Description Lockheed F-104 Starfighter model - fast, legendary and unlucky! Build an icon of military aviation in 1:48 scale! The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter was the first mass-produced aircraft to exceed twice the speed of sound. It was designed as an air defense fighter, and although its career was relatively short, the Starfighter went on to become one of the most widely used fighter aircraft in the world. The Lockheed F-104 STARFIGHTER kit offers a unique opportunity to build a model that will enrich your collection. German Starfighter of the JaboG 33 Squadron This model is another example of COBI's collaboration with the famous German Naval Museum. Based on a German Luftwaffe F-104, it was one of 210 aircraft produced under license 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 now an exhibit in the German Naval Museum. Lockheed F-104 Starfighter - "The missile with a man inside" The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter was the first mass-produced fighter aircraft to exceed twice the speed of sound. Designed as an air defense fighter, it became one of the most widely used combat aircraft in the world despite its relatively short career. Its distinctive, streamlined silhouette, tiny trapezoidal wings with negative lift and very sharp leading edges earned the aircraft the nickname "the missile with a man inside". Armament and combat capabilities 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 magazine was emptied in just over seven seconds of continuous fire. In addition, the aircraft could carry up to 1,814 kg of cargo under its wings, including AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles and various bombs. A relentless machine Despite its impressive performance, the F-104 Starfighter had a bad reputation - especially in Germany. Of the 916 aircraft that entered Luftwaffe service, 300 were lost and 115 pilots lost their lives. It was considered difficult to fly. The low lift of its wings led to uncontrolled pitching, which made take-offs and landings considerably more difficult. Engine problems and tail vibrations also occurred. To make matters worse, the ejection seat threw the pilot downwards instead of upwards, which made survival virtually impossible in the event of a malfunction at low altitude. In the mid-1980s, the F-104 was retired and replaced by the Panavia Tornado and the F-4 Phantom. The Lockheed F-104 STARFIGHTER kit from COBI offers the unique opportunity to build a model of this legendary fighter aircraft, a symbol of its era - as innovative as it is controversial. Build your own version of this rebellious yet fascinating aircraft and expand your collection! Why should you choose the Lockheed F-104 STARFIGHTER kit? 420 parts - The kit consists of perfectly matched components that allow you to build a beautifully reproduced model of the aircraft. 1:48 scale - It fits perfectly into the world of other COBI kits. So you can add more aircraft to your collection as you wish, and the whole thing looks uniform and professional on a shelf, desk or in a display case. Licensed model - Thanks to the original license from the German Naval Museum, you can be sure that the model perfectly replicates the Lockheed F-104 STARFIGHTER, from the shape to the smallest details and the paintwork. Moving elements - These carefully designed elements, such as the moving wheels and the opening cockpit, increase the interactivity of the model and allow the fighter's maneuvers to be reproduced, creating dynamics and bringing the model to life. Historic prints - The model features prints from its time in the Bundeswehr, reproduced with exceptional attention to detail. This is one of the most recognizable features that sets this version of the Lockheed F-104 STARFIGHTER apart from other fighters of this type. Display stand and plaque - The included display stand with transparent stem and plaque with the set name allows you to present the model professionally in your collection and makes it look great on a shelf or in a display case. Easy assembly and intuitive instructions - you don't need to be a professional model maker to build this impressive model. Thanks to the clear and intuitive instructions with drawings and symbols, construction is child's play, even for less experienced builders. Wide range - Discover more vehicles from the ARMED FORCES range and build your own collection of incredible machines! With the Lockheed F-104 STARFIGHTER set, you can take on the challenge of building an incredible fighter that has become an integral part of military aviation history. Building this model is not only a great building adventure, but also offers the opportunity to explore the history of aviation with its ups and downs. 428 high quality parts Made in the EU by a company with over 35 years of experience Meets the safety standards for children's products Fully compatible with clamp building blocks from other brands Clear and intuitive instructions based on drawings and illustrations 1:48 scale Model dimensions (L x W x H): 330 mm x 165 mm x 95 mm with 140 mm base Model specification Catalog no: COBI-5907 Manufacturer: Cobi Factory SA Length: 33 cm / 13″ Height: 9.5 cm / 3.7″ Wingspan: 16.5 cm / 6.5″ Scale: 1:48 Number of parts: 428 EAN: 5902251059071