F-104 Starfighter 3d model

cgstudio

The F-104 Starfighter was a high-performance, supersonic interceptor aircraft that served with the United States Air Force from 1958 to 1967. As one of the Century Series of aircraft, it continued in service with Air National Guard units until its retirement in 1975. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration flew a fleet of F-104 types for supersonic flight tests and spaceflight programs until they were retired in 1994. Several trainer versions were produced, including the TF-104G, which was one of the most numerous. All surface textures on the aircraft are highly detailed, with resolutions of up to 2048 pixels in the greatest dimension. The color, specular, and bump maps provided add to the realism of the model. Additionally, the cockpit controls have their own unique textures that enhance the overall appearance of the aircraft. The F-104 Starfighter was a groundbreaking design that built on lessons learned from previous aircraft during the Korean War. Its aerodynamic design and powerful engine made it capable of sustained speeds at twice the speed of sound while reaching high altitudes. The aircraft's uniqueness, however, also led to its nickname "widowmaker" due to its tendency to be involved in fatal crashes. The F-104 was designed around a powerful 15,600lb General Electric powerplant that took up a significant portion of the fuselage. Its low-monoplane wing design featured short, sharp assemblies built for speed, while twin intakes sat just behind the cockpit and a high-mounted elevator assembly was fitted to the single rudder. The aircraft's designers successfully achieved their goals, making it the only aircraft to hold records for both high altitude and overall speed at the same time. The F-104 also made history by being the first aircraft to break the 100,000 feet altitude mark under its own engine power. Built with interception in mind, the craft was armed with a single 20mm six-barrel gattling gun cannon but could be further equipped with additional air-to-air missiles and drop bombs. The F-104 served in limited numbers for the United States but saw significant service overseas in various fronts. The ultimate version of the aircraft is regarded as the F-104G, which was a specialized fighter-bomber variant produced at the request of the German air force. Many air forces continued to field the F-104 through updates and modernization programs until the 1990s. Its lasting legacy was solidified by its personal accomplishments in capable hands and its longevity of service worldwide. The F-104 Starfighter lived up to its namesake "Starfighter" through both design and performance, earning it a reputation as a formidable aircraft.