Italeri 2514 - F-104 STARFIGHTER G/S - Upgraded Edition RF version (1:32)

Italeri 2514 F-104 Starfighter G/S 1:32

This plastic kit depicts the configuration that extended the Starfighter’s role beyond interception into reconnaissance. The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter is one of the best-known fighters in aviation history, and with some air arms it remained in service from the late 1950s into the mid-2000s. Its slender fuselage and extremely small wing area made it a highly specialised interceptor; powered by the afterburning General Electric J79-GE-11A, it could exceed Mach 2.2 and delivered excellent climb performance. The licence-built F-104G became a standard NATO interceptor from the mid-1960s in countries including Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Greece and Turkey, and later also served with the external Orpheus reconnaissance system.

What this edition includes

The kit focuses on that reconnaissance fit, with the Italian Air Force Orpheus pod, the bulged fairing for the photographic system and two ALE 40 chaff dispensers. Surface detail combines engraved panel lines and rivets. The package also provides a detailed engine, cockpit, avionics bay and a gun bay with the complete M-61 Vulcan rotary cannon mechanism. The air brakes can be built open or closed.

In 1:32 scale, the finished model measures 520 mm in length. The box contains 325 parts, photo-etched parts and two large decal sheets covering 8 versions, plus an instruction booklet with colour schemes.