F-104 Starfighter airplane modelLockheed F 104 Starfighter airplane model. Designed as a supersonic superiority fighter, the F 104 was produced in two major versions. Armed with a six barrel M 61 20mm Vulcan cannon it served as a tactical fighter and, equipped additionally with heat seeking Sidewinder missiles, as a day night interceptor. Development of the F 104 began in 1952 and the first XF 104 made its initial flight in 1954. On May 18, 1958, an F 104A set a world speed record