Difference between revisions of "F-104S TAF (Italy)"

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<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Apex Predators"]].
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Apex Predators"]].
 +
 +
The exported version of Italian's licensed F-104S to Turkey; although F-104 series are deemed obsolete at this tier, especially in terms of its doctrine of trading maneuverability for its high climb rate and speed, if used with caution to more advanced jets, it can still ensures the combat capability with high number of A2A weaponry against unaware targets by going above and wait for the chance.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 18: Line 20:
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
−
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
The vehicle itself is totally identical to its [[F-104S|tech-tree counterpart]] but with Turkish markings. One of the most distinctive feature of F-104 series is the pencil-like airframe with extremely thin and small control surfaces, F-104S is no exception and it also carries an engine with very similar thrust to the J79-GE-17 for [[F-4E Phantom II|Phantom]], making it even faster and accelerates faster than previous models. But this increase in thrust didn't change the other feature of F-104 series- its maneuverability, some even refer it as a jet that could only fly straight; due to the design for the highest possible climb rate against Soviet bombers and counter earlier jets of its era (ie MiG-19), it also has one of the thinnest wing of all current jets in game. Although it has a pair of flaps sufficient enough to be extended even at 900 km/h for extra maneuverability, in most cases, if the target is not something as huge as a [[B-29A-BN|B-29 Superfortress]], chances are players would have to go into energy fights with enemies which could be extra challenging to handle due to its infamous maneuverability. Be sure not being baited into a dogfight or finish the fight as fast as possible as more speed means more odds to survive the battle.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
Line 112: Line 114:
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
−
''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
+
Like its tech tree counterparts, F-104S for TAF also receives none additional protection against oncoming shots; what makes the situation even dire is that it also doesn't equipped with an EFS onboard, in case of an fire, players would have to pray for the fuel burns out before structural failure or the self-sealing tank stopped the fire eventually. In most cases, with the engine damaged by different means and damages onboard, F-104S would have extremely hard time returning for an repair.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
Line 130: Line 132:
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
−
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
+
==== Custom loadout options ====
−
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.' -->
+
''Note: identical to F-104S in AMI service.''
−
''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
|-
 +
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10
 +
| rowspan="14" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_F-104S.ASA.png]]</div>
 +
|-
 +
! 20 mm M61A1 cannons (750 rpg)
 +
| || || || || || 1 || || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs
 +
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
 +
|-
 +
! 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs
 +
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
 +
|-
 +
! 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs
 +
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
 +
|-
 +
! 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs
 +
| || || 1 || || 1 || || || 1 || ||
 +
|-
 +
! 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs
 +
| || || || || 1 || || || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! BLU-1 incendiary bombs
 +
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
 +
|-
 +
! FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 +
| || 19 || 19 || || || || || 19 || 19 ||
 +
|-
 +
! Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
 +
| || 4 || || || || || || || 4 ||
 +
|-
 +
! AIM-7E Sparrow missiles
 +
| || 1 || || || || || || || 1 ||
 +
|-
 +
! AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
 +
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || || || 1 || || 1 || 1
 +
|-
 +
! AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
 +
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || || || 1 || || 1 || 1
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="11" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 3,400 kg<br>Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 500 kg
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="12" | * AIM-7E Sparrow missiles cannot be equipped in conjunction with the 20 mm M61A1 cannon.
 +
|}
 +
 
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
Being one of member the Starfighter family, F-104S excels excellently at its main feature- speed and climb rate. As one of the earliest jets to hit Mach 2.0 at high-altitude, the design doctrine called for the maximum climb rate and speed possible, this resulted to the pencil-like airframe. Players will soon find it very different from other jets of its tier; while those jets would still have the chance to be engaged into a dogfight to a certain extend, this would not be the case for F-104S. The jet itself does have varieties of air-to-air weaponries, such as later series of rear-aspect Sidewinders and even Sparrow at its disposal, the jet itself does also come with a M61 on the port side of the airframe. At first glance this might sound pleasing as there are 6 missiles in total for the jet, but when players decided to install AIM-7E for F-104S, they will find that the only fixed cannon onboard would be traded with the port side missile as Sparrow is too long for the airframe; the other thing that hindered F-104S is the radar itself. It does have 30 km search range but the scan rate is slow compare to jets at its tier; the overall performance of this radar also hindered the Sparrow as it couldn't handle targets below it- a major drawback for an interceptor. For most air-to-air combats, bring 6 AIM-9s are more than enough to handle the heated battlefield when delivering strikes upon unaware enemies; if players want to take a bet on head-on fights against target above F-104S, the pair of Sparrows can make sure they could make short work on enemies given the missiles do track on the target, make sure every missile counts as these are the only weapons onboard. F-104S should be used for high-altitude interception or going fast at lower altitudes, being fast does help its survivability; going fast and fly straight to another side of the map can make it a supporting fighter for the team if not being intercepted by enemies, then fly back to the battlefield and pick up targets who used up their energy or without any flares to make the maximum efficiency. Only go dogfights in dire or one-on-one battle; use the flaps accordingly does compensate its poor maneuverability at speeds below 900 km/h.
 +
 
