Lockheed F-104 Starfighter (part 1) The F-104g ... -

: West Germany operated 916 units; however, the aircraft gained a grim reputation as the "Widowmaker" due to a high crash rate early in its service.

The F-104G featured significant structural and electronic upgrades compared to earlier models: Lockheed F-104 Starfighter (Part 1) The F-104G ...

: Optimized for nuclear strike, reconnaissance, and interception, often carrying a 2,000 lb nuclear "special store" under the fuselage. Performance Specifications Maximum Speed Mach 2.0+ (approx. 1,323 kts) Service Ceiling 50,000 feet Rate of Climb 48,000 ft/min Standard Armament 20mm M61A1 Vulcan cannon and 2-4 Sidewinder missiles Max Takeoff Weight 29,027 lbs : West Germany operated 916 units; however, the

: The fuselage, wing fittings, and beams were reinforced with 96 new forgings to handle low-level strike missions. 1,323 kts) Service Ceiling 50,000 feet Rate of

: Operated by 11 countries, including West Germany, Canada, the Netherlands, and Japan.

While the U.S. Air Force did not deploy the "G" model operationally, it became the backbone of NATO's air defense: