War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

F-104S

2020-09-16T17:42:39Z

U47161059: /* Survivability and armour */ word change

{{Specs-Card|code=f-104s}}
{{About
| about = jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-104 (Family)
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Starfighters"]].

The '''F-104S''' is an Italian supersonic interceptor based off of the Lockheed F104 series. Being the final variant of the Starfighter family, it combines the best speed and payload of any F104. Making it a worthy ground attacker with tons of bombs and rockets of your choice. Or a deadly interceptor with a choice of 6 AIM9B's for aerial engagements.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===

''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 15,240 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,345 || 2,319 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 34.5 || 34.7 || 225.6 || 216.8 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,431 || 2,387 || 33.5 || 34.0 || 297.3 || 260.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 833 || 444 || ~12 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 720 || < 950 || < 800 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic Mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J79-GE-19 || 1
| colspan="2" | 6,850 kg || colspan="2" | 566 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 31m fuel
|-
| 1,560 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 7,706 kg || 8,752 kg || 9,798 kg || 24,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 31m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,992 kgf || 7,688 kgf
| 1.00 || 0.89 || 0.78 || 0.32
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 5,044 kgf (1,200 km/h) || 10,253 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.33 || 1.17 || 1.05 || 0.43
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===


The F-104S is not equipped with any armour plating, and is therefore rather vulnerable to enemy fire, especially given the fact that most enemies at this rank sport high-calibre cannons. Taking any critical damage in the F-104S will almost instantly cripple it, to the point where you will have to fly back to base, or be a sitting duck for the enemy team. Taking a critical hit to the fuselage will disable you so badly you won't be able to reach supersonic speeds, which is your greatest advantage The same goes for taking any sort of wing damage or tail damage, it will instantly result in a huge amount of drag on the air frame, reducing your already poor energy retention in maneuvers making you an easy target to pick off from afar and in effective gun range. Lastly, the engine is a massive target for guns and missiles alike. Having a slightly orange engine will effectively put you out of the fight. And with the already heavy weight of the F-104S, you require the engine power to stay in the fight. Reducing it's survivability and effectiveness to dust.

== Armaments ==
=== Offensive armament ===

{{main|M61 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon, chin-mounted (750 rpg)

=== Suspended armament ===

{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)}}
{{main|AIM-7E Sparrow|AIM-9B Sidewinder|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* Without load
* 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (1,500 lb total)
* 7 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (3,500 lb total)
* 7 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (5,250 lb total)
* 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb (2,000 lb total)
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 6 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles
* 2 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (1,500 lb total)
* 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (2,500 lb total)
* 5 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (3,750 lb total)
* 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (3,000 lb total)
* 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (2,000 lb total)
* 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets (2,500 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets

== Usage in battles ==


The F-104S does one thing extremely well: speed. This is the vehicle's greatest advantage, and can be used to great effect if the pilot is careful about choosing which engagements to pursue. It is recommended to keep up a high air-speed at all times, which will allow the F-104S to swoop in and out of the combat zone while evading enemies. Sometimes, it is even possible to outrun enemy air-to-air missiles.

However, the F-104S struggles with maneuverability. With such small wings, it simply can't produce the lift necessary to throw itself around the sky, and therefore has a very poor turning circle. This means that any turning engagement is most likely futile, and also reemphasizes the utility of a boom and zoom playstyle.

This vehicle also lacks in the weaponry department. Although it has an [[M61 (20 mm)]] Vulcan cannon, the only air-to-air missiles to which the plane has access is the AIM-9B. At this high battle rating, these early missiles are simply not enough to reliably destroy enemy targets. The best way to use them is to target only slow-moving enemies. There is one silver lining: since the plane is equipped with six of these missiles, the pilot has many chances to secure a kill using them. Even if the missiles under perform, their sheer number make up for that deficit.

=== Modules ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! Flight performance
! Survivability
! colspan="4" |Weaponry
|-
| I
|Compressor
|Fuselage repair
|Offensive 20 mm
|Mk81
|
|LAU-3/A
|-
| II
|New boosters
|Airframe
|
|Mk82
|
|LAU-10/A
|-
| III
|Wings repair
|G-suit
|New 20 mm cannons
|M117
|Mk83
|AIM-7E
|-
| IV
|Engine
|Cover
|RWR
|
|Mk84
|AIM-9B
|-
|}
The most important modules to research are the ''Flight performance'' modifications and the ''AIM-9B'' air-to-air missiles. The ''Flight performance'' modifications capitalize on this vehicle's speed advantage, while the missiles greatly increase its ability to do damage to the enemy. Some modifications that may be saved for last are the ''G-suit'', ''Offensive 20 mm'', and ''New 20 mm cannons'', as well as the modifications that allow the plane to equip bombs (provided, of course, that the pilot does not wish to use the vehicle in a ground attack role).

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good top speed for its rank
* Great rate of climb
* Vulcan cannon can do some serious damage
* Significantly wider variety of payload options than early F-104s
* Decent high-speed manoeuvrability, in spite of its tiny wings
* Good roll rate for a jet

'''Cons:'''

* Lousy manoeuverability at low speeds
* Bleeds off airspeed easily in sustained turns.
* Only 750 rounds of cannon ammo; trigger discipline is a must

== History ==

''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''

== Media ==

'''Videos'''

{{Youtube-gallery|6grJB3S7DDs|Italian F-104S in War Thunder - Naked Guns - OddBawZ|cSo5JwAu6HI|ЭТО БОЛЬ в War Thunder! F-104S Starfighter
}}

== See also ==

''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6731-development-f-104-starfighter-the-manned-missile-en|[Devblog] F-104 Starfighter: The Manned Missile]]

{{Template:AirManufacturer Fiat}}
{{Italy jet aircraft}}

F-104S

2020-09-16T17:37:40Z

U47161059: /* Survivability and armour */ small sentence flow changes

{{Specs-Card|code=f-104s}}
{{About
| about = jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-104 (Family)
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Starfighters"]].

