] at [[Hamilton AFB]] for transport to Taiwan, 1958]]
On 10 September, the first F-104s arrived in Taiwan, delivered disassembled by [[C-124 Globemaster II]] transport aircraft. This was the first time that air transport was used to move fighter aircraft long distances. Within 30 hours of arriving, First Lieutenant Crosley J. Fitton had the first of the 83rd's airplanes in the air, and by 19 September the entire unit was ready for day or night alert status. The F-104 flew a number of supersonic runs between Taiwan and mainland China at speeds up to Mach&nbsp;2 as an air-superiority demonstration, and though there were no direct enemy engagements prior to withdrawal after a ceasefire was agreed on 6 October, the Starfighter provided a significant deterrent effect. USAF Gen [[Laurence Kuter]], commander-in-chief of the [[Pacific Air Forces]], reported that the F-104A had "made a tremendous impression on both sides of the Taiwan Strait".<ref name="Davies2014pp22-25">Davies 2014, pp. 22–25.</ref>

====Berlin Crisis of 1961====
{{main|Berlin Crisis of 1961}}
[[File:F-104A 151st FIS at Ramstein AB c1961.jpg|thumb|left|alt=F-104A in front of hangar at Ramstein Air Base, West Germany|A USAF F-104A of the 151st FIS at [[Ramstein Air Base]], West Germany, in 1961–1962]]
During the Berlin Crisis of 1961, President [[John F. Kennedy]] ordered 148,000 [[United States National Guard]] and reserve personnel to active duty on 30 August, in response to Soviet moves to cut off Allied access to Berlin. 21,067 people were from the ANG, forming 18 fighter squadrons, four reconnaissance squadrons, six transport squadrons, and a tactical control group. On 1 November 1961, the USAF mobilized three more ANG fighter interceptor squadrons. In late October and early November, eight of the tactical fighter units flew to Europe with their 216 aircraft in [[Operation Stair Step]]. Because of their short range, 60 F-104As were airlifted to Europe in late November, among them the 151st FIS and 157th FIS. As with the Taiwan crisis three years earlier, the Starfighter did not directly engage any enemy fighters, but its presence provided a powerful air-superiority deterrent; it demonstrated very quick reaction times and exemplary acceleration during practice intercepts, and proved superior to all other fighters in the [[Theater (warfare)|theater]]. The crisis ended in the summer of 1962 and the ANG personnel returned to the United States, but the F-104's solid performance helped convince the ADC to recall some F-104s to active USAF service the following year.<ref>[http://www.ang.af.mil/history/heritage.asp "ANG Heritage: Missions, Wars and Operations."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141126012124/http://www.ang.af.mil/history/heritage.asp |date=26 November 2014 }} ''ang.af.mil.'' Retrieved: 8 August 2010.</ref><ref name="Davies2014p29">Davies 2014, p. 29.</ref>

====Vietnam War====
[[File:Lockheed F-104C Starfighters of 435th TFS, 479th TFW, at Udorn RTAFB, in 1965.jpg|thumb|alt=Row of numerous F-104 aircraft parked on display on airport apron|[[479th Tactical Fighter Wing|479th TFW]] F-104Cs at Da Nang, 1965]]
The F-104C entered service with USAF [[Tactical Air Command]] (TAC) as a [[multirole combat aircraft|multi-role]] fighter and [[fighter-bomber]]. The [[479th Tactical Fighter Wing]] (TFW) at [[George AFB]], California, was the first unit to be equipped with the type, in September 1958.<ref name="Bowman2000p49">Bowman 2000, p. 49.</ref> Commencing with [[Operation Rolling Thunder]], the Starfighter was used both in the air-superiority and air-support roles. On 19 April 1965 the [[476th Tactical Fighter Squadron]] (TFS) of the 479th TFW arrived at [[Da Nang AB]] to help protect US [[F-105 Thunderchief]] fighter-bombers against MiG-17s and especially [[MiG-21]]s that were beginning to be flown by the [[Vietnamese People's Air Force]] (VPAF). The F-104 was also deployed extensively as a [[barrier combat air patrol]] (BARCAP) protector for the [[EC-121]]D Warning Star [[airborne early warning]] aircraft patrolling off the North Vietnamese coast.<ref name="Davies2014p41">Davies 2014, p. 41.</ref> The F-104s were successful in deterring MiG interceptors and performed well as close support aircraft, though they were largely uninvolved in aerial combat and recorded no air-to-air kills during the conflict.<ref name="Dobrzyński2015p62">Dobrzyński 2015, p. 62.</ref><ref name="Thompson2004p155">Thompson 2004, p. 155.</ref> The North Vietnamese were well aware of the F-104's performance, and the 479th TFW's pilots felt that the MiGs deliberately avoided engaging them. Twenty-five MiG kills were scored by fighters controlled by [[Lockheed EC-121 Warning Star#Big Eye|EC-121 Big Eye]] missions, and their Starfighter escorts played a vital role in ensuring their safety.<ref name="Davies2014p43">Davies 2014, p. 43.</ref>

From the first F-104 deployment in April 1965 to December, Starfighters flew a total of 2,937 combat sorties. These sorties resulted in the loss of five aircraft, one from the 476th TFS, which deployed from April to July 1965,<ref name="Hobson2001p256">Hobson 2001, p. 256.</ref> and four from the [[436th Tactical Fighter Squadron]], which deployed from July to October 1965.<ref name="Hobson2001p255">Hobson 2001, p. 255.</ref><ref name="Thompson2004p157">Thompson 2004, p. 157.</ref> One incident on 20 September claimed three F-104s when [[Philip E. Smith|Captain Philip E. Smith]] strayed into Chinese airspace and was shot down by a Chinese [[Shenyang J-6]]; two more collided in mid-air while searching for Smith's missing jet.<ref name="SmithHerz1992pp29–35">Smith and Herz pp. 29–35, 67, 68</ref><ref name="WindleBowman2011pp38,39">Windle and Bowman 2011, pp. 38, 39.</ref><ref name="Hobson2001p32">Hobson 2001, p. 32.</ref> No losses were reported from the [[435th Tactical Fighter Squadron]]'s first deployment from October to December 1965.<ref name="Hobson2001p255"/>

