News: US to Set New Land-Speed Record

[Tarasdad]

The Luftwaffe loved the F-104.

[ianhind]

I think there is a different perspective between the US and European views of the F104 which are reflected in comments here.

Two different uses and variants: interceptor vs fighter-bomber. The F-104G in German air force use became known as the "widow maker" according to the popular media. Whether this was the reality I don't know. Personally seeing an F-104G at a display was special.

[DarrenL]

I think there is a different perspective between the US and European views of the F104 which are reflected in comments here.

Two different uses and variants: interceptor vs fighter-bomber. The F-104G in German air force use became known as the "widow maker" according to the popular media. Whether this was the reality I don't know. Personally seeing an F-104G at a display was special.

From F-104 Starfighter history

"During its period of service with the German armed forces, about 270 German Starfighters were lost in accidents, just under 30 percent of the total force. About 110 pilots were killed. However, the attrition rate in German service was not all that much greater than that of the F-104 in service with several other air forces, including the United States Air Force. Canada had the unenviable record of losing over 50 percent of its 200 single-seat CF-104s in flying accidents. The loss rate of Luftwaffe Starfighters was not all that extraordinary, since the Luftwaffe had suffered a 36 percent attrition rate with the Republic F-84F Thunderstreak, the Starfighter's immediate predecessor. There was nothing intrinsically dangerous about the Starfighter, since the Royal Norwegian Air Force operating identical F-104Gs suffered only six losses in 56,000 flying hours, and the Spanish Air Force lost not a single one of its Starfighters to accidents. "

[ianhind]

Thanks Darren. I vaguely remember the comparative figures. There were all sorts of theories about the differences but the "widow-maker" label is probably what remains in the memory of many Europeans.

[DarrenL]

The Australian record holder is up for sale.

Aussie Invader 3 - http://www.lastinterceptor.com/sale/14/
and http://www.carsguide.com.au/news-and-re ... _for_grabs

Proven to 643mph (on his website) in 1996.

$350,000, bargain.