The '''F-104S''' is an Italian supersonic interceptor based off of the Lockheed F104 series. Being the final variant of the Starfighter family, it combines the best speed and payload of any F104. Making it a worthy ground attacker with tons of bombs and rockets of your choice. Or a deadly interceptor with a choice of 6 AIM9B's for aerial engagements.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===

''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 15,240 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,345 || 2,319 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 34.5 || 34.7 || 225.6 || 216.8 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,431 || 2,387 || 33.5 || 34.0 || 297.3 || 260.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 833 || 444 || ~12 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 720 || < 950 || < 800 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic Mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J79-GE-19 || 1
| colspan="2" | 6,850 kg || colspan="2" | 566 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 31m fuel
|-
| 1,560 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 7,706 kg || 8,752 kg || 9,798 kg || 24,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 31m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,992 kgf || 7,688 kgf
| 1.00 || 0.89 || 0.78 || 0.32
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 5,044 kgf (1,200 km/h) || 10,253 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.33 || 1.17 || 1.05 || 0.43
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===


The F-104S is not equipped with any armour plating, and is therefore rather vulnerable to enemy fire, especially given the fact that most enemies at this rank sport high-calibre cannons. Taking any critical damage in the F-104S will almost instantly cripple it, to the point where you will have to fly back to base, or be a sitting duck for the enemy team. Taking a critical hit to the fuselage will disable you so badly you won't be able to reach supersonic speeds, which is your greatest advantage The same goes for taking any sort of wing damage or tail damage, it will instantly result in a huge amount of drag on the air frame, reducing your already poor energy retention in maneuvers making you an easy target to pick off from afar and in effective gun range. Lastly, the engine is a massive target for guns and missiles alike. Having a slightly orange engine will effectively put you out of the fight. And with the already heavy weight of the F-104S, you require the engine power to stay in the fight.

== Armaments ==
=== Offensive armament ===

{{main|M61 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon, chin-mounted (750 rpg)

=== Suspended armament ===

{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)}}
{{main|AIM-7E Sparrow|AIM-9B Sidewinder|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* Without load
* 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (1,500 lb total)
* 7 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (3,500 lb total)
* 7 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (5,250 lb total)
* 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb (2,000 lb total)
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 6 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles
* 2 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (1,500 lb total)
* 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (2,500 lb total)
* 5 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (3,750 lb total)
* 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (3,000 lb total)
* 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (2,000 lb total)
* 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets (2,500 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets

== Usage in battles ==


The F-104S does one thing extremely well: speed. This is the vehicle's greatest advantage, and can be used to great effect if the pilot is careful about choosing which engagements to pursue. It is recommended to keep up a high air-speed at all times, which will allow the F-104S to swoop in and out of the combat zone while evading enemies. Sometimes, it is even possible to outrun enemy air-to-air missiles.

However, the F-104S struggles with maneuverability. With such small wings, it simply can't produce the lift necessary to throw itself around the sky, and therefore has a very poor turning circle. This means that any turning engagement is most likely futile, and also reemphasizes the utility of a boom and zoom playstyle.

This vehicle also lacks in the weaponry department. Although it has an [[M61 (20 mm)]] Vulcan cannon, the only air-to-air missiles to which the plane has access is the AIM-9B. At this high battle rating, these early missiles are simply not enough to reliably destroy enemy targets. The best way to use them is to target only slow-moving enemies. There is one silver lining: since the plane is equipped with six of these missiles, the pilot has many chances to secure a kill using them. Even if the missiles under perform, their sheer number make up for that deficit.

=== Modules ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! Flight performance
! Survivability
! colspan="4" |Weaponry
|-
| I
|Compressor
|Fuselage repair
|Offensive 20 mm
|Mk81
|
|LAU-3/A
|-
| II
|New boosters
|Airframe
|
|Mk82
|
|LAU-10/A
|-
| III
|Wings repair
|G-suit
|New 20 mm cannons
|M117
|Mk83
|AIM-7E
|-
| IV
|Engine
|Cover
|RWR
|
|Mk84
|AIM-9B
|-
|}
The most important modules to research are the ''Flight performance'' modifications and the ''AIM-9B'' air-to-air missiles. The ''Flight performance'' modifications capitalize on this vehicle's speed advantage, while the missiles greatly increase its ability to do damage to the enemy. Some modifications that may be saved for last are the ''G-suit'', ''Offensive 20 mm'', and ''New 20 mm cannons'', as well as the modifications that allow the plane to equip bombs (provided, of course, that the pilot does not wish to use the vehicle in a ground attack role).

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good top speed for its rank
* Great rate of climb
* Vulcan cannon can do some serious damage
* Significantly wider variety of payload options than early F-104s
* Decent high-speed manoeuvrability, in spite of its tiny wings
* Good roll rate for a jet

'''Cons:'''

* Lousy manoeuverability at low speeds
* Bleeds off airspeed easily in sustained turns.
* Only 750 rounds of cannon ammo; trigger discipline is a must

== History ==

''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''

== Media ==

'''Videos'''

{{Youtube-gallery|6grJB3S7DDs|Italian F-104S in War Thunder - Naked Guns - OddBawZ|cSo5JwAu6HI|ЭТО БОЛЬ в War Thunder! F-104S Starfighter
}}

== See also ==

''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6731-development-f-104-starfighter-the-manned-missile-en|[Devblog] F-104 Starfighter: The Manned Missile]]

{{Template:AirManufacturer Fiat}}
{{Italy jet aircraft}}

F-104S

2020-09-16T17:30:45Z

U47161059: /* Survivability and armour */ Added a bit more to the effects critical damage has on the F-104S and how it effects performance.

{{Specs-Card|code=f-104s}}
{{About
| about = jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-104 (Family)
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Starfighters"]].