 +
While Starfighters are infamous at ground-attacking due to its maneuverability at low-altitude as shown by their German counterparts, it does carries up to 1.36 ton of LDGP bombs or napalm. Players will have to be extremely caution on their position, diving onto targets or being too fast in this case is not a good idea for F-104S, the ballistic computer will make sure the bombs land on designated targets precisely.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
−
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''
 
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
 +
 +
* Rather high acceleration and climb rate than previous models
 +
* Varieties of Air-to-Air/Ground weaponry with sufficient overall payload
 +
* Sufficient counter-measures for oncoming missiles
 +
* Relative high ammo pool for its M61 cannon
 +
* High roll-rate at high speed
 +
 
*
 
*
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
 +
 +
* Installation of AIM-7 missiles trades the internal M61 cannon
 +
* Huge turning radius
 +
* Way high stall speed than conventional jets
 +
* Somewhat inferior radar at its tier with a slow scan rate
 +
 
*
 
*
  
 
== History ==
 
== 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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
−
''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).''
+
During the heat of Cold War where the Cuban Missile Crisis almost brought an end to the world, Turkey, one of the US missile bases overseas would become the frontline and in dire for new jets. Later in May 1963, TAF received their first 54 F-104G series from the Military Aid Program (MAP; 48 104Gs and 6 TF-104Gs); this also included hundreds of other F-104G series from other NATO countries where they would be eventually replaced by their selected new jets by the 1980s. Aside from Lockheed and Canadair F-104s, Turkey also became the only export customer of F-104S series at a total of 40 of them delivered in late 1974 to May 1975.
 +
 
 +
Their only combat operation was the Invasion of Cyprus where they could have encounter Starfighters from their neighbor across the Aegean Sea: Greece, but both air forces didn't meet each other and the F-104 series were kept in service until TAI's license-assembled F-16Cs arrived and eventually replaced them by mid-1990s.<ref>http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/f104_24.html</ref><ref>http://www.karo-aviation.nl/favorite/pages/f104/f104thk.htm</ref>
 +
 
 +
This jet, numbered '''MM6900/75-6900''' of the Project Bora-II delivery was then stored as part of the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) and later scrapped in June 1995.<ref>http://www.916-starfighter.de/F-104_THK_S.pdf</ref>
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
Line 161: Line 226:
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
''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;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
Line 169: Line 235:
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 +
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''

Revision as of 04:34, 9 January 2023

This page is about the premium jet fighter F-104S TAF (Italy). For other versions, see F-104 (Family).
▄F-104S TAF
f-104s_cb.png
GarageImage F-104S TAF (Italy).jpg
StoreImage F-104S TAF (Italy) 002.jpg
▄F-104S TAF
Italy flag.png Italy
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
11.0 11.3 10.7
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
STORE

Description

The ▄F-104S Starfighter TAF is a premium gift rank VII Italian jet fighter with a battle rating of 11.0 (AB), 11.3 (RB), and 10.7 (SB). It was introduced in Update "Apex Predators".

The exported version of Italian's licensed F-104S to Turkey; although F-104 series are deemed obsolete at this tier, especially in terms of its doctrine of trading maneuverability for its high climb rate and speed, if used with caution to more advanced jets, it can still ensures the combat capability with high number of A2A weaponry against unaware targets by going above and wait for the chance.

