F-104G "12754" (65-12754) sitting on the Luke AFB ramp F-104G, construction number 683D-8077, company model 683-10-19, US serial number 65-12754, built by Fokker manufactured by North Group (ARGE-Nord); first flight June 15, 1963 coded KG+177 at Fokker-Schiphol acceptance date on July 12, 1963 by BABwFokker (RNAF-MTA) with 2:50 flight hours project "Roland" (for JG 71) in AWX (All Weather Fighter) version with "Wing Pylon Bomb Provision" modification LVR 3 (Luftwaffenversorgungsregiment 3) at Manching AB on July 16, 1963 for modifications; camouflage scheme "Norm 62" according tech order TA-196 at Messerschmitt planned code BB+246 not used; planned delivery to JG 71 was not executed (planned code JA+255 not used) ordered for project "Columbus III" on January 27, 1965; to Messerschmitt for disassembly on February 1, 1965 shipped to the USA with German freighter "MS Nabob" to Burbank on February 25, 1965; modifications by Lockheed-California at Palmdale and delivered to the USAF on May 12, 1966operated by the 4510 CCTW at Luke AFB (shadow serial number 2378, never used for registration) in USAF Silver-finish colors coded 12754 IRAN by Lockheed-California at Palmdale on May 11, 1971; crashed August 29, 1973 20 NM south east of Ajo, at the town of Hotason, Arizona, after midair collision with construction number 9003 (US sn 63-13276) during rejoin after an Air Combat Maneuvering (ACM) mission pilot was killed due to parachute malfunction after a successful bail-out (only partial parachute opening due to deficient maintenance on container) 1.736 flight hours, operated by 418 TFTS 58 TFTW; written off. Project "Roland": 21 AWX (All Weather Fighter) aircrafts were modified by Fokker intended for JG 71 (FW 71), but remained at the LVR 3 in Manching until 1964. copyright © Matthes collection