The '''F-104S''' is an Italian supersonic interceptor based off of the Lockheed F104 series. Being the final variant of the Starfighter family, it combines the best speed and payload of any F104. Making it a worthy ground attacker with tons of bombs and rockets of your choice. Or a deadly interceptor with a choice of 6 AIM9B's for aerial engagements.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===

''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 15,240 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,345 || 2,319 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 34.5 || 34.7 || 225.6 || 216.8 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,431 || 2,387 || 33.5 || 34.0 || 297.3 || 260.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 833 || 444 || ~12 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 720 || < 950 || < 800 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic Mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J79-GE-19 || 1
| colspan="2" | 6,850 kg || colspan="2" | 566 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 31m fuel
|-
| 1,560 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 7,706 kg || 8,752 kg || 9,798 kg || 24,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 31m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,992 kgf || 7,688 kgf
| 1.00 || 0.89 || 0.78 || 0.32
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 5,044 kgf (1,200 km/h) || 10,253 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.33 || 1.17 || 1.05 || 0.43
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===


The F-104S is not equipped with any armour plating, and is therefore rather vulnerable to enemy fire, especially given the fact that most enemies at this rank sport high-calibre cannons. Taking any critical damage in the F-104S will almost instantly cripple it, to the point where you will have to fly back to base, or be a sitting duck for the enemy team. Taking a critical hit to the fuselage will disable you so badly you won't be able to go above mach 1. Effectively taking away your only advantage, speed. The same goes for taking any sort of wing damage or tail damage, it will instantly result in a huge amount of drag on the air frame, reducing your already poor energy retention in turns and making you an easier target to pick off from afar and in effective gun range. Lastly, the engine is a massive target for guns and missiles alike. Having a slightly orange engine will effectively put you out of the fight. And with the already heavy weight of the F-104S, you require the engine power to stay in the fight.

== Armaments ==
=== Offensive armament ===

{{main|M61 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon, chin-mounted (750 rpg)

=== Suspended armament ===

{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)}}
{{main|AIM-7E Sparrow|AIM-9B Sidewinder|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* Without load
* 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (1,500 lb total)
* 7 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (3,500 lb total)
* 7 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (5,250 lb total)
* 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb (2,000 lb total)
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 6 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles
* 2 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (1,500 lb total)
* 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (2,500 lb total)
* 5 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (3,750 lb total)
* 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (3,000 lb total)
* 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (2,000 lb total)
* 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets (2,500 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets

== Usage in battles ==


The F-104S does one thing extremely well: speed. This is the vehicle's greatest advantage, and can be used to great effect if the pilot is careful about choosing which engagements to pursue. It is recommended to keep up a high air-speed at all times, which will allow the F-104S to swoop in and out of the combat zone while evading enemies. Sometimes, it is even possible to outrun enemy air-to-air missiles.

However, the F-104S struggles with maneuverability. With such small wings, it simply can't produce the lift necessary to throw itself around the sky, and therefore has a very poor turning circle. This means that any turning engagement is most likely futile, and also reemphasizes the utility of a boom and zoom playstyle.

This vehicle also lacks in the weaponry department. Although it has an [[M61 (20 mm)]] Vulcan cannon, the only air-to-air missiles to which the plane has access is the AIM-9B. At this high battle rating, these early missiles are simply not enough to reliably destroy enemy targets. The best way to use them is to target only slow-moving enemies. There is one silver lining: since the plane is equipped with six of these missiles, the pilot has many chances to secure a kill using them. Even if the missiles under perform, their sheer number make up for that deficit.

=== Modules ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! Flight performance
! Survivability
! colspan="4" |Weaponry
|-
| I
|Compressor
|Fuselage repair
|Offensive 20 mm
|Mk81
|
|LAU-3/A
|-
| II
|New boosters
|Airframe
|
|Mk82
|
|LAU-10/A
|-
| III
|Wings repair
|G-suit
|New 20 mm cannons
|M117
|Mk83
|AIM-7E
|-
| IV
|Engine
|Cover
|RWR
|
|Mk84
|AIM-9B
|-
|}
The most important modules to research are the ''Flight performance'' modifications and the ''AIM-9B'' air-to-air missiles. The ''Flight performance'' modifications capitalize on this vehicle's speed advantage, while the missiles greatly increase its ability to do damage to the enemy. Some modifications that may be saved for last are the ''G-suit'', ''Offensive 20 mm'', and ''New 20 mm cannons'', as well as the modifications that allow the plane to equip bombs (provided, of course, that the pilot does not wish to use the vehicle in a ground attack role).

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good top speed for its rank
* Great rate of climb
* Vulcan cannon can do some serious damage
* Significantly wider variety of payload options than early F-104s
* Decent high-speed manoeuvrability, in spite of its tiny wings
* Good roll rate for a jet

'''Cons:'''

* Lousy manoeuverability at low speeds
* Bleeds off airspeed easily in sustained turns.
* Only 750 rounds of cannon ammo; trigger discipline is a must

== History ==

''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''

== Media ==

'''Videos'''

{{Youtube-gallery|6grJB3S7DDs|Italian F-104S in War Thunder - Naked Guns - OddBawZ|cSo5JwAu6HI|ЭТО БОЛЬ в War Thunder! F-104S Starfighter
}}

== See also ==

''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6731-development-f-104-starfighter-the-manned-missile-en|[Devblog] F-104 Starfighter: The Manned Missile]]

{{Template:AirManufacturer Fiat}}
{{Italy jet aircraft}}

F-104S

2020-09-16T17:05:50Z

U47161059: /* Media */ Added proper title for second media link

{{Specs-Card|code=f-104s}}
{{About
| about = jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-104 (Family)
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Starfighters"]].

