Lockheed NF-104A Starfighter, N820NA / 183-1078, Air Force Flight Test Center Museum - AFFTC
This picture is © Martin Laycock and may not be used or published without permission.
Registration: N820NA
Construction Number: 183-1078
Code Number: 820
Model Lockheed NF-104A Starfighter
Operator: Air Force Flight Test Center Museum - AFFTC
Airport: Edwards AFB (EDW / KEDW), USA - California
Photographer: Martin Laycock
Date Taken: 07/05/1993
Date Submitted: 05/08/2009
Originally built for the United States Air Force as 56-0790, this Starfighter was transferred to NASA in 1957 as a replacement for NASA 813 after that aircraft was destroyed in a crash. She had a very interesting career, being leased back by Lockeed in 1959 becoming the second prototype F-104G and used for fire control system tests. She was also used as a chase plane for the first flight of the Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird in 1964. She later flew ith a U-2 nose installed to support trials with the AIM-7 Sparrow Air-to-air missile for the F-104S. Returned to NASA service in 1966 she flew test missions at the AMES-Dryden Flight Research Facility until 1977. She was displayed in her NASA colours when this photograph was taken back in 1993 but has since been repainted in her earlier silver USAF colours.
Picture ID:1185634