F-104DJ Starfighter

The Lockheed F‑104DJ Starfighter was a two‑seat, dual‑control version of the legendary F‑104 series, built for the United States Air Force and specialized training units during the early 1960s. Originating from the original Swiss‑designed, single‑engine, supersonic interceptor, the DJ variant first flew in 1961 and entered service in 1962. Powered by a General Electric J79‑GE‑19 engine delivering 15,800 pounds of thrust with afterburner, the aircraft could exceed Mach 2.2 and climb to 50,000 feet in under three minutes. The cockpit featured side‑by‑side seating, a reinforced airframe, and upgraded avionics that allowed an instructor to monitor and intervene in student flights. Its short, thin wing and尖‑cone nose gave the Starfighter an unrivaled rate of climb and high‑speed performance, while the dual‑control setup made it ideal for conversion training to more advanced fighters. Although fewer than 100 DJ models were produced, the type played a crucial role in preparing pilots for the next generation of supersonic aircraft, influencing trainer design concepts worldwide and cementing the F‑104’s reputation as a versatile, high‑performance platform in aviation history. Today, several DJ airframes are preserved in museums, serving as tangible reminders of the program's impact on pilot training methodology.

Lockheed Corporation

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