General info

Flight performance

Arrestor gear
Accelerates braking by grabbing the brake cable on the deck of the aircraft carrier
Air brakes
Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps
Drogue parachute
Reduces braking distance when landing on any runway
Max speed
at 15 240 m2 387 km/h
Turn time34 s
Max altitude16 000 m
EngineGeneral Electric J79-GE-19
Type
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight24 t

The vehicle itself is totally identical to its tech-tree counterpart but with Turkish markings. One of the most distinctive feature of F-104 series is the pencil-like airframe with extremely thin and small control surfaces, F-104S is no exception and it also carries an engine with very similar thrust to the J79-GE-17 for Phantom, making it even faster and accelerates faster than previous models. But this increase in thrust didn't change the other feature of F-104 series- its maneuverability, some even refer it as a jet that could only fly straight; due to the design for the highest possible climb rate against Soviet bombers and counter earlier jets of its era (ie MiG-19), it also has one of the thinnest wing of all current jets in game. Although it has a pair of flaps sufficient enough to be extended even at 900 km/h for extra maneuverability, in most cases, if the target is not something as huge as a B-29 Superfortress, chances are players would have to go into energy fights with enemies which could be extra challenging to handle due to its infamous maneuverability. Be sure not being baited into a dogfight or finish the fight as fast as possible as more speed means more odds to survive the battle.

Characteristics Max speed
(km/h at _,___ m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock ___ ___ 16000 __._ __._ __._ __._ ___
Upgraded ___ ___ __._ __._ __._ __._

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
_ _ _ _ _ _
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
0 546 ___ ___ ___ ~__ ~__
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< ___ < ___ < ___ N/A

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Basic mass Wing loading (full fuel)
_____ _ _,___ kg ___ kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Gross
Weight
Weight (each) Type _m fuel __m fuel __m fuel
___ kg ___ _,___ kg _,___ kg _,___ kg _,___ kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (___%/WEP)
Condition 100% ___%/WEP _m fuel __m fuel __m fuel MGW
Stationary ___ kgf ___ kgf _.__ _.__ _.__ _.__
Optimal ___ kgf
(_ km/h) 		___ kgf
(_ km/h) 		_.__ _.__ _.__ _.__

Survivability and armour

Flares/Chaff
Aircraft countermeasures to distract IR and radar-guided missiles and also AA radar
Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear546 km/h

Like its tech tree counterparts, F-104S for TAF also receives none additional protection against oncoming shots; what makes the situation even dire is that it also doesn't equipped with an EFS onboard, in case of an fire, players would have to pray for the fuel burns out before structural failure or the self-sealing tank stopped the fire eventually. In most cases, with the engine damaged by different means and damages onboard, F-104S would have extremely hard time returning for an repair.

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB1 960 Sl icon.png
RB5 812 Sl icon.png
SB6 208 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts1 160 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 800 Ge icon.png
Research Aces2 150 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 110 / 300 / 600 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 232 / 232 / 232 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Mods booster.png
New boosters
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Mods ammo.png
M60_belt_pack
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk81
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
Flares/Chaff
Mods pilon block rocket.png
LAU-3/A
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods napalm fire bomb.png
BLU-1
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk82
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon block rocket large.png
LAU-10/A
Mods pilon block rocket large.png
LAU-10/A
Mods air to air midrange missile.png
AIM-7E
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
M60_new_gun
Mods pilon bomb.png
M117
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-9B
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk83
Mod arrow right 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk84
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-9P

Armaments

Offensive armament

The F-104S TAF (Italy) is armed with:

  • A choice between two presets:
    • Without offensive armament
    • 60 x countermeasures

Suspended armament

Custom loadout options

Note: identical to F-104S in AMI service.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Hardpoints F-104S.ASA.png
20 mm M61A1 cannons (750 rpg) 1
250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs 1 1 1 1 1 1
500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs 1 1 1
2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs 1
BLU-1 incendiary bombs 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets 19 19 19 19
Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets 4 4
AIM-7E Sparrow missiles 1 1
AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles 1 1 1 1 1 1
AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles 1 1 1 1 1 1
Maximum permissible loadout weight: 3,400 kg
Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 500 kg
* AIM-7E Sparrow missiles cannot be equipped in conjunction with the 20 mm M61A1 cannon.


Usage in battles

Being one of member the Starfighter family, F-104S excels excellently at its main feature- speed and climb rate. As one of the earliest jets to hit Mach 2.0 at high-altitude, the design doctrine called for the maximum climb rate and speed possible, this resulted to the pencil-like airframe. Players will soon find it very different from other jets of its tier; while those jets would still have the chance to be engaged into a dogfight to a certain extend, this would not be the case for F-104S. The jet itself does have varieties of air-to-air weaponries, such as later series of rear-aspect Sidewinders and even Sparrow at its disposal, the jet itself does also come with a M61 on the port side of the airframe. At first glance this might sound pleasing as there are 6 missiles in total for the jet, but when players decided to install AIM-7E for F-104S, they will find that the only fixed cannon onboard would be traded with the port side missile as Sparrow is too long for the airframe; the other thing that hindered F-104S is the radar itself. It does have 30 km search range but the scan rate is slow compare to jets at its tier; the overall performance of this radar also hindered the Sparrow as it couldn't handle targets below it- a major drawback for an interceptor. For most air-to-air combats, bring 6 AIM-9s are more than enough to handle the heated battlefield when delivering strikes upon unaware enemies; if players want to take a bet on head-on fights against target above F-104S, the pair of Sparrows can make sure they could make short work on enemies given the missiles do track on the target, make sure every missile counts as these are the only weapons onboard. F-104S should be used for high-altitude interception or going fast at lower altitudes, being fast does help its survivability; going fast and fly straight to another side of the map can make it a supporting fighter for the team if not being intercepted by enemies, then fly back to the battlefield and pick up targets who used up their energy or without any flares to make the maximum efficiency. Only go dogfights in dire or one-on-one battle; use the flaps accordingly does compensate its poor maneuverability at speeds below 900 km/h.

