QF-104J "600" (piloted drone prototype) tested by APW

F-104J, construction number 683B-3100, model 683-07-14, JASDF serial number 46-8600, built by Mitsubishi

QF-104J (46-8600) landing during training. This aircraft was also a pilot-controlled, experimentally improved aircraft that could be overridden by the pilot at any time,
even when remotely controlled from the ground. The aircraft number 592 was used in the last firing exercise in 1996 and was lost.
It should be noted that full-scale ballistic firing is essential not only for improving the pilot's war fighting skills, but also for developing new types of missiles.

The last duties for JASDF F-104J were to be unmanned target drones. Two F-104Js were modified to XQF-104J experimental drones and tested by ADTW.
After that, a total of 14 Starfighters converted to UF-104JA target drone and all of them were shot down at a firing range located near Iwo-Jima.

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