QF-104A "0-52969" 3205th Drone Squadron in overall Day-Glo color scheme at Air Development Test Center, Eglin AFB in November 1969

YF-104A, construction number 183-1015, model 183-93-02, US serial number 55-2969, built by Lockheed
The initial assembly of 55-2969 was finished on August 20, 1956 and delivered to the US Air Force eleven days later.
Soon after delivery the aircraft was assigned to AFFTC. As soon as it was repaired after an accident at Eglin AB it was sent to China Lake
for some missile (AIM9) testing. In 1958 it was it was selected for a record flight by Walter Irwin on May 8, 1958 from Edwards Air Force Base.
This aircraft, which was one of the operational F-104s at Hamilton AB by that time with 83rd FiS, was chosen as the bird to be used.
Together with a detachement from Hamilton it was transferred to Edwards temporary for the record flights.
On May 8th, Walter broke the altitude record by reaching 27794 feet. A few days later on May 16th, Walter continued braking records.
This time his 55-2969 brought him to 2.259 km/h speed record. Also two acceleration records were broken.
The F-104 flew to 3.000 meters in 41,8 seconds and 25.000 meters in 4 minutes and 26,03 seconds. After the record breaking activities it returned back at Hamilton.
To improve the poor reliability of the J-79 the company General Electric was starting a special project. For this the company got this 55-2969 on loan,
arriving with General Electric on August 8, 1958. It got General Electric markings and it received a partly Day-Glow color scheme as well as nickname "Queenie".
It performed accelerated service tests on the J-79, as well as other development work before the main test in 1960 as described beneath in this history page.
The aircraft served General Electric until August 1961 when the aircraft returned to Lockheed, Palmdale for future drone modifications.
It was one of the last airplanes that still had a downward ejection seat, among other features that were common to the YF-104's.
As QF-104A drone it entered the 3205th Drone Squadron in 1964. Finally the life of this aircraft ended in 1971 when it was shot down.

copyright © Harry Prins