The '''F-104S''' is an Italian supersonic interceptor based off of the Lockheed F104 series. Being the final variant of the Starfighter family, it combines the best speed and payload of any F104. Making it a worthy ground attacker with tons of bombs and rockets of your choice. Or a deadly interceptor with a choice of 6 AIM9B's for aerial engagements.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===

''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 15,240 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,345 || 2,319 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 34.5 || 34.7 || 225.6 || 216.8 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,431 || 2,387 || 33.5 || 34.0 || 297.3 || 260.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 833 || 444 || ~12 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 720 || < 950 || < 800 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic Mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J79-GE-19 || 1
| colspan="2" | 6,850 kg || colspan="2" | 566 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 31m fuel
|-
| 1,560 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 7,706 kg || 8,752 kg || 9,798 kg || 24,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 31m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,992 kgf || 7,688 kgf
| 1.00 || 0.89 || 0.78 || 0.32
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 5,044 kgf (1,200 km/h) || 10,253 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.33 || 1.17 || 1.05 || 0.43
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===


The F-104S is not equipped with any armour plating, and is therefore rather vulnerable to enemy fire, especially given the fact that most enemies at this rank sport high-calibre cannons. Since the plane's wings are so small, any damage to them at all drastically reduces stability and manoeuvrability, and may result in a crash. All of the vehicle's fuel tanks are centrally located, so fuel fires are unlikely to occur. However, the engine is very large, so it is very likely that it will sustain heavy damage if the vehicle is fired upon.

== Armaments ==
=== Offensive armament ===

{{main|M61 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon, chin-mounted (750 rpg)

=== Suspended armament ===

{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)}}
{{main|AIM-7E Sparrow|AIM-9B Sidewinder|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* Without load
* 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (1,500 lb total)
* 7 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (3,500 lb total)
* 7 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (5,250 lb total)
* 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb (2,000 lb total)
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 6 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles
* 2 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (1,500 lb total)
* 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (2,500 lb total)
* 5 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (3,750 lb total)
* 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (3,000 lb total)
* 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (2,000 lb total)
* 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets (2,500 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets

== Usage in battles ==


The F-104S does one thing extremely well: speed. This is the vehicle's greatest advantage, and can be used to great effect if the pilot is careful about choosing which engagements to pursue. It is recommended to keep up a high air-speed at all times, which will allow the F-104S to swoop in and out of the combat zone while evading enemies. Sometimes, it is even possible to outrun enemy air-to-air missiles.

However, the F-104S struggles with maneuverability. With such small wings, it simply can't produce the lift necessary to throw itself around the sky, and therefore has a very poor turning circle. This means that any turning engagement is most likely futile, and also reemphasizes the utility of a boom and zoom playstyle.

This vehicle also lacks in the weaponry department. Although it has an [[M61 (20 mm)]] Vulcan cannon, the only air-to-air missiles to which the plane has access is the AIM-9B. At this high battle rating, these early missiles are simply not enough to reliably destroy enemy targets. The best way to use them is to target only slow-moving enemies. There is one silver lining: since the plane is equipped with six of these missiles, the pilot has many chances to secure a kill using them. Even if the missiles under perform, their sheer number make up for that deficit.

=== Modules ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! Flight performance
! Survivability
! colspan="4" |Weaponry
|-
| I
|Compressor
|Fuselage repair
|Offensive 20 mm
|Mk81
|
|LAU-3/A
|-
| II
|New boosters
|Airframe
|
|Mk82
|
|LAU-10/A
|-
| III
|Wings repair
|G-suit
|New 20 mm cannons
|M117
|Mk83
|AIM-7E
|-
| IV
|Engine
|Cover
|RWR
|
|Mk84
|AIM-9B
|-
|}
The most important modules to research are the ''Flight performance'' modifications and the ''AIM-9B'' air-to-air missiles. The ''Flight performance'' modifications capitalize on this vehicle's speed advantage, while the missiles greatly increase its ability to do damage to the enemy. Some modifications that may be saved for last are the ''G-suit'', ''Offensive 20 mm'', and ''New 20 mm cannons'', as well as the modifications that allow the plane to equip bombs (provided, of course, that the pilot does not wish to use the vehicle in a ground attack role).

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good top speed for its rank
* Great rate of climb
* Vulcan cannon can do some serious damage
* Significantly wider variety of payload options than early F-104s
* Decent high-speed manoeuvrability, in spite of its tiny wings
* Good roll rate for a jet

'''Cons:'''

* Lousy manoeuverability at low speeds
* Bleeds off airspeed easily in sustained turns.
* Only 750 rounds of cannon ammo; trigger discipline is a must

== History ==

''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''

== Media ==

'''Videos'''

{{Youtube-gallery|6grJB3S7DDs|Italian F-104S in War Thunder - Naked Guns - OddBawZ|cSo5JwAu6HI|ЭТО БОЛЬ в War Thunder! F-104S Starfighter
}}

== See also ==

''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6731-development-f-104-starfighter-the-manned-missile-en|[Devblog] F-104 Starfighter: The Manned Missile]]

{{Template:AirManufacturer Fiat}}
{{Italy jet aircraft}}

F-104S

2020-09-16T16:56:00Z

U47161059: Added proper links for the media section to youtube videos

{{Specs-Card|code=f-104s}}
{{About
| about = jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-104 (Family)
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Starfighters"]].

The '''F-104S''' is an Italian supersonic interceptor based off of the Lockheed F104 series. Being the final variant of the Starfighter family, it combines the best speed and payload of any F104. Making it a worthy ground attacker with tons of bombs and rockets of your choice. Or a deadly interceptor with a choice of 6 AIM9B's for aerial engagements.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===

''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 15,240 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,345 || 2,319 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 34.5 || 34.7 || 225.6 || 216.8 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,431 || 2,387 || 33.5 || 34.0 || 297.3 || 260.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 833 || 444 || ~12 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 720 || < 950 || < 800 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic Mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J79-GE-19 || 1
| colspan="2" | 6,850 kg || colspan="2" | 566 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 31m fuel
|-
| 1,560 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 7,706 kg || 8,752 kg || 9,798 kg || 24,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 31m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,992 kgf || 7,688 kgf
| 1.00 || 0.89 || 0.78 || 0.32
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 5,044 kgf (1,200 km/h) || 10,253 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.33 || 1.17 || 1.05 || 0.43
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===


The F-104S is not equipped with any armour plating, and is therefore rather vulnerable to enemy fire, especially given the fact that most enemies at this rank sport high-calibre cannons. Since the plane's wings are so small, any damage to them at all drastically reduces stability and manoeuvrability, and may result in a crash. All of the vehicle's fuel tanks are centrally located, so fuel fires are unlikely to occur. However, the engine is very large, so it is very likely that it will sustain heavy damage if the vehicle is fired upon.