Starfighters returned to Vietnam when the 435th Tactical Fighter Squadron re-deployed from June 1966 until August 1967.<ref name="Hobson2001p255"/> During this time F-104s flew a further 2,269 combat sorties, for a total of 5,206.<ref name="Hobson2001p100"/> F-104s operating in Vietnam were upgraded in service with AN/APR-25/26 radar warning receiver equipment.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.i-f-s.nl/udorn-ecm/|title=Udorn – ECM|website=International F-104 Society|access-date=19 August 2017}}</ref> One is on display in the [[Air Zoo]] in [[Kalamazoo, Michigan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Portals/7/documents/other/aircraft_on_loan_by_location.pdf|title=Aircraft on Loan (by Location)|website=National Museum of the United States Air Force|access-date=19 August 2017}}</ref> During the second deployment, an additional nine aircraft were lost for a total of 14 F-104s lost to all causes in Vietnam. In July 1967, the Starfighter units switched to the [[McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II]].<ref name="Hobson2001p255"/><ref name="Hobson2001p269">Hobson 2001, p. 269.</ref>

In 1967, these TAC aircraft were transferred to the Air National Guard.<ref name="Bowman2000p56">Bowman 2000, p. 56.</ref>
{{Clear}}

{|class="wikitable"
|+ USAF F-104 Starfighters losses during the Vietnam War 1965–1967
! Date !! Model !! Unit !! Cause of loss/remarks
|-
| width="85px" |29 Jun 1965
|F-104C
| style="white-space: nowrap;" | [[476th TFS]]
|Shot down by enemy ground fire while providing [[close air support]] (CAS).<ref name="Hobson2001p24">Hobson 2001, p. 24.</ref>
|-
|22 Jul 1965
|F-104C
| style="white-space: nowrap;" | [[436th TFS]]
|Downed by ground fire while on a CAS mission.<ref name="Hobson2001p25">Hobson 2001, p. 25.</ref>
|-
|20 Sep 1965
|F-104C
| style="white-space: nowrap;" | 436th TFS
|Downed by [[Shenyang J-6|PLAN Shenyang J-6]] (Chinese-built [[MiG 19]]) cannon fire while on a [[MIGCAP]] mission.<ref name="Hobson2001p32"/>
|-
|20 Sep 1965
|F-104C<br />F-104C
| style="white-space: nowrap;" | 436th TFS
|Mid-air collision while conducting air search for earlier [[People's Liberation Army Navy|PLAN]]-downed F-104C.<ref name="Hobson2001p32"/>
|-
|1 Aug 1966
|F-104C
| style="white-space: nowrap;" | [[435th TFS]]
|Downed by [[SA-2|SA-2 surface-to-air missile]] (SAM) while on [[Operation Iron Hand]] escort mission.<ref name="Hobson2001p69">Hobson 2001, p. 69.</ref>
|-
|1 Aug 1966
|F-104C
| style="white-space: nowrap;" | [[435th TFS]]
|Downed by SA-2 SAM while on Iron Hand escort mission.<ref name="Hobson2001p69">Hobson 2001, p. 69.</ref>
|-
|1 Sep 1966
|F-104C
| style="white-space: nowrap;" | 435th TFS
|Downed by anti-aircraft artillery fire (AAA) while on [[reconnaissance|armed reconnaissance]] mission.<ref name="Hobson2001p72">Hobson 2001, p. 72.</ref>
|-
|2 Oct 1966
|F-104C
| style="white-space: nowrap;" | 435th TFS
|Downed by SA-2 SAM at 10,000 feet while on armed reconnaissance mission.<ref name="Hobson2001p75">Hobson 2001, p. 75</ref>
|-
|20 Oct 1966
|F-104C
| style="white-space: nowrap;" | 435th TFS
|Downed by ground fire during armed reconnaissance mission.<ref name="Hobson2001p78">Hobson 2001, p. 78.</ref>
|-
|12 Jan 1967
|F-104C
| style="white-space: nowrap;" | 435th TFS
|Operational loss; crashed while landing after a CAP mission.<ref name="Hobson2001p85">Hobson 2001, p. 85.</ref>
|-
|16 Jan 1967
|F-104C
| style="white-space: nowrap;" | 435th TFS
|Operational loss; engine failure during a CAP mission.<ref name="Hobson2001p86">Hobson 2001, p. 86.</ref>
|-
|28 Jan 1967
|F-104C
| style="white-space: nowrap;" | 435th TFS
|Operational loss; engine failure during a CAP mission.<ref name="Hobson2001p87">Hobson 2001, p. 87.</ref>
|-
|14 May 1967
|F-104C
| style="white-space: nowrap;" | 435th TFS
|Operational loss; engine failure during armed reconnaissance mission.<ref name="Hobson2001p100">Hobson 2001, p. 100.</ref>
|}

====North American service====
[[File:TF-104G LukeAFB Nov1982.jpeg|thumb|alt=Twin-seat TF-104G with both canopies open|A German TF-104G at [[Luke Air Force Base|Luke AFB]], 1982]]
By the late 1950s, USAF fighter doctrine had shifted away from air superiority (fighter against fighter combat) and placed more importance on the interceptor (fighter against bomber combat) and tactical fighter-bomber roles. The F-104 was deemed inadequate for either, lacking both payload capability and endurance in comparison with other USAF aircraft. As a result, the USAF procured only 296 Starfighters, including both single-seat and two-seat versions. During [[Dominican Civil War|Operation Power Pack]], USAF F-104s were deployed to [[Ramey Air Force Base]] to protect the American supply line against potential Soviet-supplied [[Cuban Revolutionary Air and Air Defense Force|Cuban]] MiGs.<ref name=historyinpieces>{{cite report |last=Nalty |first=Bernard C. |date=30 June 1968 |title=U.S. Air Force Role in Five Crises: Lebanon, Taiwan, Congo, Cuba, Dominican Republic |url=https://historyinpieces.com/documents/documents/air-force-role-crises-lebanon-taiwan-congo-cuba-dominican-republic/|work= |location= |publisher=[[National Security Archive]] |docket= |access-date=11 March 2025 |via=historyinpieces.com}}</ref> Twelve F-104s were sent to Puerto Rico, where they remained until 3 June 1965.<ref name=historyinpieces/> The F-104's service with the USAF was quickly wound down after the aircraft's second deployment to southeast Asia in 1967.<ref name="Dobrzyński2015p60">Dobrzyński 2015, p. 60.</ref> Although the remaining F-104As in regular USAF service had been recently fitted with more powerful and reliable J79-GE-19 engines, the last USAF Starfighters left regular Air Force service in 1969.<ref name="Davies2014p34">Davies 2014, p. 34.</ref> The aircraft continued in use with the [[Puerto Rico Air National Guard]] until 1975 when it was replaced by the [[A-7 Corsair II]].<ref name="Hobson2001p100"/><ref name="Pace1992p53">Pace 1992, p. 53 (photo).</ref>

The last use of the F-104 Starfighter in US markings was training pilots for the [[West German Air Force]], with a wing of TF-104Gs and F-104Gs based at [[Luke Air Force Base]], Arizona. Although operated in USAF markings, these aircraft (which included German-built aircraft) were owned by West Germany. They continued in use until 1983.<ref name="FrickerJackson1996p74">Fricker and Jackson 1996, p. 74.</ref>

=== Pakistan Air Force ===
[[File:Lockheed F-104.png|thumb|PAF Griffin F-104As during a training [[sortie]] in 1964.]]

