<article><hdr>Aerial shot of an F-104 Starfighter</hdr><body>
<hi style=afpcap>The F-104 Starfighter was the first operational interceptor which was capable of sustained speed in excess of Mach Two, and entered service with Air Defence Command in January 1958 with the 83rd Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Hamilton AFB, California near San Francisco. The aircraft was little more than a 'missile with a man at the front to steer ', and was ideally suited for the role. However Lockheed developed the design further adding a ground attack capability which necessitated the fitment of a refuelling probe and underwing tanks to extend range. It was this version which was successfully sold to various air arms in Europe, many of whom completed the aircraft themselves at their own assembly plants. Whereas the USAF ordered the F-104A and two-seat F-104B for air defence duties, and the F-104C and two seater F-104D with the ground attack capability, the European F-104G and TF-104G were multi role.</hi>
