XF-104 53-7786 preparing for an engine run at Edwards 1954

XF-104, construction number 083-1001, serial number 53-7786, built by Lockheed

The first XF-104 (53-7786) was ready in early 1954, and was trucked out to Edwards AFB in high secrecy during the night of February 24-25. Veteran Lockheed test pilot Tony LeVier was to do the initial testing. 
Taxiing runs began on February 27, 1954. On February 28, 1954, the XF-104 made an scheduled short hop of about five feet off the ground during a high speed taxiing run. Its first official flight took place on March 4, 1954. 
During that flight, the landing gear would not retract. After a low-speed flight of about 20 minutes, Tony LeVier landed. Some adjustments were made, and LeVier took off again, but the landing gear still would not retract. 
The problem turned out to be low pressure in the hydraulic system, which was fairly easy to correct. 
However, inclement weather kept the XF-104 on the ground until March 26, 1954 when flights three and four were carried out with the landing gear retracting adequately.

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