MM6909

ItAF F-104S Starfighter

MM6827

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The ItAF flew F-104s since the early 1960s and operated up to 360 aircraft. The F-104 was officially retired from service in 2004, making Italy the last country in the world to operate the Starfighter. The F-104S was a major improvement over the F-104G and was in service with the Italian and Turkish air forces. Improvements over the F-104G were nine instead of five weapon hardpoints and the capability to carry AIM-7 Sparrow missiles. Due to larger air intakes, thus increasing higher maximum temperatures, it also had a higher maximum speed of Mach 2.2.

This particular F-104S, MM6909, is currently stored at a scrapyard in Rome.