F104Cs

The F-104C was an interceptor variant of the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter. It was developed for the United States Air Force and served primarily as a tactical fighter. The F-104C was a single-seat, single-engine jet fighter. Key features included its small, thin wings and a long, slender fuselage, designed for high-speed flight. It was powered by a General Electric J79 engine, providing significant thrust.

This variant was equipped with an internal Vulcan cannon and could carry a variety of air-to-air missiles, such as the AIM-9 Sidewinder, as well as unguided rockets and bombs for ground attack missions. The F-104C was deployed with the USAF Tactical Air Command and saw combat service during the Vietnam War, though its performance in that conflict was mixed. Its high speed and altitude capabilities were advantageous, but its short range and limited maneuverability at lower speeds presented challenges.

The F-104C was characterized by its "broken wing" design, a result of the wing's trailing edge being angled downwards, which improved stability at high speeds. Production of the F-104C concluded in the early 1960s, and it was eventually replaced by other fighter aircraft in USAF service. Many F-104Cs were later transferred to the Air National Guard. Its distinctive appearance and impressive speed made it a notable aircraft of its era.