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Italy and Lockheed developed an improved F-104G, the F-104S (Super). The new variant had an
advanced weapons system for AIM-7 missiles, deleted M61 cannon, new engine, stronger
airframe, 2 additional ventral fins and 2 additional under wing pylons for AIM-7 missiles. The “S”
variant was updated twice, the “ASA” (Aggiornamento Sistema d’Armi – meaning Weapon
System Update) look-down/shoot-down air-superiority fighter) and the “ASA-M” (Aggiornamento
Sistema d’Arma-Modificato, Weapon System Update-Modified). By 1984 electronic
miniaturization allowed the ASA update that meant 2/3s of the 205-plane fleet had the M61
cannon re-installed, new navigation systems, avionics and missiles.
F-104S Starfighter MM6934 was delivered to the Italian Air Force in September 1978 and
assigned to the 36th Wing. In June 1984 MM6934 was assigned to 5 ° Stormo as 5-37. In April
2000 the aircraft was converted into an ASA-M and after several more moves the aircraft was
assigned to 10° Gruppo/9° Stormo on November 11, 2001. On October 11, 2004 MM6934 of 9°
Stormo completed its final flight as 9-51 having flown 3,836 hours. In 2014 the aircraft became a
monument located at Grazzanise.
Specifications for the F-104S ASA
Engine
1 X General Electric J79-GE-19 turbojet
11,870 lb.s.t. dry and 17,900 lb.s.t. with afterburner
Performance
Maximum speed:
1450 mph at 36,000 feet
913 mph (Mach 1.2) at sea level
Stalling speed:
196 mph
Take-off distance:
Carrying 2 X AIM-7 Sparrows 2700 feet
Initial climb rate:
55,000 fpm
Service ceiling:
58,000 feet
Normal range:
1550 miles
Maximum range:
4 drop tanks 1815 miles
Dimensions
Wingspan:
21 feet 11 inches
Length:
54 feet 9 inches
Height:
13 feet 6 inches
Wing area:
196.1 square feet
Weights
Empty:
14,900 lbs
Combat:
21,690 lbs
Maximum take-off:
31,000 lbs
Armament
1 X 20mm M61A1 rotary cannon with 750 rounds
2 X AIM-9 Sidewinder infrared homing air-to-air missiles
2 X AIM-7 Sparrow semi-active radar homing air-to-air missiles
Or replace Sparrows with 2 X Selenia Apside radar homing air-to-air missiles
Up to 7500 pounds of bombs, rockets, napalm tanks, and fuel tanks can be carried on
nine hard-points (four underneath the wing, two at wingtips, one centerline, and one at
each fuselage side)
Fuel
Standard internal fuel capacity:
896 US gallons
Additional fuel for extended range:
Two 195-US gallon under-wing tanks
Two 170-US gallon wingtip tanks
One 121-US gallon auxiliary tank in the ammunition bay
Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series
HA1045
F-104S ASA-M Starfighter
MM6934/9-31, 10° Gruppo/9° Stormo
Grazzanise AB, October 2004
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Die-cast metal.
Superb detailing in 1/72 scale.
Pre-painted with pad applied markings.
Fully assembled.
Display stand included.
Option to display model with wheels up or down.
Minimum use of plastic.
Very collectable
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