JQF-104A "QFG-971" 3205th Drone Squadron in overall Day-Glo color scheme

The QF-104A was a special modified version of the (Y)F-104A Starfighter which could be flown remotely controlled.
The control was done by F-104 pilots on the ground or inside another aircraft. The conversion of the (Y)F-104A to QF-104A was approved
on February 19, 1960 by the USAF. Testing of the QF was conducted during the period of January 9, 1961 to October 16, 1961.
The reason for converting the (Y)F-104A was the need for high altitude, high speed targets for the development of ground-to-air (BOMARC) and
Air-to-Air (AIM-7-AIM 9-GAR 2B-MB 1-AIM 4) missiles. The first unmanned mission was flown on October 17, 1961 being probably QF-104A "55-2957".
There are conflicting numbers on the total QF-104A's manufactured. Lockheed says 24, Chuck Dildine's records show 22 that were delivered to the USAF.
20 of them were actually killed as targets and one crashed during a test flight (pilot ejected safely).
Most QF-104 missions were flown at Eglin AFB, Florida. However, some were flown at Holloman AFB in New Mexico and a small number at Point Magu NAS, California (US NAVY).

copyright © Günter Grondstein