The US Air Force's Operational History with the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter

The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter was a short-lived but significant aircraft in the USAF inventory from 1958 to 1969. Despite its operational duration, the F-104's legacy is marked by both its capabilities and its challenges.

Introduction and Active Service

The F-104 Starfighter entered USAF service in 1958, heralded with enthusiasm for its exceptional performance and speed. Over the next decade, the F-104 served as an active fighter in various capacities, including during the Taiwan Straits Crisis of 1958 and the Berlin Crisis of 1961. Its involvement also extended to the Vietnam War, where a few F-104Cs were deployed for a period.

Continued Use and Service Years

Judging from the provided information, it's clear that the F-104's operational life continued beyond the active years with the USAF. The F-104 served with the Air National Guard until 1975, marking an additional six-year period of service.

Operational Challenges and Criticisms

Despite its potential, the F-104 faced numerous challenges, notably a high accident rate. In the USA, the Air Force had to contend with a concerning number of crashes, most notably the death of Eric Hartman, one of the top-scoring aces in history with 352 kills. Hartman's decision to retire early was directly attributed to the F-104's high accident and causalities rate. Moreover, in Germany, 116 pilots lost their lives, emphasizing the F-104's inoperability and potent risk to pilots.

Speculations about the F-104's fate in Germany go beyond its performance issues. Some theories suggest that the poor performance was exacerbated by cultural and financial pressures, and even go as far as to accuse Lockheed Martin and the West German government of criminal intent, suggesting that they were bribed. This adds a layer of intrigue and controversy to the F-104's operational history.

The F-104 Beyond the US Air Force

While the USAF's relationship with the F-104 was marked by its challenges, other nations continued to use the aircraft for much longer periods. The German Air Force and the Italian Air Force operated the F-104 for decades, from the late 1950s well into the 1990s. This extended use over other aircraft suggests that, unlike in the US, the F-104 served a more specific and unmet need in some air forces.

Another notable user of the F-104 was Pakistan. During the war against India in 1971, Pakistan employed F-104s, though they were described as 'too unforgiving in flight' and 'difficult to fly.' This complexity made the F-104 a high-risk and high-reward aircraft for pilots.

Conclusion

The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter's time with the USAF was a testament to its incredible performance and speed, but its operational history is equally marked by the challenges it posed. While it served as a valuable asset in certain capacities, its high accident rates and complex nature limited its longevity in the USAF but also secured its place in aviation history.