In 1961, Pakistan, as a [[major non-NATO ally]], received under the [[Mutual Assistance Program]] 14 Starfighters (twelve model F-104A and two dual-seat model F-104B). These were fitted with C-2 upward firing [[ejection seats]], AN/ASG-14T1 [[fire control system]]s, more powerful [[J-79#Variants|General Electric J79-11A]] engines and the [[M-61 Vulcan]]s were also re-fitted on [[Pakistan Air Force|PAF]]'s request.<ref name="hali"/><ref name="key"/> Moreover, an F-104B was modified by the PAF to carry Swedish TA-7M [[reconnaissance]] cameras in the back seat, other than that a single F-104A was modified to carry Radar homing devices like the Radar Locator (RALOR) and Short-range Low Altitude Radar Detection (SLARD).<ref name="stn"/> The [[No. 9 Squadron (Pakistan Air Force)|No. 9 Squadron "Griffins"]] was the only PAF squadron to be equipped with these Starfighters.<ref name="hali">{{cite web|title=F-104 Starfighters in PAKISTAN AIR FORCE |url=http://www.defencejournal.com/2000/may/f-104.htm |website=DefenseJournal.com |author=Group Captain (R) Sultan Mehmood Hali|access-date=25 May 2017 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000817032844/http://www.defencejournal.com:80/2000/may/f-104.htm |archive-date=17 August 2000 }}</ref><ref name="stn">{{cite magazine|url=https://secondtononepaf.com/2021/02/20/fast-furious-a-tale-of-starfighter-speedster-of-paf/|date=20 February 2021|magazine=Second To None|author=Air Commodore Muhammad Ali|title=Fast & Furious: A Tale of Starfighter – Speedster of PAF}}</ref>

The PAF also provided F-104 instructors to [[Jordan]] in order to train their pilots on the aircraft after the [[Royal Jordanian Air Force]] started receiving its Starfighters in 1968. One of the Jordanian pilots, Major Ihsan Shurdom, later rose to command the RJAF.<ref name="stn"/>

[[File:Lockheed F-104 Starfighter drag chute landing.jpg|thumb|A Griffin F-104A landing after [[dissimilar air combat training]].]]

The Starfighter served with the PAF from 1961 until 1972 when lack of spare parts due to post-war [[US sanctions]] led to an early retirement.<ref name="hali"/>

==== Rann of Kutch Conflict ====
{{main|Operation Desert Hawk}}
During the [[Rann of Kutch]] crisis in April 1965, a detachment of two Griffin F-104s was deployed at [[PAF Base Mauripur|Mauripur Base]] under the command of [[Mervyn Middlecoat|Squadron Leader Middlecoat]].<ref name="stn"/>

An F-104 flown by [[Farooq Umar]] also assisted the [[Pakistan Army|Army]]'s [[24th Cavalry (Frontier Force)|24th Cavalry]], [[Frontier Force Regiment|15th Frontier Force]] and [[Punjab Regiment (Pakistan)|15th Punjab]] regiments in capturing "Biar Bet" from Indian forces.<ref name="paf">{{cite book|url=https://www.paf.gov.pk/asset/appattachments/Sentinels_in-the_sky.pdf|title=Sentinels In The Sky (A Saga of PAF's Gallant Air Warriors)|publisher=Directorate of Media Affairs, Pakistan Air Force|pages=395–396}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.hilal.gov.pk/index.php/detail/guides-paltan-celebrates-biar-bet-day|title=Guides Paltan Celebrates Biar Bet Day|magazine=Hilal English|quote=The Paltan was ordered to capture the disputed territory of Biar Bet, which is located 6 miles west of Serabet, in Indian Rann of Kutch. Enemy's 13 Commando Battalion 50 Para Brigade was defending the area. Two companies of 15 Punjab, a squadron of 24 Cavalry (FF) and an R&S Company of 15 Frontier Force Regiment were placed under the command of Guides Infantry for this operation.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=PAKISTANIS HOLD POST OF BIAR BET; Assert Indians Fled 'Island' in Rann of Cutch Wastes|date=29 April 1965|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/04/29/archives/pakistanis-hold-post-of-biar-bet-assert-indians-fled-island-in-rann.html|website=The New York Times}}</ref>

[[File:Indian Dassault Ouragan.jpg|thumb|The Indian Dassault Ouragan which was forced down by Pakistani Starfighters.]]

Later in June, PAF F-104s forced an Indian [[Dassault Ouragan]] which had intruded into Pakistani airspace to make a [[forced landing]] at Jangshahi Village near [[Badin]].<ref name="key"/>

==== Indo-Pakistani war of 1965 ====
{{see also|Indo-Pakistani Air War of 1965}}
PAF F-104s were deployed in a variety of roles during the 1965 war. These included [[Air defence]], high altitude interceptions, [[night fighter]], reconnaissance etc.<ref name="hali"/>

In the opening rounds of the war on 1 September, Flight Lt. Farooq Umar on the orders of PAF's [[C-in-C]] "[[Nur Khan|Air Marshal Nur Khan]]", executed two [[sonic boom]]s in his F-104 over the enemy airbase at [[Amritsar Air Force Station|Amritsar]]. This was done in order to harass the [[Indian Air Force]] (IAF) as a sign of dominance.<ref name="stn"/><ref name="paf"/>

[[File:Folland Gnat F.1.jpg|thumb|An Indian Gnat F.1 (IE-1083) sits on the disused airfield at Pasrur shortly after being forced down by a Griffin F-104A on 3 September 1965. Today, the Gnat is on display at [[PAF Museum]] at Karachi.]]

