F-104 vs. F-15

Attribute	F-104	F-15
Manufacturer	Lockheed	McDonnell Douglas/Boeing
First flight	1954	1972
Role	Interceptor	Multirole fighter
Max speed	Mach 2.2	Mach 2.5
Length	16.66 m	19.43 m
Wingspan	6.36 m	13.05 m
Engine	General Electric J79	Pratt & Whitney F100

Introduction

The F-104 Starfighter and the F-15 Eagle are two iconic fighter jets that have played significant roles in military aviation history. Both aircraft have unique attributes that set them apart from each other, making them interesting subjects for comparison.

Design and Development

The F-104 Starfighter, developed by Lockheed Corporation, was designed as a supersonic interceptor aircraft with a sleek, streamlined fuselage and distinctive thin wings. It first flew in 1954 and was known for its high speed and altitude capabilities. In contrast, the F-15 Eagle, developed by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing), was designed as an air superiority fighter with a larger, more robust airframe and twin engines. It first flew in 1972 and was known for its agility and maneuverability.

Performance

The F-104 Starfighter was powered by a single General Electric J79 engine, which gave it a top speed of over Mach 2. The aircraft had a maximum altitude of 50,000 feet and a range of around 1,000 miles. On the other hand, the F-15 Eagle was powered by two Pratt & Whitney F100 engines, which allowed it to reach speeds of Mach 2.5. The F-15 had a maximum altitude of 65,000 feet and a range of over 3,000 miles.

Armament

The F-104 Starfighter was equipped with a single 20mm M61 Vulcan cannon and could carry a variety of air-to-air missiles, including the AIM-9 Sidewinder. It was primarily designed for interception missions. In comparison, the F-15 Eagle was armed with an internal 20mm M61 Vulcan cannon and could carry a mix of air-to-air missiles, such as the AIM-7 Sparrow and AIM-9 Sidewinder. The F-15 was designed for air superiority missions.

Avionics and Technology

The F-104 Starfighter was equipped with basic avionics systems for its time, including radar and navigation equipment. It lacked modern features such as fly-by-wire controls and advanced sensors. On the other hand, the F-15 Eagle was equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, including a powerful radar system, advanced electronic warfare capabilities, and a digital flight control system. The F-15 also had a more sophisticated cockpit layout compared to the F-104.

Operational History

The F-104 Starfighter saw service with several air forces around the world, including the United States Air Force, where it was used primarily as an interceptor. It also saw combat during the Vietnam War, where it was used for ground attack missions. The F-15 Eagle, on the other hand, has been a mainstay of the US Air Force since the 1970s and has seen combat in various conflicts, including the Gulf War and the conflicts in the Middle East.

Legacy

The F-104 Starfighter has a mixed legacy, with some praising its speed and agility, while others criticize its safety record and maintenance issues. The aircraft has been retired from most air forces, although a few examples still remain in service for training purposes. In contrast, the F-15 Eagle has a stellar reputation as one of the most successful and capable fighter jets ever built. It continues to serve in air forces around the world and has been upgraded with modern avionics and weapons systems to remain relevant in the 21st century.