May 2015
Another image from a recent ISAP event in Texas. This overhead view of the Starfighter was taken from a mobile lift platform. The F-104 was the first aircraft to achieve sustained Mach 2 flight and the first to hold speed and altitude records simultaneously, as well as the first to reach 100,000 feet. While the USAF only purchased 296 F-104s, improved F-104s sold very well overseas, serving as late as 2004. This F-104A (56-779) was delivered to the Air Force in January of 1958 and served in a variety of units before retirement in 1972. It was subsequently purchased by and served in the Royal Jordanian Air Force for some time before being sold to private collectors. It has been part of the Cavanaugh collection since 1994. Nikon D300 w/18-200mm, processed with Aperture.