Mitsubishi F-104J Starfighter

Details

• Type: SPH
• Class: aircraft
• Part Count: 441
• Pure Stock
• KSP: 1.10.1

The one-oh-four

Originally developed by Lockheed for the USAF, the F-104 was a supersonic interceptor known for its high speeds and high accident rates. Originating from the 50s, the top speed of around Mach 2 was impressive for it’s time. The flight characteristics were too much for some pilots though, especially in the German air force. Being used to earlier jets many pilots were lost due to under-estimating the altitude at which they could still pull out of a dive. The starfighter was used by the air forces of many nations, and achieved a legendary status amongst the cold war planes.

The F-104J was a Japanese variant of the F-104G, license-built by Mitsubishi. The markings on this one are from the JASDF 207th Hikotai (Tactical Fighter Squadron).

Fun and surprisingly quick build. The starfighter is a classic, a very good looking plane if you ask me. Oh boy the flight characteristics on this one, they are something special! :D Never have I had a plane that feels like this in KSP. It’s very interesting, due to its unstability you can actually do sick stuff like high AoA’s and flatspins (I could even pull a kulbit before I tuned it down a bit). One fun bastard to fly, that’s for sure! Not lacking in the features either, it’s got the standard set for my builds. The JASDF version has the livery, so make sure to download the flags down below in case you go for it.

Built in the SPH in KSP version 1.10.1.

Controls

• Afterburner is toggled from RCS
• Air brakes deploy from brakes
• Flaps deploy from 1
• Drogue chute is in staging