On 3 September 1965, two Griffin F-104As flown by Flying Officer Abbas Mirza and [[Hakimullah Khan Durrani|Flight Lieutenant Hakimullah]] intercepted 6 IAF [[Folland Gnat]]s over [[Akhnur]] which had attacked a lone [[F-86 Sabre]]. While the Sabre managed to return to base despite sustaining heavy damage, the Starfighters made supersonic passes near the Indian Gnats which resultantly spread panic amongst the IAF pilots. In the ensuing chaos, Squadron Ldr. Brij Pal Singh Sikand landed his Gnat F.1 at an abandoned Pakistani [[airstrip]] at [[Pasrur]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.hilal.gov.pk/eng-article/detail/ODQ0.html|magazine=Hilal English|author=COLONEL (R) AZAM QADRI|title=A Pakistan Army Doctor Who Took Surrender of the Indian Air Force Jet}}</ref><ref name="key">{{cite web|url=https://www.key.aero/article/why-india-feared-pakistans-f-104-starfighters|website=KEY.AERO|author=Tom Spencer|date=20 January 2022|title=Why India Feared Pakistan's F-104 Starfighters}}</ref><ref name="f-104">{{cite web|url=http://kaiser-aeronaut.blogspot.com/2008/11/run-its-104.html?m=1|title="Run..it's a 104"|date=19 November 2008|website=Aeronaut|author=[[Kaiser Tufail]]}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite book|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/1965War/Chapter3.html |title=The India-Pakistan Air War of 1965 |pages=79–82 |first1=Jagan P V S |last1=Mohan |first2=Samir |last2=Chopra |year=2005 |publisher=Manohar |access-date=14 October 2019 |isbn=81-7304-641-7 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130706030406/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/History/1965War/Chapter3.html |archive-date=6 July 2013 }}</ref>

The F-104s first air to air combat victory was achieved by the PAF on the morning of 6 September 1965, when a pair of Griffin F-104As flown by Flight Lieutenant Aftab Alam Khan and Flight Lieutenant Amjad Hussain Khan were vectored towards 4 Indian [[Dassault Mystere IV]]s that were attacking a passenger train at [[Ghakhar Mandi railway station|Ghakhar Station]]. While Flight Lt. Amjad aborted due to radio failure, Flight Lt. Aftab went ahead with the interception and shot down a [[Mystere IV]] with an [[AIM-9]]B while damaging another with his M-61 Vulcan. The kill with an AIM-9B Sidewinder is claimed by the PAF as the first combat kill by any Mach 2 aircraft and the PAF's first missile kill, though the IAF denies the loss.<ref name="stn"/><ref name="Davies2014p77">Davies 2014, p. 77.</ref><ref name="key"/><ref name="hali"/>

On 7 September 1965, a Griffin F-104A flown by Flight Lt. Amjad Hussein Khan intercepted six Indian [[Dassault Mystere]]s which were attacking the [[Sargodha Airbase]]. While 5 of the Indian Mysteres managed to escape, a fierce dogfight ensued between Flight Lt. Amjad's F-104 & [[Ajjamada B. Devaiah|Squadron Ldr. Devaiah]]'s Mystere. Amjad fired an AIM-9B but it missed and hit the ground so he switched to his M-61 cannon and after some attempts, managed to score several hits on Devaiah's Mystere. However, due to high-G maneuvering, Amjad's F-104 was forced into a low speed [[dogfight]] by a determined Devaiah (something which the F-104 performs badly in due to its poor low speed maneuverability and agility.) This forced Amjad to [[Aerial ramming|ram]] his F-104 into the Mystere. The [[mid-air collision]] resulted in both pilots losing control of their [[warplanes]]. While Flight Lt. Amjad managed to eject safely over [[Kot Nakka]], the Indian pilot perished with his Mystere.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kaiser-aeronaut.blogspot.com/2008/11/mystery-of-downed-mystre.html?m=1|title=Mystery of the Downed Mystère|author=[[Kaiser Tufail]]|date=20 November 2008|website=Aeronaut}}</ref><ref name="stn"/>

On 13 September 1965, Middlecoat fired an AIM-9 at an IAF [[Canberra bomber]] during a night interception. An explosion was reported at around 4000&nbsp;ft but confirmation was not possible.<ref name="stn"/><ref name="key"/>

On 21 September 1965, [[Jamal A. Khan|Squadron Leader Jamal]] while flying a Griffin F-104A intercepted a high flying IAF [[English Electric Canberra]] at night and shot it down with an AIM-9 near [[Fazilka]] over Pakistani airspace.<ref name="hali"/><ref name="stn"/><ref name="key"/>

In total, Griffin F-104s flew 246 hours and 45 minutes during the 1965 war, 204 day [[sorties]] and 42 night missions.<ref name="hali"/><ref name="key"/>

==== Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 ====
The commencement of hostilities in 1971 led to PAF deploying its small fleet of F-104s heavily in Air to Air and Ground Attack roles. Surplus F-104As and F-104Bs were also received from Jordan.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://www.capitolhillbooks-dc.com/pages/books/13153/hussaini-tanvir-m-ahmed-jamal-a-khan-text-intro/paf-over-the-years |title=PAF over the Years|page=85|chapter=Trauma & Reconstruction (1971-1980)|author=Group Captain (R) Husseini & Pakistan Air Force|edition=Revised}}</ref><ref name="stn"/>
; Ground Attack
In early December 1971, PAF launched [[Operation Chengiz Khan]] (inspired from Israel's [[Operation Focus]]) after a series of invasions by Indian forces in [[East Pakistan]]. As part of these [[Preemptive war|preemptive strikes]], the Starfighters were employed particularly in attacks on various Indian radar stations.<ref>{{cite interview|url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dJmOpbkS50g&feature=youtu.be|interviewer=Ahmed Qureshi|publisher=PTV News|title=S. M. Hali: New revelations on India's invasion of Pakistan in 1971|date=23 December 2021}}</ref><ref name="stn"/>

On 3 December 1971, a formation of two Starfighters attacked the IAF Radar station at [[Amritsar]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/article/87496/remembering-war-hero-air-commodore-rashid-bhatti-an-outstanding-soldier-and-father |title=Remembering war hero Air Commodore Rashid Bhatti: an outstanding soldier and father|website=eTribune.com|author=Rafae Bhatti|date=6 September 2019}}</ref>

