NF-104A "NF-756" in the zoom climb

Three aircraft were modified from existing Lockheed F-104A airframes and served with the Aerospace Research Pilots School between 1963 and 1971.

The first NF-104A (USAF 56-0756) was accepted by the USAF on October 1, 1963. It quickly established a new unofficial altitude record of
118,860 feet (36,230 meter) and surpassed this on December 6, 1963 by achieving an altitude of 120,800 ft (36,800 m).
It suffered an in-flight rocket motor explosion in June 1971. Although the pilot was able to land safely, the damaged aircraft was withdrawn from use and
marked the end of the NF-104 project. This aircraft was reported as being scrapped.

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