Iconic CF-104D Starfighter For Sale

The iconic CF-104D Starfighter (c/n 5302 104632), formerly owned by Starfighters Aerospace, which was a familiar sight on the airshow circuit for over two decades, up for sale. As the company has brought its fleet of Italian-built Starfighters, acquired since 2011, into service, they are gradually retiring the older Canadian-built Lockheed interceptors. Starfighter N104RB  was donated to a Florida based 501c3 and is now listed for sale on Barnstormers at a price of $4,250,000.

Founded in 1995 by Rick Svetkoff, Starfighters Aerospace (originally based in Clearwater, Florida) began as a private venture aimed at restoring and flying three former Canadair CF-104 Starfighters at airshows throughout the U.S. and Canada. The original fleet included a two-seat CF-104D (Serial #: 104632, registered as N104RB) and two single-seat CF-104s (Serial #s: 104850 and 104759). These aircraft, previously operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force, were later transferred to the Royal Norwegian Air Force before being imported into the U.S. in the early 1990s. While the company initially focused on airshow performances, it has since shifted towards government and private contract work, utilizing its aircraft for high-performance flight testing, simulating enemy aircraft in military exercises, and modeling ballistic missiles for detection system evaluations.

The CF-104D now for sale has a storied history. Delivered to the Canadian Armed Forces on May 1, 1962, it served with the test squadron at Cold Lake for several years. When Canada reduced its operational F-104 fleet, this aircraft was sold to the Royal Norwegian Air Force on May 23, 1973, and received the serial number 4632. It served with 334 Squadron at Bodø until its retirement on November 19, 1982. The aircraft was stored at Sola Air Base and later at Flesland Air Station until it was purchased by Northern Light Aircraft Corporation in November 1988. Transported to the U.S. aboard a C-130 Hercules, it was registered as N104NL and made its first flight on May 16, 1989, after extensive servicing.

Over the years, this CF-104D was used for various test flights, including instrument testing until it was grounded in June 1993. In December of that year, it was put up for sale and purchased by Thunderbird Aviation in 1994, where it underwent an intensive overhaul. Re-registered as N166TB, the aircraft was once again flown and used in a series of test flights for the U.S. Air Force between August 1995 and January 1996 at Edwards Air Force Base.

In January 1996, Rick Svetkoff acquired the aircraft, intending to use it for a Starfighter demonstration team. After inspections, it was flown from Deer Valley, Arizona, to Clearwater, Florida, on February 6, 1996. Following an overhaul and taxi tests in October 1996, it made its first post-restoration flight in March 1997. The aircraft was then repainted in Lakeland for its first demonstration season and went on to perform at airshows across the country. On May 20, 1997, its registration was changed from N166TB to N104RB, named after Rick and his wife, Brenda, rather than in reference to the famous “Red Baron” Starfighter. The aircraft was given a blue-and-white Starfighters livery in 1998 and remained in service until it was placed in storage in 2017. Starfighter N104RB  was donated to a Florida based 501c3 and is now listed for sale on Barnstormers at a price of $4,250,000.

Today, Starfighters Aerospace operates a fleet of supersonic Lockheed F-104s, providing aerospace flight testing services that range from basic research to complex systems evaluation. The company serves both public and private sectors, expanding its capabilities and aircraft inventory as demand for its specialized services grows. For more informsation about Starfighter AErospace, visit www.starfightersspace.com.

Moreno Aguiari

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.

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