On 4 December 1971, [[Squadron leader]]s Amanullah and Rashid Bhatti flying F-104As again struck the IAF's Amritsar radar without any significant results due to heavy [[Anti-aircraft warfare|Anti-Aircraft fire]].<ref name="hali"/>

On 11 December, two F-104As piloted by Wing Commander Arif Iqbal Squadron Leader M. Amanullah struck the Indian airbase of [[Uttarlai Air Force Station|Uttarlai]] during which Squadron Ldr. Amanullah destroyed an [[HF-24]] parked on the [[airport apron|tarmac]] with his M-61 cannon while Flight Lt. Arif Iqbal strafed another HF-24 which was trying to take off from the airbase.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://www.capitolhillbooks-dc.com/pages/books/13153/hussaini-tanvir-m-ahmed-jamal-a-khan-text-intro/paf-over-the-years |title=PAF over the Years|page=83|chapter=Trauma & Reconstruction (1971-1980)|author=Group Captain (R) Husseini & Pakistan Air Force|edition=Revised}}</ref>

;Air to Air Combat

On 4 December 1971, a Folland Gnat and [[Sukhoi Su-7]] were shot down after they confronted a formation of two PAF Starfighters attacking the Amritsar radar.<ref name="hali"/><ref name="hijazi">{{cite book|author=A.Q Hijazi|title=The Story Of The Pakistan Air Force. A Saga Of Courage And Honour.|date=January 1988 |publisher=Shaheen Foundation |url=https://www.amazon.com/Story-Pakistan-Force-Courage-Honour/dp/B000I9RMGI# |via=Amazon.com}}</ref>

On 8 December, an F-104 piloted by Flight Lieutenant Manzoor Bokhari intercepted a Canberra bomber and shot it down.<ref name="hali"/>

On 10 December, an F-104 flown by Wing Commander Arif Iqbal shot down an Indian Navy [[Bréguet 1050 Alizé]] while attacking the [[Okha Port]].<ref name="hali"/>

On the morning of 12 December, the first direct air-to-air combat engagement between an F-104 and a [[MiG-21]] took place when OC No. 9 Squadron, Middlecoat along with his [[wingman]] Tariq Habib while performing [[airstrikes]] on the IAF's [[Jamnagar Airport|Jamnagar Airbase]] were bounced by two Indian MiG-21FLs of the [[No. 47 Squadron IAF|No. 47 Squadron]]. While the F-104 formation was returning to Pakistani territory, one of the MiG-21s fired a [[K-13 missile]] at Mervyn's F-104. Though he managed to dodge it with [[evasive maneuvers]], a second missile was fired at a range of 300 meters this time hitting his Starfighter. Middlecoat was seen ejecting over the [[Gulf of Kutch]] however the Indian vessels dispatched to capture him claimed he was never found. The PAF initially declared him [[Missing In Action|MIA]] but was later declared [[Killed in action|KIA]] and [[posthumous award|posthumously awarded]] a [[Medal bar|Bar]] to [[Sitara-e-Jurat]].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://www.paf.gov.pk/asset/appattachments/Sentinels_in-the_sky.pdf|website=Pakistan Air Force|title=Sentinels in the sky|author=Azam Qadri|page=309|chapter= Decorated Shaheeds of 1971 War}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BY34AZM/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_SN6C8M8R1B29GJVD4TRX |via=Amazon.com|title=F-104 Starfighter Units in Combat (Combat Aircraft Book 101)|author=Peter E. Davies}}</ref>

The second F-104 loss occurred several days later on 17 December when a pair of [[Jordan–Pakistan relations|Jordanian loaned]] Starfighters on combat air patrol near [[Hyderabad, Pakistan|Hyderabad]] intercepted two MiG-21s which had intruded Pakistani airspace. The wingman, Flight Lieutenant Samad Ali Changezi engaged one of the MiG-21s and managed to get behind its tail. Unknown to him the second MiG-21 had sneaked up behind him and had fired a K-13 missile which had missed. His leader tried warning him but to no avail. As Changezi was about to shoot the MiG-21 down, a second K-13 was fired by the pursuing IAF MiG-21 which slammed into his F-104. The Starfighter went down over [[Mirpur Khas]] along with its pilot. Changezi was posthumously awarded the Sitara-e-Jurat in honor of his wartime service.<ref name="sits pdf">{{cite book|url=https://www.paf.gov.pk/asset/appattachments/Sentinels_in-the_sky.pdf|website=Pakistan Air Force|title=Sentinels in the sky|author=Azam Qadri|page=337|chapter= Decorated Shaheeds of 1971 War}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://kaiser-aeronaut.blogspot.com/2010/12/air-defence-in-southern-sector-1971-war.html?m=1|website=Aeronaut|author=[[Kaiser Tufail]]|title=Air Defence in Southern Sector - 1971 War|date=29 December 2010}}</ref>
The IAF also claims two additional PAF Starfighter kills that same day including Squadron Leader Rashid Bhatti's Starfighter. However, the PAF said he returned without damage to [[PAF Base Masroor|Masroor AFB]].<ref name="The MiG that forced an Army's Surrender">{{cite web |last=Simha |first=Rakesh Krishnan |url=https://www.rbth.com/blogs/2013/12/19/dogfight_duke_the_mig_that_forced_an_armys_surrender_31775 |date=19 December 2013 |title=The MiG that forced an Army's Surrender |access-date=8 October 2017}}</ref><ref name="sits pdf" /><ref name="Davies2014pp85-87">Davies 2014, pp. 85–87.</ref>

===1967 Taiwan Strait Conflict===
[[File:ROCAF F-104J Right View 20111009.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Taiwanese F-104J parked as a museum display|[[Republic of China (Taiwan)]] Air Force F-104J]]
On 13 January 1967, four ROCAF F-104G aircraft engaged a formation of J-6/[[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-19|MiG-19s]] of the People's Liberation Army Air Force over the disputed island of [[Kinmen]] (Quemoy). Major Hu Shih-lin and Captain Shih Bei-puo each shot down one MiG-19. One F-104 did not return to base and its pilot was listed as [[missing in action]].<ref name="Bowman2000p165">Bowman 2000, p. 165.</ref><ref name="Davies2014p88">Davies 2014, p. 88.</ref>

