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Aviation History
1959
1959 - 1620.PDF
12 JUNE 1959 FLIGHT IN OPERATIONAL SERVICE With the selection by West Germany of Lockheed's F-104 Starfighter, the services of the world's most thoroughly tested and efficient interceptor are made available to NATO defense forces. In addition to its amazing multi-mission capability the F-104 has demonstrated the following advantages during more than one year's operational service with the USAF: Low cost maintenance . . . PROVEN Low cost operation PROVEN World's fastest (1404 mph) PROVEN World's highest (91,243 ft.) PROVEN Simplified transition training PROVEN Never before has a single airplane done so many things so well as the present US Air Force version: Interception, Air Superiority and Bombing—and with so low proven maintenance and operating costs. In addition to holding the world speed and altitude records the F-104 recently established seven time-to-climb records. The famous "missile with a man in it" has been still further developed to meet the specific needs of West Germany and other allies requiring a multi-purpose fighter instead of several separate air- craft for specialised needs. To this already amazing performance is being added all-weather capability for fighter bomber and interceptor missions and also an advanced reconnaissance capability. West Germany selected the Starfighter for purchase and manufacture under li- cence after a two-year evaluation period during which Defense Ministry experts investigated and flight-tested airplanes made by 12 competing manufacturers. The licensing of German manufacturers to produce this advanced version will make it available to West European na- tions at relatively low cost. 60683 Jet Transports Jet Fighters • Jet Trainers • Commercial & Military Prop-Jet Transports • Rocketry Ballistic Mis- sile Research & Development • Weapons Systems Man- agement • Anti-Submarine Patrol Aircraft • Nuclear Powered Flight • Advanced Electronics • Airborne Early Warning Aircraft Airport Management • Nuclear Re- actor Design & Development • Ground Support Equip- ment World-Wide Aircraft Maintenance LOCKH
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