F-104S Starfighter | |
---|---|
Role | Interceptor aircraft |
Manufacturer | Aeritalia |
Designer | Lockheed |
First flight | 22 December 1966 |
Introduction | 1969 |
Retired | October 2004 |
Primary users | Italian Air Force Turkish Air Force |
Produced | 1966–1979 |
Number built | 246 |
Developed from | Lockheed F-104 Starfighter |
The Aeritalia F-104S Starfighter was a licensed production Italian version of the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter, which served in the Italian Air Force, and was its mainstay from the late 1960s until the beginning of the 21st century. The F-104S also served in the Turkish Air Force until the mid-1990s. The F-104S was the final development of the Starfighter line.
Derived from Lockheed's design studies on a "Super Starfighter", the F-104S was one of the most capable of the F-104 series, and destined to be the last in service worldwide. The F-104S (upgraded to ASA/M standard) was retired from service in October 2004.