F-104 designer Kelly Johnson stated that this particular battle illustrated the relative strengths and weaknesses of the Starfighter in aerial combat. "We had them on acceleration and we had them on steady-state altitude, but we could not turn with them," said Johnson, who at the time was working on the larger-winged, more-maneuverable [[CL-1200 Lancer]] derivative of the F-104.<ref name="Davies2014p88"/>

===Other international service===
{{Main|Lockheed bribery scandals}}
[[File:Bundesarchiv B 145 Bild-F027437-0009, Flugzeuge F-104 Starfighter, MFG 1.jpg|thumb|alt=Six F-104Gs flying in formation photographed from below|F-104Gs from [[Marinefliegergeschwader 1|''Marinefliegergeschwader'' 1]], 1965]]

At the same time that the F-104 was falling out of U.S. favor, the West German Air Force was looking for a multi-role combat aircraft to operate in support of a missile defense system.<ref>{{cite journal |editor1-last=Smith |editor1-first=Maurice A. |title=West German Defence Policy |journal=[[Flight International|Flight]] |date=14 February 1958 |volume=73 |number=2554 |page=195 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1958/1958%20-%200185.html |access-date=21 August 2019}}</ref> In response, Lockheed reworked the Starfighter from a fair-weather fighter into an all-weather ground-attack, reconnaissance, and interceptor aircraft, and presented it as the F-104G. The redesigned aircraft was chosen over the [[English Electric P.1]] (later the Lightning), [[Grumman F11F-1F Super Tiger]], [[Vought F-8 Crusader]] and Republic F-105 Thunderchief.<ref>{{Citation |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1958/1958%20-%200070.html |title=First Things First: On Not seeing the Sales Trees for the Reorganization Woods. |work=[[Flight International|Flight]]  |number=2556 |volume=73|date=17 January 1958 |page= 72 |access-date=21 August 2019 |last=a Special Correspondent}}.</ref> Ten other aircraft types, including the F-102, F-106, [[Saunders-Roe SR.177]], and the [[Saab 35 Draken]], were also considered but discarded earlier in the process.<ref name="Jackson1976p19">Jackson 1976, p. 19.</ref> The F-104G was ultimately chosen because the other two finalists were still in the development phase while the F-104 was about to be introduced into USAF service; although the American version lacked all-weather capability, Lockheed promised they could deliver this, and favorable reports by the German Ministry of Defence delegation sent in December 1957 to flight-test the F-104 tipped the scales in the Starfighter's favor.<ref name="Kropf2002pp16–17">Kropf 2002, pp. 16–17.</ref>

The Starfighter found a new market with other [[Member states of NATO|NATO countries]] as well, and eventually more than 2,000 of all variants of the F-104 were built for international air forces.<ref name="Davies2014p20">Davies 2014, p. 20.</ref> Several countries received their aircraft under the U.S. government-funded [[Mutual Defense Assistance Act|Military Aid Program]] (MAP).<ref name="Donald2003p149">Donald 2003, p. 149.</ref> The American engine was retained but built under license in Europe, Canada, and Japan.<ref name="Pace1992p140">Pace 1992, p. 140.</ref> The Lockheed ejector seats were retained initially but were replaced in some countries by the safer Martin-Baker seat.<ref name="Cacutt1988p166">Cacutt 1988, p. 166.</ref>

The so-called "Deal of the Century" produced substantial income for Lockheed, but the resulting [[Lockheed bribery scandals|bribery scandals]] caused considerable political controversy in Europe and Japan. In 1976, a [[United States Senate]] investigating committee led by [[Frank Church|Senator Frank Church]] determined that Lockheed had paid US$22 million in bribes to foreign officials during the negotiation processes for the sale of its aircraft, including the F-104 Starfighter. In Germany, Minister of Defence [[Franz Josef Strauss]] was accused of having received at least US$10 million for West Germany's purchase of the F-104 in 1961.<ref>{{cite web |title=SCANDALS: The Lockheed Mystery |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,914576-2,00.html |access-date=10 May 2020 |publisher=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |date=13 Sep 1976 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130624050214/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,914576-2,00.html |archive-date=24 June 2013}}</ref> On 26 August 1976, [[Bernhard of Lippe-Biesterfeld#The Lockheed Scandal|Prince-consort Bernhard]] of the Netherlands was forced to resign as Inspector-General of the Dutch Armed Forces after being accused of accepting approximately US$1.1 million in bribes.<ref name="Dobrzyński2015p29">Dobrzyński 2015, p. 29.</ref>

In the Netherlands, the F-104 was used to aid in the ending of the [[1977 Dutch train hijacking]]. On 11 June 1977, almost three weeks after the start of a hijacking of a train by Moluccan separatists, six F-104 jet fighters of the Royal Netherlands Air Force overflew the train three times at low altitude, using their afterburners to disorient the hijackers as a precursor to an armed attack by Dutch marines. None of the Starfighters used its weapons.

The international service of the F-104 began to wind down in the late 1970s, being replaced in many cases by the [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon]], but it remained in service with some air forces for another two decades. The last operational Starfighters served with the Italian Air Force, which retired them on 31 October 2004.<ref name="AviationistLastStarfighter">{{cite web|last1=Cenciotti|first1=David|title=The last ever operative flight of the legendary F-104 Starfighter, 12 years ago today|url=https://theaviationist.com/2016/10/31/the-last-ever-operative-flight-of-the-legendary-f-104-starfighter-12-years-ago-today/|website=The Aviationist|date=31 October 2016 |access-date=4 July 2017|ref=AviationistLastStarfighter}}</ref>

===NASA===
[[File:306705main EC80-14126 full.jpg|thumb|alt=Formation of NASA F-104 and F-15|[[NASA]] [[F-15]] and F-104 testing [[Space Shuttle]] tiles]]
[[File:NASA F-104.jpg|thumb|NASA F-104 on display at [[Edwards Air Force Base]]]]
The Starfighter served with [[NASA]] from 1956 until 1994. A total of 12 F-104A, F-104B, F-104N, and TF-104G aircraft performed high-speed and altitude flight research at [[Dryden Flight Research Center]]. The F-104 also performed many safety chase missions in support of advanced research aircraft and provided a launch platform for [[sounding rocket]]s.<ref name="Dobrzyński2015p90">Dobrzyński 2015, p. 90.</ref>

