F-104G 20+03 Jagdbombergeschwader 31 (JaboG 31) Norvenich AB

F-104G, construction number 683-2003, company model 683-10-19, built by Lockheed
manufactured by Group USA (ARGE-USA); assembly in Fighterbomber version according contract lot 1; first flight December 6, 1960 at Lockheed-Palmdale; flight tests flown with register number "103" only
coded DA+103 with "Joint Test Force" at Palmdale AP for "Category I" inertial reference system (Litton LN-3) tests with 234 flight hours
August 14, 1962 airlifted to Manching AB; coded KE+103 for Messerschmitt test flight in Silver-finish colors
project "Replace" with modification as Fighterbomber with Vulcan M61 20 mm machine gun installed and long range tanks as loose parts; acceptance date March 8, 1963 by BABwMTT
DA+102 JaboG 31 at Norvenich AB delivery date March 11, 1963
January 7, 1964-March 31, 1964 Kdo "Sardinien" (Schießausbildung) for shooting exercises at Capo Frasca Bombing Range, Sardinia
heavily damaged on July 6, 1965 during landing at Norvenich AB due to broken right main wheel after sliding off the runway, to Messerschmitt for a major repair and upgrading on November 30, 1965
camouflage scheme "Norm 62" according tech order "TA-196" in July 1966; repaired by Messerschmitt and back to JaboG 31 "B" on March 8, 1967
20+03 to SABCA for IRAN on April 30, 1970, back to JaboG 31 on July 1, 1970
crashed on June 30, 1976 during the approach to Norvenich AB due to blocked aircraft steering control after loss of one hydraulic system and following ground contact; pilot was sadly killed; written off
struck off charge order (AVA) April 26, 1977.

copyright © Rob Breur