Cobi 1/48 Scale Lockheed F-104 Starfighter Model Kit

Cobi 1/48 Scale Lockheed F-104 Starfighter Model Kit

The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter was the first mass-produced aircraft to exceed twice the speed of sound. It was intended as an air defense fighter, and although its career was relatively short, the Starfighter became one of the most widespread combat aircraft in the world.

The Lockheed F-104 STARFIGHTER kit is a unique opportunity to create a model that will be the pride of your collection.

FEATURES:

• 420 pieces - The kit consists of perfectly matched components that allow you to create a beautifully reproduced model of the aircraft.

• 1:48 scale - It fits perfectly into the world of other COBI kits. This allows you to freely expand your collection with additional aircraft, and the whole thing will look cohesive and professional on a shelf, desk, or display case.

• Licensed Model - Thanks to the original license from the Deutsches Marinemuseum, you can be sure that the model perfectly reproduces the Lockheed F-104 STARFIGHTER, from shape to the smallest details and paint job.

• Movable Elements - These meticulously designed elements, such as the movable wheels and opening cockpit, enhance the model's interactivity, allowing for the reproduction of the fighter's manoeuvres, adding dynamics and making it more "alive."

• Historical Prints - The model features prints from its time in the German Army, reproduced with extraordinary attention to detail. This is one of the most recognisable features that distinguishes this version of the Lockheed F-104 STARFIGHTER from other fighters of this type.

• Display Stand and Plaque – The included display stand with a transparent stem and plaque with the set name allows you to professionally display the model in your collection, making it look great on a shelf or in a display case.

• Simple Construction and Intuitive Instructions – You don't have to be a professional modeller to build this amazing model. Thanks to the clear and intuitive instructions based on drawings and icons, construction will be a breeze, even for less experienced builders.

• Wide Selection – Check out other vehicles from the ARMED FORCES series and build your own collection of incredible machines!

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Length: 33cm
• Wingspan: 16.5cm
• Height: 9.5cm
• Scale: 1/48
• Number of parts: 428

HISTORY:

This model is another example of COBI's collaboration with the famous Deutsches Marinemuseum. Based on an F-104 belonging to the German Air Force, it was one of 210 aircraft licensed-produced by a consortium of Messerschmitt, Dornier, Heinkel, and SIAT. It served with the JaboG 33 fighter-bomber squadron based in Büchel near Cochem/Mosel and is today an exhibit at the Deutsches Marinemuseum.

The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter was the first mass-produced fighter to exceed twice the speed of sound. Designed as an air defence fighter, despite its relatively short career, it became one of the most widespread combat aircraft in the world.

Its distinctive, streamlined silhouette, miniature trapezoidal wings with negative lift, and very sharp leading edges earned the aircraft the nickname "the missile with a man inside."

The Starfighters were armed with a single, six-barrel, 20 mm M61A1 Vulcan rotary cannon. Its impressive rate of fire – 6,000 rounds per minute – meant that the ammunition drum was emptied in just over seven seconds of continuous fire.

Additionally, the aircraft could carry up to 1,814 kg of underwing cargo, including AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air guided missiles and various bombs.

Despite its impressive performance, the F-104 Starfighter had a poor reputation – particularly in Germany. Of the 916 aircraft introduced into Luftwaffe service, 300 were lost, and 115 pilots were killed.

It was considered difficult to fly. The low lift of its wings caused it to pitch uncontrollably, making takeoffs and landings significantly more difficult. Engine problems and tail vibrations also occurred. To make matters worse, the ejection seat threw the pilot down, not up, making survival in the event of a malfunction practically impossible at low altitudes.

In the mid-1980s, the F-104 was retired from service, replaced by the Panavia Tornado and F-4 Phantom.

The Lockheed F-104 STARFIGHTER kit from COBI offers a unique opportunity to create a model of the legendary fighter, a symbol of its era – as innovative as it is controversial.