Pearl Harbor, HI — The iconic Lockheed F-104A Starfighter, Serial No. 56-817, has arrived at Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor, joining the museum’s expanding collection. The Starfighter is on long-term loan from Museum of Aviation, Robins Air Force Base, Warner Robins, Ga. and is the 43rd aircraft to join the museum’s collection of historical and unique aircraft. It was transported by Pasha Hawaii to be displayed in hangar 79.
“This record-breaking aircraft has quite the history, and we’re pleased to give it a new home,” said Kenneth DeHoff, museum executive director.
The Starfighter went into production in 1956 and was the first combat aircraft capable of easily sustaining twice the speed of sound. It held simultaneous world records for speed, altitude, and rate of climb.
Due to its length of 54 feet, 9 inches and wingspan of only 21 feet, 11 inches, it was dubbed the “Missile with a Man in It.” The Starfighter served in the USAF from 1958 through 1975, as well as with several allied air forces around the world, including Japan.
High-altitude F-104A Starfighter lands at Peal Harbor museum