The F-104G was known as the Super Starfighter, with the G standing for Germany, because they
were among the first foreign orders for the Lockheed plane and they placed the largest order.
Depending on the source there were between 1,122 and 1,700 G models built under license by 4
European companies, Canadair and Lockheed. The G was a multi-role all weather single seat
fighter-bomber with a new upward firing ejection seat, a strengthened fuselage and wings,
increased internal fuel capacity, new improved full length flaps added to the wings leading edge
for better combat maneuvering, a larger vertical fin, a new radar system with air-air and air-
ground modes, inertial navigation that made the F-104G the first production fighter to receive this
new equipment, new infrared sight, an additional hard-point under each wing, improved weapons
capability now was 4,000 lbs and beefed up landing gear and larger wheels to carry all the added
weight of the improvements. The larger gear and wheels made it necessary to create a bulge in
the fuselage to accommodate them. The G even received a new engine, though it didn’t deliver
any more power it was a much more reliable engine. The G was considered the best version of
the F-104.

In 1965 the Spanish Air Force Ejercito del Aire (EdA) received 18 Canadair–built F-104Gs and 3
Lockheed built dual-seat TF-104G. The single-seat F-104Gs were designated C.8 with serials
running from C.8-1 to C.8-18. The 3 dual-seat TF-104Gs were designated CE.8 and had serials
21, 22, 23. The F-104 flew with the EdA for 7 years accumulating 17,000 operational hours
without the loss of a single Starfighter. Perhaps this was due to the skill of the pilots or the fact
that they Spanish used the F-104 to do the role of interceptor that it was designed for. Or
perhaps it was a combination of both factors. In 1972 they were replaced by F-4C Phantoms and
returned to the USAF where they were transferred to Greece and Turkey.

Specifications for the F-104G / TF-104G

F-104G
Role – all-weather multi-role fighter-bomber
Production - 1,122
Crew – 1

TF-104G
Role - combat-capable trainer version of F-104G
Production - 220
Crew – 2

NORMAL PERFORMANCE
Engine – 1 x General Electric J-79 of 15,600 lbs. thrust with afterburner
Increased Internal Fuel Capacity
Maximum speed - 1,320 mph
Cruising Speed - 575 mph
Combat Radius – 420 mi
Ferry Range – 1,630 mi
Service Ceiling - 58,000 ft
Rate Of Climb – 48,000 ft/min

Dimensions
Span - 21 ft. 11 in
Length - 54 ft. 10 in
Height - 13 ft. 6 in

Weight
Empty – 14,000 lbs
Loaded – 20,640 lbs
Maximum Takeoff - 29,027 lbs

Armament
F-104G
1 x M-61 20mm M61 Vulcan 6-barrel cannon
Hardpoints -
7 x capable of carrying a maximum 4,000 lbs of stores
Located -
2 x wing-tip launch rails for AIM-9 Sidewinder or similar missiles
4 x 2 under each wing
1 x under-fuselage center-line pylon

TF-104G
No cannon or centerline pylon
Reduced internal fuel

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