== Armaments ==
=== Offensive armament ===

{{main|M61 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon, chin-mounted (750 rpg)

=== Suspended armament ===

{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)}}
{{main|AIM-7E Sparrow|AIM-9B Sidewinder|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* Without load
* 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (1,500 lb total)
* 7 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (3,500 lb total)
* 7 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (5,250 lb total)
* 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb (2,000 lb total)
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 6 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles
* 2 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (1,500 lb total)
* 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (2,500 lb total)
* 5 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (3,750 lb total)
* 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (3,000 lb total)
* 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (2,000 lb total)
* 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets (2,500 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets

== Usage in battles ==


The F-104S does one thing extremely well: speed. This is the vehicle's greatest advantage, and can be used to great effect if the pilot is careful about choosing which engagements to pursue. It is recommended to keep up a high air-speed at all times, which will allow the F-104S to swoop in and out of the combat zone while evading enemies. Sometimes, it is even possible to outrun enemy air-to-air missiles.

However, the F-104S struggles with maneuverability. With such small wings, it simply can't produce the lift necessary to throw itself around the sky, and therefore has a very poor turning circle. This means that any turning engagement is most likely futile, and also reemphasizes the utility of a boom and zoom playstyle.

This vehicle also lacks in the weaponry department. Although it has an [[M61 (20 mm)]] Vulcan cannon, the only air-to-air missiles to which the plane has access is the AIM-9B. At this high battle rating, these early missiles are simply not enough to reliably destroy enemy targets. The best way to use them is to target only slow-moving enemies. There is one silver lining: since the plane is equipped with six of these missiles, the pilot has many chances to secure a kill using them. Even if the missiles under perform, their sheer number make up for that deficit.

=== Modules ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! Flight performance
! Survivability
! colspan="4" |Weaponry
|-
| I
|Compressor
|Fuselage repair
|Offensive 20 mm
|Mk81
|
|LAU-3/A
|-
| II
|New boosters
|Airframe
|
|Mk82
|
|LAU-10/A
|-
| III
|Wings repair
|G-suit
|New 20 mm cannons
|M117
|Mk83
|AIM-7E
|-
| IV
|Engine
|Cover
|RWR
|
|Mk84
|AIM-9B
|-
|}
The most important modules to research are the ''Flight performance'' modifications and the ''AIM-9B'' air-to-air missiles. The ''Flight performance'' modifications capitalize on this vehicle's speed advantage, while the missiles greatly increase its ability to do damage to the enemy. Some modifications that may be saved for last are the ''G-suit'', ''Offensive 20 mm'', and ''New 20 mm cannons'', as well as the modifications that allow the plane to equip bombs (provided, of course, that the pilot does not wish to use the vehicle in a ground attack role).

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good top speed for its rank
* Great rate of climb
* Vulcan cannon can do some serious damage
* Significantly wider variety of payload options than early F-104s
* Decent high-speed manoeuvrability, in spite of its tiny wings
* Good roll rate for a jet

'''Cons:'''

* Lousy manoeuverability at low speeds
* Bleeds off airspeed easily in sustained turns.
* Only 750 rounds of cannon ammo; trigger discipline is a must

== History ==

''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''

== Media ==

'''Videos'''

{{Youtube-gallery|6grJB3S7DDs|Italian F-104S in War Thunder - Naked Guns - OddBawZ|cSo5JwAu6HI|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSo5JwAu6HI}}

== See also ==

''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6731-development-f-104-starfighter-the-manned-missile-en|[Devblog] F-104 Starfighter: The Manned Missile]]

{{Template:AirManufacturer Fiat}}
{{Italy jet aircraft}}

F-104S

2020-09-16T16:46:59Z

U47161059:

{{Specs-Card|code=f-104s}}
{{About
| about = jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-104 (Family)
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Starfighters"]].

The '''F-104S''' is an Italian supersonic interceptor based off of the Lockheed F104 series. Being the final variant of the Starfighter family, it combines the best speed and payload of any F104. Making it a worthy ground attacker with tons of bombs and rockets of your choice. Or a deadly interceptor with a choice of 6 AIM9B's for aerial engagements.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===

''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 15,240 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,345 || 2,319 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 34.5 || 34.7 || 225.6 || 216.8 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,431 || 2,387 || 33.5 || 34.0 || 297.3 || 260.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 833 || 444 || ~12 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 720 || < 950 || < 800 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic Mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J79-GE-19 || 1
| colspan="2" | 6,850 kg || colspan="2" | 566 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 31m fuel
|-
| 1,560 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 7,706 kg || 8,752 kg || 9,798 kg || 24,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 31m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,992 kgf || 7,688 kgf
| 1.00 || 0.89 || 0.78 || 0.32
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 5,044 kgf (1,200 km/h) || 10,253 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.33 || 1.17 || 1.05 || 0.43
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===


The F-104S is not equipped with any armour plating, and is therefore rather vulnerable to enemy fire, especially given the fact that most enemies at this rank sport high-calibre cannons. Since the plane's wings are so small, any damage to them at all drastically reduces stability and manoeuvrability, and may result in a crash. All of the vehicle's fuel tanks are centrally located, so fuel fires are unlikely to occur. However, the engine is very large, so it is very likely that it will sustain heavy damage if the vehicle is fired upon.