While Starfighters are infamous at ground-attacking due to its maneuverability at low-altitude as shown by their German counterparts, it does carries up to 1.36 ton of LDGP bombs or napalm. Players will have to be extremely caution on their position, diving onto targets or being too fast in this case is not a good idea for F-104S, the ballistic computer will make sure the bombs land on designated targets precisely.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Rather high acceleration and climb rate than previous models
  • Varieties of Air-to-Air/Ground weaponry with sufficient overall payload
  • Sufficient counter-measures for oncoming missiles
  • Relative high ammo pool for its M61 cannon
  • High roll-rate at high speed

Cons:

  • Installation of AIM-7 missiles trades the internal M61 cannon
  • Huge turning radius
  • Way high stall speed than conventional jets
  • Somewhat inferior radar at its tier with a slow scan rate

History

During the heat of Cold War where the Cuban Missile Crisis almost brought an end to the world, Turkey, one of the US missile bases overseas would become the frontline and in dire for new jets. Later in May 1963, TAF received their first 54 F-104G series from the Military Aid Program (MAP; 48 104Gs and 6 TF-104Gs); this also included hundreds of other F-104G series from other NATO countries where they would be eventually replaced by their selected new jets by the 1980s. Aside from Lockheed and Canadair F-104s, Turkey also became the only export customer of F-104S series at a total of 40 of them delivered in late 1974 to May 1975.

Their only combat operation was the Invasion of Cyprus where they could have encounter Starfighters from their neighbor across the Aegean Sea: Greece, but both air forces didn't meet each other and the F-104 series were kept in service until TAI's license-assembled F-16Cs arrived and eventually replaced them by mid-1990s.[1][2]

This jet, numbered MM6900/75-6900 of the Project Bora-II delivery was then stored as part of the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) and later scrapped in June 1995.[3]

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

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


Italy jet aircraft
Aerfer  Sagittario 2 · Ariete
Fiat  G.91 pre-serie · G.91 R/1 · G.91 R/4 (Portugal) · G.91 Y · G.91 YS
AMX International  AMX · AMX A-1A (Brazil)
Panavia  Tornado ADV · ▄Tornado IDS · ▄Tornado IDS (1995)
  Foreign:
Vampire  Vampire FB 52A
F-84  ▄F-84F · ▄F-84G-21-RE
F-86  CL-13 Mk.4 · ▄F-86K
F-104  ▄F-104G · F-104S · ▄F-104S TAF (Turkey) · F-104S.ASA
F-16  ▄F-16A ADF
AV-8  ▄AV-8B Plus
Hungary 
Mikoyan-Gurevich  ◔MiG-15bis · ◔MiG-17PF · ◔MiG-21MF · ◔MiG-21bis-SAU · ◔MiG-23MF · ◔MiG-29
Ilyushin  ◔IL-28
Sukhoi  ◔Su-22M3
Saab  ◔JAS39EBS HU C

Italy premium aircraft
Fighters  CR.32 bis · Marcolin's C.R.42 CN · He 112 B-1/U2 · Re.2001 gruppo 22
  C. 202D · IAR-81C · ▄Spitfire Mk Vb/trop · ◐Bf 109 F-4 · ◐Bf 109 G-2 · G.55S
Jet fighters  Ariete · G.91 R/4 · ▄F-104S TAF
Strike aircraft  ◐Bf 110 G-4 · Hs 129 B-2 (Romania) · Ro.57 Quadriarma
  AMX A-1A

  1. ↑ http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/f104_24.html
  2. ↑ http://www.karo-aviation.nl/favorite/pages/f104/f104thk.htm
  3. ↑ http://www.916-starfighter.de/F-104_THK_S.pdf
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