User:Cthomas3/sandbox: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 23:56, 22 October 2017

Revision as of 23:57, 22 October 2017

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The Starfighter served with NASA from 1956 until 1994. A total of 12 F-104A, F-104B, F-104N, and TF-104G aircraft performed high speed and altitude flight research at [[Dryden Flight Research Center]]. The F-104 also performed many safety chase missions in support of advanced research aircraft, and provided a launch platform for [[sounding rocket]]s.<ref name="Dobrzyński2015p90">Dobrzyński 2015, p. 90.</ref>

In August 1956, the USAF transferred YF-104A serial number 55-2961 to NACA (the predecessor of NASA), designating it athe NF-104A. In preparation for the [[X-15]] test program of the late 1950s, it was fitted with the reaction control system (RCS) consisting of hydrogen peroxide-powered thrusters mounted in the aircraft's nose and wingtips. This system provided invaluable experience for future rocket pilots in spacecraft control and maneuverability. The trials began in 1959 and concluded in 1961, after which the aircraft was used for other NASA purposes until it was retired in November 1975.<ref name="Dobrzyński2015p90"/>

Between August and October 1963, Lockheed delivered three single-seat F-104G Starfighters to NASA, designated F-104N for use as high-speed chase aircraft. These were the only Starfighters built by Lockheed specifically for NASA; all other NASA aircraft were transferred from the USAF. The third of these F-104Ns, number 013, was destroyed on 8 June 1966 in a mid-air collision with a [[North American XB-70]] during a publicity photo flight for [[General Electric]].<ref name="Dobrzyński2015p90"/>