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- January 5, 2023
Lockheed F Series for Sale — Cold War Jet Fighter Aircraft
The Lockheed F Series encompasses some of the most iconic jet fighters of the Cold War era, produced by the legendary Lockheed Skunk Works under the direction of Clarence "Kelly" Johnson. From the swept-wing F-80 Shooting Star — America's first operational jet fighter — through the needle-nosed F-104 Starfighter that set multiple world speed and altitude records, Lockheed's F-series aircraft defined generations of American air power and shaped the development of tactical aviation worldwide. Surviving examples of the Lockheed F series are among the most significant jet warbirds available to collectors, and Airplane Trade maintains dedicated listings for these historic aircraft.
F-80 Shooting Star — America's First Jet Fighter
The Lockheed F-80 Shooting Star was the first American jet fighter to enter operational service, flying with the USAAF in 1945 and serving through the Korean War as the primary US jet fighter until the F-86 Sabre arrived in theater. The F-80 achieved the first all-jet air combat victory in history when Lieutenant Russell Brown shot down a MiG-15 on November 8, 1950. The two-seat T-33 Shooting Star trainer derivative remained in service with dozens of air forces for decades after the F-80 was retired from front-line use, and T-33s constitute the most common surviving Lockheed straight-wing jet warbirds today.
F-94 Starfire — All-Weather Interceptor
The F-94 Starfire was developed as an all-weather interceptor by adding a second seat and radar equipment to the basic F-80/T-33 airframe. It served as the USAF's primary night and all-weather interceptor in the early 1950s, with the afterburner-equipped F-94C featuring a unique nose-mounted rocket battery in place of conventional guns. Few F-94s survive in any form today, making examples extremely rare collector's items.
F-104 Starfighter — The Missile with a Man in It
The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter was Kelly Johnson's response to the lessons of Korean War air combat, producing a design that prioritized raw speed and rate of climb above all other considerations. The result was a needle-thin fuselage with tiny razor-edged wings, powered by a General Electric J79 afterburning turbojet that propelled the aircraft to Mach 2 and set world speed records of 1,404 mph and altitude records of 103,389 feet in 1958. The Starfighter served with the USAF and became one of the most widely exported jet fighters in NATO history, equipping the air forces of Germany, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Canada, Japan, Taiwan, and many others.
- F-104A/C: USAF single-seat air superiority variants
- F-104G: Multi-role export variant, most widely produced
- TF-104G: Two-seat trainer variant operated by several NATO nations
- CF-104: Canadian-built variant for RCAF strike role
Technical Specifications — F-104G Starfighter
- Engine: General Electric J79-GE-11A afterburning turbojet, 15,800 lb thrust with afterburner
- Maximum speed: Mach 2.2 (1,450 mph) at altitude
- Service ceiling: 58,000 ft
- Combat radius: Approximately 420 nm
- Armament: 20mm M61 Vulcan cannon, Sidewinder missiles, bombs
- Wingspan: 21 ft 11 in (remarkably small)
- Length: 54 ft 9 in
Civilian Ownership and Warbird Status
Lockheed F-series aircraft in civilian hands are extraordinarily rare and represent some of the highest-value jet warbird transactions in the market. Most examples require significant resources to maintain and operate, specialized pilot training well beyond standard commercial jet qualifications, and insurance through providers experienced with ex-military supersonic aircraft. T-33-based aircraft (technically part of the F-80 family) are more common and more accessible, while true F-104 Starfighters in flying condition number fewer than a handful worldwide.
Find a Lockheed F Series Aircraft on Airplane Trade
Airplane Trade maintains listings for the Lockheed F Series including F-80, T-33, F-94, and F-104 aircraft for qualified buyers. Our marketplace connects serious collectors with private sellers, government disposal programs, and specialist warbird dealers for these exceptional historic jets. Browse current listings or register your interest with sellers on the platform today.