F-104J "614" 204 Hikotai formation take-off at Nyutabaru AB loaded with "ACMI pods" February 7, 1984 

F-104J, construction number 683B-3114, model 683-07-14, JASDF serial number 46-8614, built by Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi built; delivery date September 30, 1964; first unit 202nd Hikoutai of 5th Wing at Nyutabaru AB; 1977 seen with 203rd Hikotai of 2nd Kokudan at Chitose AB
around 1977 204th Hikoutai of 5th Wing at Nyuutabaru AB; in 1980 with APW (Flight Development Experimental Wing) at Gifu AB; June 1982 at Nyutabaru AB with 204th Hikotai of 5th Wing
in 1984 with 207th Hikotai at Naha AB; withdrawn from use February 1, 1985; returned to USA
supplied to Taiwan AF (FMS) in 1985; 614 for spare parts coded "614"; scrapped at Tainan.

Air Combat Maneuver Instrument Pods (ACMI pods)
The ACMI pods, which look similar to the typical air-to-air missile in dimensions, collect data as the aircraft negotiates training scenarios. 
Back on the ground, the information is dissected and used to debrief the crew on what they did well and what they could improve on - education being the key.
Every participating jet gets a 140-pound unit. They give pilots the opportunity to learn from their mistakes and others.

copyright © Masaaki Yotsumoto