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Reply To: F-104 Starfighter nomenclature

Home Forums Historic Aviation F-104 Starfighter nomenclature Reply To: F-104 Starfighter nomenclature

#901569
Newforest
Participant

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.