Starfighter musings

Well it looks as if the prevailing view is that the German Navy’s Starfighters did indeed sound the same then, but I’ll keep looking to see if I can find any evidence. I can’t imagine where the story came from regarding them sounding rather different – as far as I know they were identical to the Luftwaffe machines, therefore I see no reason for any difference. But I guess stranger things have happened!

With Youtube videos in mind, the one below is well worth a look. It explains graphically where the Starfighter’s howl came from. The reason why some J-79s didn’t howl simply seems to be a symptom of a later (longer) nozzle design. This was supposedly why the F-104S didn’t make the same noises, but I’m not sure where the rumour of the German Navy’s aircraft being slightly different came from – they were essentially the same as the Luftwaffe’s. Anyway, do have a look at this video –

This video is a good comparison of the howless 104S comapred with the other versions, the last Italian 9-ship and when the single seat S models leave the pan you can hear no howl, but the 2 seat models with shorther nozzles make that characteristic howl that gave them the nickname Hooter.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIvv1PAmesM

As far as I can recall from seeing/hearing them back in the 70’s and 80’s the G model used by the Germans (and Turks as these were mostly ex-Luftwaffe) certainley did howl.

With Youtube videos in mind, the one below is well worth a look. It explains graphically where the Starfighter’s howl came from. The reason why some J-79s didn’t howl simply seems to be a symptom of a later (longer) nozzle design. This was supposedly why the F-104S didn’t make the same noises, but I’m not sure where the rumour of the German Navy’s aircraft being slightly different came from – they were essentially the same as the Luftwaffe’s. Anyway, do have a look at this video –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1vesxSG1vQ

Sorry I can’t give an answer as to why, but for those enthusiast who have not heard a J-79 powered Starfighter here are a couple of links.
Absolutely Awesome. Always a “Highlight” of a F-104 live.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozIRwMhRVRY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GcfZXqPJf4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOwIdAXlgPg

My first encounter was as a young boy at Prestwick, I remember climbing a tree to get a better view.
And the noise etc scared the **** out of me as a USAF 104 took off, & I swear to god the tree shook.
On a side note the USN also flew the 104, for missile testing(Sidewinder 1-C)

🙂

Quite literally rockets in this case – what a catch 🙂

This must have been the extreme “Rocket with a Man in it” Starfighter”
My photo from the Edwards AFB Open Day in May 1965

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Now, now, let’s bury that old myth about the Starfighter’s safety record. It’s time it was put to rest! 🙂

Luckily, all the ones I saw went ‘WHOOSH!’

Oh go on then. 🙂

I do recall hearing different noises from different countries’ Starfighters…

The German ones tended to go thud.

The Canadian ones went thud thud thud, how aboot that?

Better? :applause:

The German ones tended to go thud.

Too soon?:confused:

Misconception: Canadian F-104s had a higher attrition rate.

I do recall hearing different noises from different countries’ Starfighters….

The German ones tended to go thud.

Too soon?:confused:

I do recall hearing different noises from different countries’ Starfighters, but not quite as predictably as I would have liked. I could never tell whose it was by the noise… So far as I can remember there is only one significant difference between various operators’ airframes – that is whether or not the gun was fitted. That could have an effect on airflow into the port intake, and that might be all the difference one needs.

I was deaf after hearing the first one-so wasnt able to tell!!

Different engine nozzles – that’s where the sound came from.

Sabrejet you’re right, the Yeovilton machine was German Navy. Wish I had some Starfighter bits 🙂

Anyone care to explain why or how could the same type of aircraft operated by a different branch of the same country’s forces make different noises?

Same basic airframe and engine…I don’t see how that would be likely unless you’re talking about some subtle differences brought about by the carriage of different stores.

I can confirm the F-104S making the same noise (though I’d bow to anyone who claimed it to be an octave or so different!)

Ditto the German Navy aircraft: I saw an F-104G crash at Yeovilton (1978?) and I’m sure it was a Navy machine. What is certain is that I enjoyed the howl it made prior to the accident as it wailed its way round the circuit.

I went back some time later and was amazed to find bits of it still along the field edge (near the village of Queen Camel?). I still have a piece in the shed.

All a long time ago, but Starfighters leave a lasting impression.

I remember them and also can’t recall noticing any difference.