In August 1956, the USAF transferred YF-104A serial number 55–2961 to the [[National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics]] (NACA, the predecessor of NASA), designating it NF-104A. In preparation for the [[X-15]] test program of the late 1950s, it was fitted with the reaction control system (RCS) consisting of hydrogen peroxide-powered thrusters mounted in the aircraft's nose and wingtips. This system provided valuable experience for future X-15 pilots and astronauts in spacecraft control and maneuverability. The trials began in 1959 and concluded in 1961, after which the aircraft was used for other NASA purposes until it was retired in November 1975.<ref name="Dobrzyński2015p90"/>

An F-104B, originally USAF 57-1303 later received civil registry as N819NA, NASA 819. It became the longest-serving NASA F-104 in both calendar time (1958–1978) and flight hours. Its credits include being the first aircraft in history to perform manned testing of a [[ballute]] at supersonic speed. It was also the first to test piloted landings of vehicles such as the X-15 and lifting bodies with the pilot using only stereo periscopic vision. It was used extensively for biomedical research, evaluation of new full pressure suits, and general utility duties for NASA research. One notable case was its service as the final chase plane for the official FAI world altitude record flight of the #3 X-15.{{citation needed|date=May 2021}}

Between August and October 1963, Lockheed delivered three single-seat F-104G Starfighters to NASA, designated F-104N, for use as high-speed chase aircraft. These were the only Starfighters built by Lockheed specifically for NASA; all other NASA aircraft were transferred from the USAF. The third of these F-104Ns, number 013, was destroyed on 8 June 1966 in a mid-air collision with a [[North American XB-70]] during a publicity photo flight for [[General Electric]].<ref name="Dobrzyński2015p90"/>

One NASA F-104G, registration N826NA, was equipped with a flight test fixture (FTF) consisting of a pylon mounted on the fuselage centerline. The FTF contained instruments to record and transmit research data in real-time to engineers in mission control at Dryden. One application of the FTF was testing heat-resistant tiles for use on the [[Space Shuttle]], ensuring their bonding was sufficient at high speeds and evaluating their performance when exposed to moisture. The last of these missions flew on 31 January 1994, bringing the F-104's service with NASA to a close after more than 18,000 flights.<ref name="Dobrzyński2015p90"/>

=== Use as space launch platform ===
In 2011, [[4Frontiers Corporation]] and [[Starfighters Inc]] (a private F-104 operator) began working together on a project to launch suborbital sounding rockets from F-104s flying out of [[Kennedy Space Center]]. First launches were expected to occur in 2012.<ref>{{cite web |title=Star Lab Suborbital Launch Vehicle: Official Unveiling and Flight Test, October 27, 2011 |url=http://starlab-suborbital.com/Suborbital.html |website=starlab-suborbital.com |access-date=10 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120729083500/http://starlab-suborbital.com/Suborbital.html |archive-date=29 July 2012}}</ref><ref>[http://www.citizensinspace.org/2012/03/vintage-fighters-return-as-launch-platforms "Vintage fighters return as launch platforms."] ''citizensinspace.org'', 20 March 2012.</ref>
In early 2016, another venture, CubeCab, was working on a rocket system that would launch [[CubeSat]]s from F-104s.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://spaceref.com/iac2015/bloostar-and-other-smallsat-launchers-look-to-fill-a-need.html |title= Bloostar and other SmallSat Launchers Look to Fill a Need |last1= Boucher |first1= Marc |date= 15 October 2015 |website= spaceref.com |access-date= 2016-03-15 |archive-date= 19 February 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210219142130/https://cse.google.com/cse.js?cx=009217316079420695036:u6mkq7brjyy |url-status= dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Technologies |url=http://cubecab.com/technologies.html |website=CubeCab |access-date=22 August 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20160826-the-1950s-jet-launching-tiny-satellites|title=The 1950s jet launching tiny satellites|first=Stephen|last=Dowling}}</ref> The company said it planned to begin providing launch services "in early 2020".<ref>{{cite web |title=Launch Services |url=http://cubecab.com/launch-services.html |website=CubeCab |access-date=22 August 2019}}</ref>{{update inline|date=November 2022}}

===World records===
The F-104 was the first aircraft to simultaneously hold the world speed and altitude records. On 7 May 1958, USAF Major Howard C. Johnson, flying YF-104A 55–2957, broke the world [[flight altitude record]] for jet aircraft by flying to {{convert|27811|m|ft|order=flip}}{{efn|group=records|FAI record no. 5056.}} over Edwards AFB.<ref name="Bowman2000p45">Bowman 2000, p. 45.</ref> On 16 May 1958, USAF Captain Walter W. Irwin, flying YF-104A 55–2969, set a world [[flight airspeed record]] of {{convert|2259.538|kph|mph|order=flip}}<ref>FAI record no. 9063.</ref> over a course {{convert|15|mi}} long at Edwards AFB.<ref name="IFSrecords">{{cite web |url=https://www.i-f-s.nl/f-104-records/ |title=F-104 Records |publisher=International F-104 Society |access-date=16 November 2019}}</ref> Flying F-104A 56–0762 over NAS Point Mugu, California, USAF Lieutenants William T. Smith and [[Einar Enevoldson]] set several time-to-climb records on 13 and 14 December 1958:<ref name="IFSrecords"/>

{| class="wikitable floatright" style="text-align:right;"
!Altitude<br /> meters (feet)
!time<br /> seconds
|-
|{{convert|3000|m|ft|sp=us|-2|abbr=values}} || 41.85<ref>FAI record no. 9107.</ref>
|-
| {{convert|6000|m|ft|sp=us|-2|abbr=values}} || 58.41<ref>FAI record no. 9106.</ref>
|-
| {{convert|9000|m|ft|sp=us|-2|abbr=values}} || 81.14<ref>FAI record no. 9105.</ref>
|-
| {{convert|12000|m|ft|sp=us|-2|abbr=values}} || 99.90<ref>FAI record no. 9104.</ref>
|-
| {{convert|15000|m|ft|sp=us|-2|abbr=values}} || 131.10<ref>FAI record no. 9103.</ref>
|-
| {{convert|20000|m|ft|sp=us|-2|abbr=values}} || 222.99<ref>FAI record no. 9102.</ref>
|-
| {{convert|25000|m|ft|sp=us|-2|abbr=values}} || 266.03<ref>FAI record no. 9080.</ref>
|}

