Aeritalia F-104S Starfighter
| F-104S Starfighter | |
|---|---|
| General information | |
| Type | Interceptor aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Aeritalia |
| Designer | |
| Primary users | Italian Air Force |
| Number built | 246 |
| History | |
| Manufactured | 1966–1979 |
| Introduction date | 1969 |
| First flight | 22 December 1966 |
| Retired | October 2004 |
| Developed from | Lockheed F-104 Starfighter |
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The Aeritalia F-104S Starfighter was a licensed production Italian version of the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter, which served in the Italian Air Force, and was its mainstay from the late 1960s until the beginning of the 21st century. The F-104S also served in the Turkish Air Force until the mid-1990s. The F-104S was the final development of the Starfighter line.
Derived from Lockheed's design studies on a "Super Starfighter", the F-104S was one of the most capable of the F-104 series, and destined to be the last in service worldwide. The F-104S (upgraded to ASA/M standard) was retired from service in October 2004.