== Armaments ==
=== Offensive armament ===

{{main|M61 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon, chin-mounted (750 rpg)

=== Suspended armament ===

{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)}}
{{main|AIM-7E Sparrow|AIM-9B Sidewinder|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* Without load
* 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (1,500 lb total)
* 7 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (3,500 lb total)
* 7 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (5,250 lb total)
* 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb (2,000 lb total)
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 6 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles
* 2 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (1,500 lb total)
* 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (2,500 lb total)
* 5 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (3,750 lb total)
* 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (3,000 lb total)
* 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (2,000 lb total)
* 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets (2,500 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets

== Usage in battles ==


The F-104S does one thing extremely well: speed. This is the vehicle's greatest advantage, and can be used to great effect if the pilot is careful about choosing which engagements to pursue. It is recommended to keep up a high air-speed at all times, which will allow the F-104S to swoop in and out of the combat zone while evading enemies. Sometimes, it is even possible to outrun enemy air-to-air missiles.

However, the F-104S struggles with maneuverability. With such small wings, it simply can't produce the lift necessary to throw itself around the sky, and therefore has a very poor turning circle. This means that any turning engagement is most likely futile, and also reemphasizes the utility of a boom and zoom playstyle.

This vehicle also lacks in the weaponry department. Although it has an [[M61 (20 mm)]] Vulcan cannon, the only air-to-air missiles to which the plane has access is the AIM-9B. At this high battle rating, these early missiles are simply not enough to reliably destroy enemy targets. The best way to use them is to target only slow-moving enemies. There is one silver lining: since the plane is equipped with six of these missiles, the pilot has many chances to secure a kill using them. Even if the missiles under perform, their sheer number make up for that deficit.

=== Modules ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! Flight performance
! Survivability
! colspan="4" |Weaponry
|-
| I
|Compressor
|Fuselage repair
|Offensive 20 mm
|Mk81
|
|LAU-3/A
|-
| II
|New boosters
|Airframe
|
|Mk82
|
|LAU-10/A
|-
| III
|Wings repair
|G-suit
|New 20 mm cannons
|M117
|Mk83
|AIM-7E
|-
| IV
|Engine
|Cover
|RWR
|
|Mk84
|AIM-9B
|-
|}
The most important modules to research are the ''Flight performance'' modifications and the ''AIM-9B'' air-to-air missiles. The ''Flight performance'' modifications capitalize on this vehicle's speed advantage, while the missiles greatly increase its ability to do damage to the enemy. Some modifications that may be saved for last are the ''G-suit'', ''Offensive 20 mm'', and ''New 20 mm cannons'', as well as the modifications that allow the plane to equip bombs (provided, of course, that the pilot does not wish to use the vehicle in a ground attack role).

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good top speed for its rank
* Great rate of climb
* Vulcan cannon can do some serious damage
* Significantly wider variety of payload options than early F-104s
* Decent high-speed manoeuvrability, in spite of its tiny wings
* Good roll rate for a jet

'''Cons:'''

* Lousy manoeuverability at low speeds
* Bleeds off airspeed easily in sustained turns.
* Only 750 rounds of cannon ammo; trigger discipline is a must

== History ==

''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''

== Media ==

''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==

''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6731-development-f-104-starfighter-the-manned-missile-en|[Devblog] F-104 Starfighter: The Manned Missile]]

{{Template:AirManufacturer Fiat}}
{{Italy jet aircraft}}

F-104S

2020-09-16T16:33:56Z

U47161059: /* Media */ Added two videos to media

{{Specs-Card|code=f-104s}}
{{About
| about = jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-104 (Family)
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Starfighters"]].

The '''F-104S''' is an Italian supersonic interceptor based off of the Lockheed F104 series. Being the final variant of the Starfighter family, it combines the best speed and payload of any F104. Making it a worthy ground attacker with tons of bombs and rockets of your choice. Or a deadly interceptor with a choice of 6 AIM9B's for aerial engagements.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===

''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 15,240 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,345 || 2,319 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 34.5 || 34.7 || 225.6 || 216.8 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,431 || 2,387 || 33.5 || 34.0 || 297.3 || 260.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 833 || 444 || ~12 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 720 || < 950 || < 800 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic Mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J79-GE-19 || 1
| colspan="2" | 6,850 kg || colspan="2" | 566 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 31m fuel
|-
| 1,560 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 7,706 kg || 8,752 kg || 9,798 kg || 24,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 9m fuel || 20m fuel || 31m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,992 kgf || 7,688 kgf
| 1.00 || 0.89 || 0.78 || 0.32
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 5,044 kgf (1,200 km/h) || 10,253 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.33 || 1.17 || 1.05 || 0.43
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===


The F-104S is not equipped with any armour plating, and is therefore rather vulnerable to enemy fire, especially given the fact that most enemies at this rank sport high-calibre cannons. Since the plane's wings are so small, any damage to them at all drastically reduces stability and manoeuvrability, and may result in a crash. All of the vehicle's fuel tanks are centrally located, so fuel fires are unlikely to occur. However, the engine is very large, so it is very likely that it will sustain heavy damage if the vehicle is fired upon.

== Armaments ==
=== Offensive armament ===

{{main|M61 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon, chin-mounted (750 rpg)

=== Suspended armament ===

{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)}}
{{main|AIM-7E Sparrow|AIM-9B Sidewinder|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* Without load
* 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (1,500 lb total)
* 7 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (3,500 lb total)
* 7 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (5,250 lb total)
* 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb (2,000 lb total)
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 6 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles
* 2 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (1,500 lb total)
* 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (2,500 lb total)
* 5 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (3,750 lb total)
* 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (3,000 lb total)
* 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (2,000 lb total)
* 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets (2,500 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets

== Usage in battles ==


The F-104S does one thing extremely well: speed. This is the vehicle's greatest advantage, and can be used to great effect if the pilot is careful about choosing which engagements to pursue. It is recommended to keep up a high air-speed at all times, which will allow the F-104S to swoop in and out of the combat zone while evading enemies. Sometimes, it is even possible to outrun enemy air-to-air missiles.

