National Security Journal on MSN

The F-104 Starfighter ‘Widow Maker’ was one of the fastest fighters — and one of the most likely to kill the pilot flying it

Lockheed’s F-104 Starfighter was one of the fastest fighters of the early Cold War, capable of Mach 2 on a single General ...
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7,000 Pound Thrust Increase, 1 Takeoff Hazard: How Early F-104 Engine Changes Affected Performance

Upgraded J79 engines increased thrust on the F-104 but introduced new takeoff considerations, including longer spool times and sensitivity to rotation angles. Updated procedures ensured safe ...