Kraków 2008-11-19
The new exhibit in Czyżyny. Lockheed F-104 S nb MM-6876.
On November 19, 2008, the Lockheed F-104 S Starfighter from Italy was delivered to the Polish Aviation Museum in Kraków in Czyżyny.
In total, approximately 2,500 Lockheed F-104 Starfighters of various versions were produced, which served in the aviation of 15 countries: Belgium, Denmark, Greece, Spain, the Netherlands, Japan, Jordan, Canada, Germany, Norway, Pakistan, Taiwan, Turkey, the USA and Italy. Licensed production was started by Canadair in Canada (CF-104), Mitsubishi in Japan (F-104 J) and Italy. In the world, the F-104 planes served from 1954 to 2004.
The last operator of Lockheed F-104 Starfighter combat aircraft in the world was the Italian Air Force. About 360 fighters were used in Italy, most of which were built at the Italian Aeritalia plant. Among other things, all the planes in the F-104 S version, which was the last version of this aircraft, were built there.
The F-104 planes were bought by Italy, which acquired over 100 aircraft in the F-104 G (single-seater) and TF-104 G (two-seater) versions. The planes served from 1962. In addition, the Italians bought a squadron of RF-104 G planes in the reconnaissance version. Even then, the Fiat Aviazione plants, transformed into the Aeritalia plants, were engaged in major overhauls of the F-104 aircraft. The F-104 S planes were a development version of the F-104 G planes. The first F-104 S took off in December 1966, at the Lockheed plant in the USA. The plane was tested and ordered by the Italian Air Force. The first aircraft built in Italy was delivered to the military in June 1969. 205 aircraft were handed over to the Italian Air Force within 10 years. Italian plants have built an additional 40 F-104 S aircraft for Turkey. The Italian F-104 S planes were upgraded to the F-104 ASA, and then to the F-104 ASA-M.
On November 19, 2008, the Polish Aviation Museum in Krakow became the owner of the Italian Lockheed F-104 S Starfighter. The plane was handed over as a gift from Italian aviation, and not as an exchange. The plane is on display in one of the small hangars.
Written by Karol Placha Hetman