However, the F-104S struggles with maneuverability. With such small wings, it simply can't produce the lift necessary to throw itself around the sky, and therefore has a very poor turning circle. This means that any turning engagement is most likely futile, and also reemphasizes the utility of a boom and zoom playstyle.

This vehicle also lacks in the weaponry department. Although it has an [[M61 (20 mm)]] Vulcan cannon, the only air-to-air missiles to which the plane has access is the AIM-9B. At this high battle rating, these early missiles are simply not enough to reliably destroy enemy targets. The best way to use them is to target only slow-moving enemies. There is one silver lining: since the plane is equipped with six of these missiles, the pilot has many chances to secure a kill using them. Even if the missiles under perform, their sheer number make up for that deficit.

=== Modules ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! Flight performance
! Survivability
! colspan="4" |Weaponry
|-
| I
|Compressor
|Fuselage repair
|Offensive 20 mm
|Mk81
|
|LAU-3/A
|-
| II
|New boosters
|Airframe
|
|Mk82
|
|LAU-10/A
|-
| III
|Wings repair
|G-suit
|New 20 mm cannons
|M117
|Mk83
|AIM-7E
|-
| IV
|Engine
|Cover
|RWR
|
|Mk84
|AIM-9B
|-
|}
The most important modules to research are the ''Flight performance'' modifications and the ''AIM-9B'' air-to-air missiles. The ''Flight performance'' modifications capitalize on this vehicle's speed advantage, while the missiles greatly increase its ability to do damage to the enemy. Some modifications that may be saved for last are the ''G-suit'', ''Offensive 20 mm'', and ''New 20 mm cannons'', as well as the modifications that allow the plane to equip bombs (provided, of course, that the pilot does not wish to use the vehicle in a ground attack role).

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good top speed for its rank
* Great rate of climb
* Vulcan cannon can do some serious damage
* Significantly wider variety of payload options than early F-104s
* Decent high-speed manoeuvrability, in spite of its tiny wings
* Good roll rate for a jet

'''Cons:'''

* Lousy manoeuverability at low speeds
* Bleeds off airspeed easily in sustained turns.
* Only 750 rounds of cannon ammo; trigger discipline is a must

== History ==

''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''

== Media ==

'''Videos'''

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6grJB3S7DDs&t=553s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVPno5Aw3IY


''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6731-development-f-104-starfighter-the-manned-missile-en|[Devblog] F-104 Starfighter: The Manned Missile]]

{{Template:AirManufacturer Fiat}}
{{Italy jet aircraft}}

F-104S

2020-08-01T00:22:52Z

U47161059: /* Usage in battles */ Spelling errors

{{Specs-Card|code=f-104s}}
{{About
| about = jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-104 (Family)
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Starfighters"]].

The '''F-104S''' is an Italian supersonic interceptor based off of the Lockheed F104 series. Being the final variant of the Starfighter family, it combines the best speed and payload of any F104. Making it a worthy ground attacker with tons of bombs and rockets of your choice. Or a deadly interceptor with a choice of 6 AIM9B's for aerial engagements.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===

''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 15,240 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,345 || 2,319 || rowspan="2" | 16,000
{{Specs|ceiling}}
| 34.5 || 34.7 || 225.6 || 216.8 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,431 || 2,387 || 33.5 || 34.0 || 297.3 || 260.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} ||2,350||833||444|| ~12 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 720 || < 950 || < 800 || N/A
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===


The F-104S is not equipped with any armour plating, and is therefore rather vulnerable to enemy fire, especially given the fact that most enemies at this rank sport high-calibre cannons. Since the plane's wings are so small, any damage to them at all drastically reduces stability and manoeuvrability, and may result in a crash. All of the vehicle's fuel tanks are centrally located, so fuel fires are unlikely to occur. However, the engine is very large, so it is very likely that it will sustain heavy damage if the vehicle is fired upon.

== Armaments ==
=== Offensive armament ===

{{main|M61 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon, -mounted (750 rpg)

=== Suspended armament ===

{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)}}
{{main|AIM-9B Sidewinder|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* Without load
* 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (1,500 lb total)
* 7 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (3,500 lb total)
* 7 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (5,250 lb total)
* 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb (2,000 lb total)
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 6 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (1,500 lb total)
* 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (2,500 lb total)
* 5 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (3,750 lb total)
* 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (3,000 lb total)
* 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (2,000 lb total)
* 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets (2,500 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets

== Usage in battles ==


The F-104S does one thing extremely well: speed. This is the vehicle's greatest advantage, and can be used to great effect if the pilot is careful about choosing which engagements to pursue. It is recommended to keep up a high air-speed at all times, which will allow the F-104S to swoop in and out of the combat zone while evading enemies. Sometimes, it is even possible to outrun enemy air-to-air missiles.

However, the F-104S struggles with maneuverability. With such small wings, it simply can't produce the lift necessary to throw itself around the sky, and therefore has a very poor turning circle. This means that any turning engagement is most likely futile, and also reemphasizes the utility of a boom and zoom playstyle.

This vehicle also lacks in the weaponry department. Although it has an [[M61 (20 mm)]] Vulcan cannon, the only air-to-air missiles to which the plane has access is the AIM-9B. At this high battle rating, these early missiles are simply not enough to reliably destroy enemy targets. The best way to use them is to target only slow-moving enemies. There is one silver lining: since the plane is equipped with six of these missiles, the pilot has many chances to secure a kill using them. Even if the missiles under perform, their sheer number make up for that deficit.

