UF-104JA "633" (recoded 46-3633) at Iwo Jima island F-104J, construction number 683B-3133, model 683-07-14, JASDF serial number 46-8633, built by Mitsubishidelivery date November 7, 1964; first unit 206 sqn of 7 Wing; to APW September 1977; 1985 to 207 sqn of 83 AG; back to APW in late 80s; withdrawn from use in November 1991 at Gifu AB UF-104JA target drone as 46-3633 shot down March 11, 1997 at a firing range located near Iwo Jima island. The UF-104s were painted red on the tail and auxiliary tanks to improve visibility. In addition to the polyurethane-painted aircraft used at Naha, the aircraft were also overhauled with the normal silver paint. Ultimately, 14 UF-104s, including two modified experimental aircraft, were converted to unmanned aircraft. Note that on the production UF-104JA, the number after the dash in the serial number was changed from "8" for fighters to "3" for the drone aircraft. copyright © Grondstein collection
