F-104A "FG-801" 56-0801 chasing SR-71 on take-off at Edwards AFB

F-104A, construction number 183-1089, model 183-93-02, US serial number 56-0801, built by Lockheed
ready at Lockheed January 8, 1958; accepted on January 25, 1958; delivery date January 28, 1958
1958 to AF Proving Ground Center (Air Research and Development Command), Eglin AFB, FL
leased by Lockheed and modified in May 1959 to F-104G configuration (bigger rudder) for system tests (flight controls) and
for nuclear weapon shape trials (1st prototype F-104G), first flight as modified F-104G in December 1959
test program (March 1959-June 1961) NASARR-Test; Lockheed lease A-12/M-12 program (April 1962-December 1964)
April 1962 safety chase plane at AREA 51, OXCART flight text program for A-12
phased out on June 14, 1968
F-104A "F-104" 56-801 on display at Cal Expo in Sacramento, California in August 1972
In November 1977 refurbished and mounting on the pole of Edwards AFB
F-104A marked as 56-0801 mounted on a pole in the Edwards Oasis Recreation Center near the Air Force Flight Test Center Museum
with ARDC/AFSC badges in November 1977; January 2007 noted; November 2023 noted.

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