The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter was the first U.S. jet fighter in service to fly Mach 2. Designed as a high-performance day fighter, the F-104 had excellent acceleration and top speed. It first flew on February 7, 1954. Highlighted in this image is the tailhook of the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter.

Created:

October 13, 2017

Photographer:

Mark Avino

ID#:

A19761017000-NASM2018-10441

Source:

Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum

Owner:

Smithsonian Institution

Rights Usage:

CC0 (Open Access)

Terms of Use:

Smithsonian Terms of Use

For print or commercial use please see permissions information.

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