THE STARFIGHTER - CF 104

Starfighter book cover

by Anthony Stachiw
Illustrations by Andrew Tattersall
Vanwell Publishing Limited
1 Northrup Crescent, PO Box 2131
St. Catherines, Ontario, L2R 7S2
ISBN 1-55125-114-0 (2007), 151 Pages

The book provides the background into the design of the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter aircraft from its original concept by the famous designer, Clarence "Kelly" Johnson of the Lockheed "Skunk Works".

It takes fhe reader literally from the flight lines of Korea where Kelly gathered first-hand recommendations for his design from the mouths of the USAF pilots engaged in air combat over Korean skies. He then presented those findings to the Lockheed senior management, arguing in favour of a lighter, uncomplicated and less costly design that demonstrated high-speed, maneuverability, excellent rate of climb and a superior operating ceiling. Despite the fact that no official USAF design requirement had been issued for this type of aircraft, Lockheed authorized Kelly to proceed with a private venture design.

It was a giant leap into the future for the fledgling "Skunk Works" and for its principal designer, Clarence "Kelly" Johnson.

A team of design engineers were selected and assembled at the "Skunk Works" at Burbank, California in March of 1952.

In the summer of 1953, construction began on the first prototype, the XF-104. The rest of the story of the F-104 and it's Canadian variant, the CF-104, is now etched in aviation history. The book provides specific detail on the CF-104 in Canadian service, a compendium of technical details and drawings of the description of the aircraft and the squadrons and units that flew the CF-104 during its service to Canada including its distinguished service to NATO. Further chapters cover the full spectrum of colour schemes and markings (standard and special), aircraft armament configurations (including nuclear strike) and a final chapter devoted to the modelling of the CF-104.

The book is filled with a high number of quality colour photographs of the CF-104 and covers a wide range of technical specifications and illustrations.

There is sadly only one chapter "missing in action" in this fine publication, that being a memorial page to those Canadians killed flying the CF-104. The reader should note that the list IS, however, part of the Canadian Starfighter Association website at:

The book is exceptional in content and its authors merit a commendation for preserving this chapter of Canada's aviation history and heritage.

Highly recommended reading, especially for all candidates on the Air Force Indoctrination Course.

BOOK REVIEW AUTHOR

Scott Fuller joined the RCAF on its 40 Anniversary, 01 April 1964 at RCAF Station North Bay and served 32 years in the Regular Force and subsequently 8 years in the Reserve Force. As a staff officer at NDHQ, he was responsible for the disposal of the CF 104, transferring several to the Turkish Air Force, others consigned to serve as Gate Guardians and in aerospace exhibits in museums. He is presently the Senior Procurement Officer at the Canadian Forces Aerospace Warfare Centre as a DND civilian Employee. He is the Director at Large for Policy Development for the NATO Veterans Organization of Canada and a member of the Tunis Shriners Legion of Honour.