by Nobody Tester
March 21, 2018
The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter is a single-engine, supersonic interceptor aircraft which later became widely used as an attack aircraft. It was originally developed by Lockheed for the United States Air Force (USAF), but was later produced by several other nations, seeing widespread service outside the United States. One of the Century Series of fighter aircraft, it was operated by the air forces of more than a dozen nations from 1958 to 2004. Its design team was led by Kelly Johnson, who contributed to the development of the Lockheed P-38 Lightning, Lockheed U-2, Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird and other Lockheed aircraft.[2]
By sheer coincidence, the first tactical strike by an F-117 Nighthawk would occur in 1991 on the same day as Rich’s official retirement banquet. One of the pilots of the 37th Tactical Fighter Wing who flew the plane’s first combat mission said he dedicated the first strike to Rich, later handing him a tiny American flag that he’d set in his cockpit during the flight. It was a token of his gratitude for creating the world’s first “invisible” aircraft.