QF-104J "592" (piloted drone prototype) tested by APW at Gifu AB

F-104J, construction number 683B-3092, model 683-07-14, JASDF serial number 46-8592, built by Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi assembled aircraft; delivery date June 4, 1964; first assigned to 7 Koukudan at Hyakuri AB
after first IRAN stored until late 1970s, details unknown; 1977 203 Hikotai at Chitose; after next IRAN added ECM ability; until October 1983 203 Hikotai
from October 1983 207 Hikotai until 1984; next year delivered to 2nd Supply Depot; Later converted as first UF-104J, tested at Iwo Jima, accomplished mission.
EF-104J (modified as ECM version to carry Electronic Countermeasures Pod ALQ-4)
UF-104J (piloted drone prototype) tested by ADTW; target drone as 46-3592 shot down at a firing range located near Iwo Jima island on March 10, 1997.

The last F-104J fighter squadron, the 207th at Naha, was disbanded in 1986, but after that, as there was a flight-capable aircraft available, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries built
and modified a prototype based on the QF-104A High Speed Drone of the U.S. Army, and initially called it the XQF-104J. This aircraft was Mitsubishi's first prototype and first modification,
which made its first flight in 1989, and was converted to an unmanned aircraft for target use. The first two aircraft were converted to the UF-104J,
which could also be used for manned operations, and were used for various tests.
The photo shows the aircraft undergoing testing at MHI, after which it was handed over to the Experimental Air Wing,
and the two UF-104J were converted to the UF-104JA unmanned drone after testing was completed.

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