F-104N "820" (56-0790) during a chase flight

F-104A, construction number 183-1078, model 183-93-02, US serial number 56-0790, built by Lockheed
delivery date December 13, 1958, Air Force Proving Ground Center (Air Research and Development Command), Eglin AFB (May 1958-March 1959)
FG-790 leased by Lockheed and modified 1959 to F-104G configuration (2.prototype F-104G) for system tests and nuclear weapons shape trials
first flight as F-104G on June 7, 1960; all test were completed October 15, 1960
more test flights until July 31, 1961 after additional modifications and several improvements for some specific systems.
arrived at NASA FRC (Flight Research Center) on December 27, 1966 as replacement for NASA 813, FG-790 was designated "NASA 820" later
last flight and placed in storage at NASA FRC on June 1, 1977; NASA stored in NASA colors (1977-October 1983)
transferred to the Air Force Flight Test Center (AFFTC) Museum on April 29, 1985
now on display at USAF Flight Test Center Museum Airpark, Edwards AFB, California, 2003 noted
freshly repainted F-104A 56-790 was displayed at the Edwards Air Force Base Open House on October 27, 2006
towed to the Century Circle just outside the Rosamond Boulevard gate for Edwards Air Force Base on July 23, 2007 coded "FG-790"
August 1, 2008 noted, October 24, 2009 noted; January 2024 noted.

34°52'15.79"N 117°59'26.15"W

copyright © NASA

LOCKHEED F-104A(G) 790

F-104A US serial number 56-0790, construction number 1078

2nd prototype F-104 G from the modified F-104 A-20 LO, construction number 1078, US s/n 56-0790.
Leased by Lockheed and modified 1959 to F-104G configuration for system tests and nuclear weapons shape trials.

start of the construction work for the modifications on March 24, 1959
start of the modifications at Burbank end of May 1959
end of the construction work at about April 10, 1960
end of all modifications May 20, 1960
first flight June 07, 1960

The following quality tests were performed:

Systems:
- Hydraulic 07.06. - 05.07.60
- Electric 07.06. - 05.07.60
- Pitot static system 15.08. - 30.09.60
- Air-conditioning system 01.07. - 30.09.60
- Flight control system (AFSC) 07.06. - 05.07.60
- Autopilot 20.07. - 15.09.60

Navigation & Communication:
- PHI 05.07. - 30.09.60
- TACAN 05.07. - 30.08.60
- IFF 30.06. - 20.07.60
- UHF 15.07. - 30.07.60

Fire control system:
- NASARR 15.08. - 15.10.60
- Air Data Computer (ADC) 15.08. - 30.09.60
- Inertial Navigation 15.08. - 30.09.60
- Optical Sight 20.06. - 15.09.60
- Infrared Sight 20.06. - 15.09.60
- In-range Computer 15.08. - 30.09.60
- Bomb Timer 15.08. - 30.09.60

All test were completed October 15, 1960

More test flights until July 31, 1961 after additional modifications and several improvements for some specific systems

Sold to NASA as "NASA 820" in December 1966