MAPS Air Museum Saves F-104D Starfighter From Scrapping
The MAPS Air Museum saved a rare F-104D Starfighter from being scrapped, which had previously been in storage at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.
Still looking fast, even on flat bed, the Starfighter arrives at the MAPS Air Museum. Photo via MAPS Air Museum
The MAPS Air Museum has recently received a significant addition to its collection—an F-104D Starfighter from the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. This iconic aircraft, known for its sleek design and high-speed capabilities, served as a training variant for the mighty F-104 Starfighter inteceptor. The arrival of the F-104D marks an exciting moment for the museum, enhancing its display of historic military aircraft and offering visitors a closer look at a piece of aviation history that played a crucial role in training pilots during the Cold War era. This F-104, along with a T-33 were two of the airframes parked outside the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force’s restoration hangar which suffered damage in the February 28th, 2024 storm.
Lockheed F-104D Starfighter 57-1322 when parked outside the NMUSAF’s restoration hangar.
Lockheed F-104D Starfighter 57-1322 served with the 479th Tactical Fighter Wing at George Air Force Base, California. It spent 1977 to 1995 displayed at Grissom Air Force Base in Indiana and then was on display at the Huntington, Indiana airport before being returned to the NMUSAF in 2016, along with T-33 51-6754 (visible at rear) which was previously displayed in a park in Huntington. This aircraft’s wings were used to restore F-104A 56-0754, which is on display in front of the museum. The F-104D was a two-seat combat trainer version of the F-104C. It was modified by having the nose wheel gear retract rearward and by removing the 20mm gun to make room for the second cockpit. Twenty-one examples were built.
We touched base with Kim Kovesci, Executive Director of the MAPS Air Museum who told us:: “A tornado severely damaged the aircraft while it was at the Air Force Museum. They were planning to scrap her, but we requested that she be sent to Government Surplus instead. We managed to acquire her from the GSA, so now she’s ours. She was taken off the truck just yesterday. We’re not sure when she’ll go into restoration because we’re currently working on the F7U, FG-1, and J-3. We’re excited to add this airplane to our inventory.”
The museum recently posted on their website the pictures of the recovery. To support the MAPS Air Museum and its restoration efforts, click HERE.
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
I’m sure glad it was saved; I hope someone saves or has saved that A-26 fuselage I spotted, too! The A-26 is a special plane to my heart.