Hobby Master
Pre Order January 2008
HA1029 F-104J Starfighter
206 Sq Japan Air Self Defense Force '683'LTD 600 PCS
Japanese F-104J Starfighter
The Lockheed F-104J was the Japanese Starfighter with the “J” standing for Japan. The first F-104Js were
just re-assembled “G” versions and first flew in March 8, 1962. Because the Japanese constitution forbid
offensive weapons the F-104J was set up purely as an interceptor. The Japanese referred to the
Starfighter as “Eikou (Glory) while other countries called it the “Widow Maker”. Instead of a 20mm cannon
the early variants had an additional fuel tank and could carry four Sidewinder missiles or drop tanks but no
bombs.
The JASDF (Japan Air Self Defense Force) was formed in 1954 with the F-86F. In 1959 the F-104J was
chosen as the replacement aircraft and at the end of manufacturing in December 1967 Japan had
received 210. These aircraft equipped seven squadrons (Hikoutai). Over the years 15% of the F-104s
were lost to accidents
