In August 2024, the MAPS Air Museum added a major aircraft to its collection: a Lockheed F-104D Starfighter, transferred from the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force (NMUSAF). Click HERE for our article. Earlier this year, the Starfighter was moved into the museum’s restoration area, where volunteers are now carrying out a comprehensive, nose-to-tail overhaul.
Work on the aircraft is progressing steadily, though not without challenges. The F-104 has been fitted with new tires, but removing the old ones from the rims has proven to be a demanding task. Meanwhile, restoration crews have made notable headway on the nose cone and left wing, and have begun assessing damage to the left horizontal stabilizer to determine the scope of necessary repairs. A recent update shared on the museum’s Facebook page revealed that the project is nearing completion. The Starfighter has been painted in a light gray scheme, and new markings are already being applied in preparation for its upcoming permanent display.
Lockheed F-104D Starfighter serial number 57-1322 originally served with the 479th Tactical Fighter Wing at George Air Force Base in California. After its military service, it was displayed at Grissom Air Force Base, Indiana, from 1977 to 1995, and later at the Huntington, Indiana airport. The aircraft was returned to the NMUSAF in 2016, along with T-33 51-6754—formerly displayed in a Huntington park. Notably, the F-104D’s wings were later used in the restoration of F-104A 56-0754, which now stands proudly at the museum’s entrance.The F-104D was a two-seat combat trainer variant of the F-104C, featuring a reconfigured nose wheel that retracted rearward and the removal of its 20mm cannon to accommodate a second cockpit. Only 21 examples of this model were built.
MAPS Air Museum Executive Director Kim Kovesci recalls more about the Starfighter’s arrival: “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 transferred to Government Surplus instead. We managed to acquire her through the GSA, and now she’s part of our collection. She was unloaded just yesterday. While we don’t yet have a restoration timeline—since our team is currently focused on the F7U, FG-1, and J-3 projects—we’re thrilled to have this aircraft join our lineup.” To support the MAPS Air Museum and its ongoing restoration projects, visit their website www.mapsairmuseum.org.https://mapsairmuseum.org/
