Even nonpilots can look at an F-104 Lockheed Starfighter and see it as the quintessential definition of a fighter jet. The shockingly short, almost straight wing is a contrast to the delta and swept designs of its day. The leading edge is literally razor-sharp, a characteristic that compelled Air Force mechanics to utilize a cover to protect them from injury. And the fuselage, with its aerodynamic wasp waist, is merely a vessel to house a monster jet engine—or, as the airplane was touted by Lockheed, “missile with a man in it.”
A Starfighter Reborn
Key Takeaways:
- Retired airline pilot Rick Svetkoff founded Starfighters Inc., initially operating F-104 Starfighter jets for airshow performances.
- The company transitioned its focus to supporting NASA and commercial space programs by utilizing F-104s for hardware testing and training military and civilian pilots, including future astronauts, to simulate launch and spaceflight conditions.
- Despite facing significant personal financial setbacks, Svetkoff's perseverance led to the successful establishment of Starfighters Inc. as a recognized provider of specialized training and services for the aerospace industry.
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