F-104G "FN-H" RNoAF 1970

RF-104G, construction number 683C-4031, model 683-10-19, US serial number 61-2631, built by Lockheed
MAP to Norway August 7, 1963; coded "FN-H" August 10, 1963 to 331 squadron at Bodø AB; modified to F-104G standards at Avio Diepen, Netherlands
from 27 May till 4 June 1970 331 Skv at Bodo AB exchanged with RAF 11 Squadron flying the Lightning F.6, based at RAF Leuchars; coded "631" from September 1, 1972
returned to USAF in July 1981 with 3.372 flight hours, prepared and test flown at Sculthrope, UK
MAP to Turkish AF on July 16, 1981 (TuAF serial number 61-2631); coded "4-631" with 141 Filo of 4.AJU at Murted AB 1983, coded "9-631" 1986 (June 1986-July 1987)
seen 1987 in Luftwaffe color scheme; July 2, 1987 last noted; scrapped.

Claim of fame: August 10, 1964 F-104G 61-2631 (FN-H) Capt Olaf Aspen (331sqn RNoAF)
Greatest vertical loop of 37.500 ft
Capt Olaf Aspen of 331 squadron at Bodo AFB, performed a new greatest vertical loop world record, officially listed in the Guinness Book of Records.
Maintaining a steady speed of Mach 0.85 throughout the looping, starting at 1000 feet above sea level, the top of the loop was reached at 38.500 feet,
making a diameter of 37.500 feet. As far as known this record is still valid today.

copyright © Eric Dahlen