Does anyone know anything about the mysterious F-104E designation that was never taken up?
As far as I can determine, it wasn’t allocated to any aborted variant, and the only references to it seem to be the bogus “April Fool” story of a naval version that gets churned-out now and again. USAF records seem to indicate that the F-104E designation was recorded and allocated but not used.
My hunch is that it would have been the designation for the “Super Starfighter” export version that became the F-104G – the “G” being used to denote Germany of course, thereby making the “E” redundant.
Any thoughts?
By: Newforest - 28th May 2015 at 12:47
Here is your April Fool 104E!
F-104E (US Navy version XF5V-1) Fantasy.
There have been a lot of rumours about a special US Navy (carrier operated) version of the F-104 Starfighter. This type F-104E should receive official Navy model-type designation XF5V-1.
The modifications were designed by Lockheed project engineer A.P. Rilfool and included general strengthening of the main landing gear, extending the length of the nose wheel gear to increase angle of attack on
takeoff, extending the wing tips slightly as well as giving them the capability of being folded. The F-104 central ventral fin was replaced by twin ventral fins offset from the centerline of the aircraft, and the
arresting hook was strengthened to allow for deck landings. The only other modification was the canopy, which was redesigned to hinge from the rear, instead of from the side, as per the Air Force counterpart.
See also story at: http://www.internetmodeler.com/2004/april/aviation/f-104e.php
However this story was complete rediculous and based on pure fantasy!!
US Navy China Lake expert Gary Verver stated: When sounded out the Lockheed engineers name is “April Fool” and the pilots name is “I be Fooling you”.
The story is not true, but it is a great story and actually ran in the last issue of the Hook magazine.
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May 28, 2015 at 10:33 am