JF-104A "NASA 818" clean

YF-104A, construction number 183-1007, model 183-93-02, US serial number 55-2961, built by Lockheed
ready for delivery April 12, 1956, acceptance by USAF July 31, 1956, delivery date August 21, 1956
NASA 961 arrived on loan at NACA High Speed Flight Station (HSFS) on August 23, 1956. First flight with NACA August 27, 1956, piloted by the famous Joe Walker.
It was re-designated to JF-104A; it flew various test missions including tests for the X-15 program; used as reaction control system (RCS) test aircraft.
The NASA obtained the aircraft officially in 1971 and the aircraft got NASA registration "818" which changed into N818NA soon after. Put in storage on December 7, 1973.
It was put in storage at Edwards between December 7, 1973 and early 1974 since the NASA had enough more modern F-104N and G aircraft in operation.
Last Flight with NASA August 26, 1975. On November 18, 1975 it was officially withdrawn from use. Pilot Don Mallik delivered the aircraft on November 18, 1975 to Andrews AFB
for the Smithsonian Institution National Air & Space Museum (NASM), Washington DC, for permanent display, delivery flight was the 1.444 flight of the airframe; 2007 noted
July 2023 noted.

38°53'17.5"N 77°01'11.5"W

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