=== Modules ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! Flight performance
! Survivability
! colspan="4" |Weaponry
|-
| I
|Compressor
|Fuselage repair
|Offensive 20 mm
|Mk81
|
|LAU-3/A
|-
| II
|New boosters
|Airframe
|
|Mk82
|
|LAU-10/A
|-
| III
|Wings repair
|G-suit
|New 20 mm cannons
|M117
|Mk83
|AIM-9B
|-
| IV
|Engine
|Cover
|RWR
|
|Mk84
|
|-
|}
The most important modules to research are the ''Flight performance'' modifications and the ''AIM-9B'' air-to-air missiles. The ''Flight performance'' modifications capitalize on this vehicle's speed advantage, while the missiles greatly increase its ability to do damage to the enemy. Some modifications that may be saved for last are the ''G-suit'', ''Offensive 20 mm'', and ''New 20 mm cannons'', as well as the modifications that allow the plane to equip bombs (provided, of course, that the pilot does not wish to use the vehicle in a ground attack role).

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good top speed for its rank
* Great rate of climb
* Vulcan cannon can do some serious damage
* Significantly wider variety of payload options than early F-104s
* Decent high-speed manoeuvrability, in spite of its tiny wings
* Good roll rate for a jet

'''Cons:'''

* Lousy manoeuverability at low speeds
* Bleeds off airspeed easily in sustained turns.
* Only 750 rounds of cannon ammo; trigger discipline is a must

== History ==

''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''

== Media ==

''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==

''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6731-development-f-104-starfighter-the-manned-missile-en|[Devblog] F-104 Starfighter: The Manned Missile]]

{{Template:AirManufacturer Fiat}}
{{Italy jet aircraft}}

F-104S

2020-08-01T00:03:58Z

U47161059: Added to characteristics of spaded flight performance, Added line to description.

{{Specs-Card|code=f-104s}}
{{About
| about = jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-104 (Family)
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Starfighters"]].

The '''F-104S''' is an Italian supersonic interceptor based off of the Lockheed F104 series. Being the final variant of the Starfighter family, it combines the best speed and payload of any F104. Making it a worthy ground attacker with tons of bombs and rockets of your choice. Or a deadly interceptor with a choice of 6 AIM9B's for aerial engagements.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===

''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 15,240 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,345 || 2,319 || rowspan="2" | 16,000
{{Specs|ceiling}}
| 34.5 || 34.7 || 225.6 || 216.8 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,431 || 2,387 || 33.5 || 34.0 || 297.3 || 260.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} ||2,350||833||444|| ~12 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 720 || < 950 || < 800 || N/A
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===


The F-104S is not equipped with any armour plating, and is therefore rather vulnerable to enemy fire, especially given the fact that most enemies at this rank sport high-calibre cannons. Since the plane's wings are so small, any damage to them at all drastically reduces stability and manoeuvrability, and may result in a crash. All of the vehicle's fuel tanks are centrally located, so fuel fires are unlikely to occur. However, the engine is very large, so it is very likely that it will sustain heavy damage if the vehicle is fired upon.

== Armaments ==
=== Offensive armament ===

{{main|M61 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 20 mm M61 cannon, -mounted (750 rpg)

=== Suspended armament ===

{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)}}
{{main|AIM-9B Sidewinder|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* Without load
* 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (1,500 lb total)
* 7 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (3,500 lb total)
* 7 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (5,250 lb total)
* 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb (2,000 lb total)
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 6 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (1,500 lb total)
* 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (2,500 lb total)
* 5 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (3,750 lb total)
* 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (3,000 lb total)
* 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (2,000 lb total)
* 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets (2,500 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets

== Usage in battles ==


The F-104S does one thing extremely well: speed. This is the vehicle's greatest advantage, and can be used to great effect if the pilot is careful about choosing which engagements to pursue. It is recommended to keep up a high air-speed at all times, which will allow the F-104S to swoop in and out of the combat zone while evading enemies. Sometimes, it is even possible to outrun enemy air-to-air missiles.

However, the F-104S struggles with manoeuvrability. With such small wings, it simply can't produce the lift necessary to throw itself around the sky, and therefore has a very poor turning circle. This means that any turning engagement is most likely futile, and also reemphasizes the utility of a boom and zoom playstyle.

This vehicle also lacks in the weaponry deparment. Although it has an [[M61 (20 mm)]] Vulcan cannon, the only air-to-air missiles to which the plane has access is the AIM-9B. At this high battle rating, these early missiles are simply not enough to reliably destroy enemy targets. The best way to use them is to target only slow-moving enemies. There is one silver lining: since the plane is equipped with six of these missiles, the pilot has many chances to secure a kill using them. Even if the missiles underperform, their sheer number make up for that deficit.

=== Modules ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! Flight performance
! Survivability
! colspan="4" |Weaponry
|-
| I
|Compressor
|Fuselage repair
|Offensive 20 mm
|Mk81
|
|LAU-3/A
|-
| II
|New boosters
|Airframe
|
|Mk82
|
|LAU-10/A
|-
| III
|Wings repair
|G-suit
|New 20 mm cannons
|M117
|Mk83
|AIM-9B
|-
| IV
|Engine
|Cover
|RWR
|
|Mk84
|
|-
|}
The most important modules to research are the ''Flight performance'' modifications and the ''AIM-9B'' air-to-air missiles. The ''Flight performance'' modifications capitalize on this vehicle's speed advantage, while the missiles greatly increase its ability to do damage to the enemy. Some modifications that may be saved for last are the ''G-suit'', ''Offensive 20 mm'', and ''New 20 mm cannons'', as well as the modifications that allow the plane to equip bombs (provided, of course, that the pilot does not wish to use the vehicle in a ground attack role).

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good top speed for its rank
* Great rate of climb
* Vulcan cannon can do some serious damage
* Significantly wider variety of payload options than early F-104s
* Decent high-speed manoeuvrability, in spite of its tiny wings
* Good roll rate for a jet

'''Cons:'''

* Lousy manoeuverability at low speeds
* Bleeds off airspeed easily in sustained turns.
* Only 750 rounds of cannon ammo; trigger discipline is a must

== History ==

''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''

== Media ==

''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==

''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6731-development-f-104-starfighter-the-manned-missile-en|[Devblog] F-104 Starfighter: The Manned Missile]]

{{Template:AirManufacturer Fiat}}
{{Italy jet aircraft}}