1/48 Lockheed F-104 Test & Drone Zippers

Caracal Models - 1/48 Lockheed F-104 'Test & Drone Zippers'
Embark on a journey back to a pivotal era in U.S. Air Force USAF history with Caracal's latest 1/48 scale decal set for the F-104 Starfighter, showcasing its less commonly celebrated but equally fascinating roles as a high-speed test aircraft, aerospace trainer, and an unmanned drone!
The F-104 Starfighter, with its distinctive slender fuselage and supersonic capabilities, was not only a frontline interceptor but also played a critical role in advancing aeronautical science and flight technologies during its service from the late 1950s through the early 1970s. The missions flown by these 'Zippers' were crucial in the development of technologies that shaped the future of aviation and aerial combat, marking the F-104 as a versatile and invaluable asset beyond its combat duties.
Featuring seventeen 17 carefully selected and historically accurate marking options, this 1/48 scale set highlights the F-104's involvement in experimental programs, high-speed testing, and its transition into a remotely piloted target drone. We also included markings for NF-104 and JF-104 aerospace trainers. Each option tells a story of innovation, risk, and technological advancement, capturing the essence of an era where the Starfighter was at the forefront of aerospace experimentation.
The marking options on this decal sheet are:
F-104A 56-0757, US Navy China Lake
F-104A 56-0740, US Navy China Lake
QF-104A 55-2957
QF-104A 56-0741
QF-104A 56-0737
QF-104A 56-0735
F-104A 55-2966, Ardc Edwards AFB
F-104A 55-2965, Ardc Edwards AFB
F-104A 55-2971, Ardc Edwards AFB
F-104D 57-1314, Ardc Edwards AFB
F-104D 57-1315, Ardc Edwards AFB
F-104A 'Queenie' 55-2969
F-104A 56-0734, NASA
NF-104A 56-0756
NF-104A 56-0760
NF-104A 56-0762
JF-104 55-2961, NASA
Accurate stencilling and national insignia to build any one of the options is included. All of sheets in this set were professionally screen printed by Cartograf in Italy