: West Germany operated 916 units; however, the aircraft gained a grim reputation as the "Widowmaker" due to a high crash rate early in its service.
The F-104G featured significant structural and electronic upgrades compared to earlier models: Lockheed F-104 Starfighter (Part 1) The F-104G ...
: Operated by 11 countries, including West Germany, Canada, the Netherlands, and Japan. : West Germany operated 916 units; however, the
: Powered by the General Electric J79-GE-11A engine, producing 10,000 lbs dry thrust and 15,800 lbs with afterburner. The Lockheed F-104G Starfighter, known as the "Super
The Lockheed F-104G Starfighter, known as the "Super Starfighter," is the most successful and widely produced variant of the F-104 family, accounting for nearly 45% of all units built. Developed to meet a 1957 West German requirement, it transformed a specialized day interceptor into an all-weather multi-role platform. Technical Overview
: Featured a larger vertical tail (from the F-104B/D) for better high-speed stability and improved "blown flaps" for maneuverability.
While the U.S. Air Force did not deploy the "G" model operationally, it became the backbone of NATO's air defense:
