F-104S/F-104G Starfighter 1:72 Hasegawa D17

Plastic model airplane to assemble: F-104S/F-104G Starfighter 1:72 Hasegawa D17

The F-104S/F-104G Starfighter 1:72 scale plastic model kit by the renowned Hasegawa brand is an excellent choice for aviation and modeling enthusiasts. This kit allows you to build a miniature of one of the most famous fighter jets of the 20th century, nicknamed the "missile with a man in it" due to its distinctive design and performance.

Model Features:

• Scale: 1:72
• Manufacturer: Hasegawa
• Catalog number: D17 (also known as 00447)
• Contents: plastic sprues, clear parts, decals for markings
• Markings: Options to build models in the colors of the Italian Air Force and the Luftwaffe

History and Characteristics of the F-104 Starfighter:

The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter is an American single-engine interceptor that gained fame as the first mass-produced aircraft capable of exceeding twice the speed of sound. Designed by Clarence "Kelly" Johnson, the Starfighter was developed in response to the needs of the U.S. Air Force in the 1950s. Its revolutionary design featured a streamlined fuselage, a long needle-like pitot tube, and small trapezoidal wings with negative dihedral.

Although its career in the U.S. was relatively short, the F-104 became one of the most widely used combat aircraft in the world. A total of 2,580 units were produced, serving in the air forces of 14 countries across three continents. The F-104G variant, with enhanced ground-attack capabilities, became the primary strike aircraft in many NATO countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Denmark, Norway, Spain, Greece, and Turkey.

Italy operated the Starfighter the longest, until 2004. Italian manufacturer Fiat began producing the F-104G version in 1962 and later developed the F-104S variant, equipped to carry radar-guided AIM-7 Sparrow air-to-air missiles. This version was produced between 1969 and 1979, with upgrades including compatibility with Aspide 1A and AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles.

Technical Specifications of the F-104 Starfighter:

• Wingspan: 6.68 m
• Length: 16.69 m
• Takeoff weight: 13,054 kg
• Maximum speed: Mach 2.2
• Service ceiling: 17,680 m
• Armament: AIM-9L Sidewinder, AIM-7 Sparrow, and Aspide 1A air-to-air missiles
• Engine: General Electric J79-GE-19 turbojet with 79.63 kN thrust with afterburner

Despite its controversial reputation due to a high accident rate, the F-104 Starfighter remains one of the most iconic fighter jets of the Cold War. Its unique design and performance make it a fascinating subject for modelers and aviation enthusiasts. The Hasegawa 1:72 scale model is a great opportunity to recreate this legendary aircraft in miniature, enjoying the precision and quality craftsmanship that Hasegawa products are known for.

Kit for self-assembly and painting. Does not include paints or glue. For assembly, separately sold modeling tools are needed (e.g. cutters, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and plastic model glue (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.