Lockheed F-104 Starfighter - WarbirdTech Volume 38 (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The F-104 Starfighter was one of the most successful and prolific jet fighters of the late '50s and early '60s-and one of the most beautiful. It was the first production Mach 2 aircraft, and it rewrote the performance books for speed, altitude and time to climb. Aircraft enthusiasts called it "the missile with a man in it." After its initial flight in 1954, the F-104 program produced more than 2,500 aircraft, making it one of the largest military aircraft programs ever. F-104s flew for the US and many NATO allies, and were eventually produced under license in Canada, Japan, and several European countries. In fact, Italy is still flying updated F-104s in 2003.

This book covers this revolutionary aircraft's design and development, its weapons and other systems, and all 18 models of the F-104, complete with photos of each variant. NASA-modified research craft are also discussed, along with several formerly classified programs based on the F-104. Author Jim Upton was one of the F-104 program's flight test engineers, so he knows the aircraft and the people involved. Includes a foreword by Dick Heppe, retired president of Lockheed California, and chief aerodynamicist of the F-104.

About the Author

Jim Upton holds a bachelor of science degree in Aerospace Engineering. He worked as a flight test engineer at Lockheed for 35 years and was test director and crew member on 18 aircraft flight test programs. He is a Fellow and past international president of the Society of Flight Test Engineers. Upton's previous books include "AirlinerTech Boeing 777", "AirlinerTech Lockheed L-188 Eelectra" and "AirlinerTech Lockheed L-1011 TriStar," all published by Specialty Press. His work has also appeared in numerous magazines and periodicals, including "Air Forces Monthly Magazine", "Aviation History Magazine," "Aviation Journal," "Flight Test News," " Flying Magazine," "In Flight USA," "Lockheed Martin Star," "Pacific Flyer" and "U.S. Aviator Magazine." Upton has been an active pilot for 45 years.

Product Details

• Paperback: 104 pages
• Publisher: Specialty Press; illustrated edition edition (January 23, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580070698
• ISBN-13: 978-1580070690
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #705,118 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great reference on the -104, June 18, 2004

By	Kevin Coyne (Croton, NY) - See all my reviews

This book is a great overview of the F-104s history. The author's work at Lockheed put him in a great position to locate several unusual photographs and drawings of the F-104s development. It also gave him access to many personnel at Lockheed who were involved in flight test and other design aspects, whose anecdotes spice up the book.

The descriptions of systems are on the short side, but well written and make it easy for the neophyte to understand how the systems work, yet have enough detail to satisfy most more advanced readers.

For the modeller there are several photos of unusual stores and experimental equipment that will come in handy. The photos cover many different air forces too.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars F104 Story and history:, March 27, 2009

By	Jim "Jim" (FL) - See all my reviews

I was lucky enough to fly several models of this wonderful aircraft over the period of several years. It was a joy to fly. Faster than a speeding bullet nothing was even close in its day. The book does a really good job of explaining the aircraft and cablabilities complete with pictures and all the specs. A great read for one interested in reading about jet combat aircraft of that era.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Missile with a man in it..., December 8, 2008

By	Bertah Elena Delgado Salinas (Mexico City) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

If there's a sexy looking bird the F-104 must be the one , even on the ground it looks it's doing Mach 2, volume 38 is a great collection of text&images about the genesis of the missile with a man on it¡¡¡ a five star choice.