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What's up with the jet nozzles on the German TF-104G?


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Hi everybody,

I was looking through photos of German TF-104G's on the 'net and it appeared to me that it looks like they've got different nozzles than the single-seaters. Hasegawa also indicates to use the bigger nozzle. It looks like an F-4E nozzle. I know that the F-104S had a different type of J-79 installed but I'm unaware of engine differences between the single-seater and the dual-G's.

Anyone know somethingh about this?

Thanks in advance,

Cheers,

Erik.

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Yes, Dave is right, in the 70es "our" Starfighters got a modernized J79 engine, it was more reliable and economical, had 200kp more thrust, but -alas- lost the characteristic banshee-like sound.

On a bare-metal F-104, or one with the older letter + numeral identification code (e.g. DF+234) you could surely find the older, original nozzle.

Changeover to the newer ID-system (numerals only, e.g. 20+50) was around 1970, thus aircraft with these IDs will probably have the modified exhaust.

The RF-104s were phased out in the early 70es, so it makes sense t oshow them with the old nozzle.

You can use Aires' F-4F exhaust to depict the modified nozzle and Aires' F-104 exhaust for the old engine.

HTH

Jan

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Thanks Dave & Jan! Now I have confirmation. I'll build the Luftwaffe-bird OOB with the "F-4-pipe" then. The kit supplied markings depict a JaBoG 31-bird at Noervenich in 1979/1980 so it has to be a modified one. I'll look into www.916-starfighter.de if the HAF TF-104G which will be built alongside was also of German descent or a MAP or otherwise sourced Starfighter.

Thanks again!

Cheers,

Erik.

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Was there not also an enlarging of the intakes to accomodate the airflow needs of the engines, and also a widening of the rear fuselage?

Hey, don't talk about its rear fuselage like that! Just because it got old doesn't mean you can make jokes about its enlarging backside! :) It tried hard to stay fit and trim and just couldn't do it (kinda like me!)

Edited by Darren Roberts
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Was there not also an enlarging of the intakes to accomodate the airflow needs of the engines, and also a widening of the rear fuselage?

There were slightly larger intakes and an aux air inlet door on the F-104S models, but I don't think on the upengined German birds. The bigger rear fuselage was just a myth, even for the -S.

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Eric,

which HAF TF are you planning to do?

All GAF TF-104's, transfered to Greece with MBB J-79's

Hi Mmaker,

Icarus suggests TF-5965, ex-Luftwaffe 28+35 of which I've found no photo in HAF-markings.

I've found a pic of TF-5928, ex-Luftwaffe 27+98, both should be fitted with the later exhaust.

I've also found some pics of 22278 one time as FG(!)-278 and one time as TF-278, ex-Spanish 161-01 and/or 104-21 with the older nozzle.

I really haven't made up my mind yet. I'd like my model to have the red wingwalks, the Greek language "No steps" and a bit of a sun-bleached paintjob.

At least I trust Icarus have done their homework as opposed to some other manufacturers (don't mention Eagle Strike!).

Cheers,

Erik.

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The Verlinden Lock On is the primary source for the myth of the bigger F-104S rear fuselage.

Yep, I studied that photo in the Lock-On for hours and just thought it was my eyesight or something. I never could spot a difference in it's buttock-size!

Cheers,

Erik.

Edited by One-Oh-Four
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Hi Eric,

heres two photos I found after retirement of the type

Photos from airliners.gr

th_16513517.jpg

th_16513516.jpg

But what about this?

http://www.planepictures.net/netshow.php?id=628324

http://www.patricksaviation.com/uploads/av_images/2888.jpg

A Dutch one with Greek markings

http://www.planepictures.net/netshow.php?id=628320

Cheers,

George.

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  • 4 weeks later...

Withy regard to the re-engining of German F-104s I was on armament practice camp with Phantom FGR 2s of 17 squadron between 1972-74 at Decimomannu and I well remember the distinctive howl of the F-104s during that period! It would seem that the re-engining of these airplanes must have taken sometime to complete, so It's probably best to check any photos you might have before building.

Having said that, most of the TF-104Gs pictured in the F40 publication have the later jet nozzle! Hope this of some help.

:banana:

ha

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