-The F-104 series fighters are known as the world's first interceptor fighters that broke the wall of Mach 2.
-When the original XF-104 flew for the first time in February 1954, it took the nickname [Missile on human] and recorded the world's highest speed of 2,259km / h in May 1958. Attracted attention as the fastest fighter.
-In 1959, Japan decided to domestically produce the F-104 as a successor to the aging F-86 Saber.
-This is F-104J, and the first Japanese version of Starfighter is assembled based on F-104G parts.
-Subsequently, 29 aircraft were knocked down with parts supplied by Lockheed and made their first flight on May 8, 1962, after which they were produced by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
-Separately, two-seater training aircraft F-104DJ was imported from the United States 20 aircraft.
-In Japan, possession of aggressive weapons is prohibited by the Constitution, so the F-104J was equipped with an AIM-9 sidewinder missile and a fuel tank under the wing, and was used as an interceptor fighter.
-Engines and armaments were also made domestically, the J-79 engine was produced by Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries, and the JM-61 Vulcan gun was produced by Nittoku Metal Industry.
-A total of 210 F-104J Starfighters were produced and served in Japan's air defense mission until the mid-1980s.
-Some aircraft stored in Gifu were remodeled for radio control and were flying.