On 14 December 1959, USAF Captain "Joe" B. Jordan, flying F-104C 56–0885 at Edwards AFB, set a new world altitude record of {{convert|31513|m|ft|order=flip}},<ref>FAI record no. 10354.</ref> in the process becoming the first aircraft to take off under its own power and cross both the 30,000-meter and 100,000-foot thresholds. He also set a {{convert|30000|m|ft|adj=on|sp=us|-2}} time-to-climb record of 904.92 seconds.<ref name="IFSrecords"/><ref>FAI record no. 9065.</ref>{{efn|group=records|The lower-altitude records were surpassed in February 1962 by the [[Northrop T-38 Talon]], and soon after all of the time-to-climb records were broken by the F-4 Phantom. The T-38 time-to-climb records are ID numbers 8718, 8604, 8599, and 8719 in the FAI database.}} USAF Major Robert W. Smith, flying NF-104A 56–0756, set an unofficial world altitude record of {{convert|118860|ft|m|abbr=on}} on 15 November 1963, and on 6 December 1963 he flew the same aircraft to another unofficial altitude record of {{convert|120800|ft|m|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Bowman2000p172">Bowman 2000, p. 172.</ref><ref name="Pace1992p142">Pace 1992, p. 142.</ref>

[[Jacqueline Cochran]], a lieutenant colonel in the [[United States Air Force Reserve]], flew TF-104G N104L to set three women's world's speed records: On 11 May 1964, she averaged {{convert|1429.3|mph}} over a {{convert|15-25|km|abbr=on}} course,<ref>FAI record no. 13041.</ref> on 1 June she flew at an average speed of {{convert|1303.18|mph}} over a {{convert|100|km|abbr=on}} closed-circuit course,<ref>FAI record no. 12389.</ref> and on 3 June she recorded an average speed of {{convert|1127.4|mph}} over a {{convert|500|km|abbr=on}} closed-circuit course.<ref name="Pace1992p142"/><ref name="IFSrecords"/><ref>FAI record no. 13037.</ref>

Lockheed test pilot [[Darryl Greenamyer]] built an F-104 out of parts he had collected. The aircraft, [[N104RB Red Baron|N104RB]], first flew in 1976. On 2 October of that year, trying to set a new low-altitude {{convert|3|km|abbr=on}} speed record, Greenamyer averaged {{convert|1010|mph}} at Mud Lake near [[Tonopah, Nevada]]. A tracking camera malfunction eliminated the necessary proof for the official record.<ref name="IFSrecords"/> On 24 October 1977, Greenamyer flew a {{convert|3|km|abbr=on}} official FAI record flight of {{convert|1590.45|kph|mph|abbr=on}}.<ref>FAI record no. 8515.</ref>

On 26 February 1978, Greenamyer made a practice run for a world altitude record attempt. At the conclusion of the practice run, he was unable to get an indication that the right landing gear was down and locked even after a number of attempts to cycle the gear. Low on fuel and faced with a landing situation that was not considered survivable, Greenamyer successfully ejected, and the N104RB crashed in the desert.<ref name="Donald2003p165">Donald 2003, p. 165.</ref><ref name="Upton2003p98">Upton 2003, p. 98.</ref>

===Nicknames===
The Starfighter was marketed by Lockheed as the "missile with a man in it", and the press dubbed the F-104 the "Widowmaker" due to its high accident rate, but neither were used in service.<ref name="Bashow1986p16"/> The term "Super Starfighter" was used by Lockheed to describe the F-104G in its marketing campaigns, but quickly fell into disuse.<ref name="Donald2003p157">Donald 2003, p. 157.</ref>

In service, it earned a number of nicknames among its users:
* American pilots initially called it the "Oh-Four", but when the F-100 Super Sabre began to be referred to as the "Zip-Zilch" (for "zero-zero"), the Starfighter acquired the similar nickname "Zip-Four"; this was eventually shortened to "Zipper" or "Zip".<ref name="Davies2014p21">Davies 2014, p. 21.</ref><ref name="Bashow1986p16"/> Over time this nickname came to be associated with the aircraft's impressive speed and acceleration.<ref name="Spitzmiller2011p156">Spitzmiller 2011, p. 156.</ref>
* The Japan Air Self-Defense Force called it {{transliteration|ja|Eiko}} ([[Kanji]]: {{lang|ja|栄光}}, "glory").<ref name="Bowman2000p155">Bowman 2000, p. 155.</ref>
* Although German pilots often referred to the F-104 as the "Zipper"<ref name="Bashow1986p16"/> or (specifically the G models) "Gustav",<ref name="Kropf2002p8">Kropf 2002, p. 8.</ref> it earned several less-charitable names from the German public due to its high accident rate, common ones being {{lang|de|Witwenmacher}} ("widowmaker") or {{lang|de|Fliegender Sarg}} ("flying coffin"). It was also called {{lang|de|Erdnagel}} ("ground nail"), the official military term for a tent peg.<ref name="Bashow1986p16">Bashow 1986, p. 16.</ref>
* Prior to the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, the reputation of the Pakistani F-104 was such that the [[Indian Air Force]] referred to it as ''Badmash'' ("hooligan"), "Scoundrel", and "Wicked One".<ref name="Bowman2000p159">Bowman 2000, p. 159.</ref>
* Among Italian pilots its spiky design earned it the nickname {{lang|it|Spillone}} ("hatpin").<ref name="Davies2014p91">Davies 2014, p. 91.</ref>
* Among the Norwegian public and [[Royal Norwegian Air Force]] it was affectionately known as {{lang|no|Vestfjordoksen}} ("the Vestfjord bull"), due to the immense roar of the aircraft based in [[Bodø]], at the southern end of [[Vestfjorden]].<ref>Helge Andreassen [https://www.nrk.no/nordland/na-kan-starfighteren-fa-luft-under-vingene-igjen-1.13151414 "Nå kan Starfighteren få luft under vingene igjen" (in Norwegian)]</ref>
* In the Canadian Forces, the aircraft was sometimes referred to as the "Lawn Dart" and the "Aluminium Death Tube" due to its high operational losses, and "Flying Phallus" due to its shape. It was affectionately called the "Silver Sliver", "Zipper", or "Zip", but most often the "Starfighter" or simply the "104" (one-oh-four).<ref name="Bashow1990pp92,93">Bashow 1990, pp. 92, 93.</ref>
* NASA's F-104B Starfighter N819NA acquired the nickname "Howling Howland" due to the unique howling sound of its engine at certain throttle settings.<ref name="Bashow1986p16"/>