F-104 Starfighter
F-104 Starfighter Flag – Supersonic Cold War Jet
Celebrate the legacy of one of the most iconic Cold War jets with this striking F-104 Starfighter wall flag. Featuring the unmistakable silhouette of the “missile with a man in it,” this 36″ x 60″ display piece captures the raw speed and daring engineering of Lockheed’s legendary interceptor. With crisp detailing and vibrant color printing on premium polyester knit, this flag is ideal for hangars, home offices, squadron walls, or as a standout centerpiece for aviation collectors.
Originally developed for the U.S. Air Force, the F-104 quickly gained global recognition and served with over a dozen allied nations. Its radical design, blistering Mach 2 speed, and razor-sharp wings earned it admiration—and caution—in equal measure. Whether you’re a Cold War aviation buff, a former pilot or maintainer, or simply someone who appreciates the audacity of aerospace innovation, this flag makes a bold visual statement.
Looking for something unique and meaningful to send to your deployed military member? These make great deployment gifts to receive downrange in their care packages from home. Proudly designed by Custom Flag Nation, a veteran-owned and operated business. Best suited for indoor display to ensure longevity of the vibrant colors.
• 100% polyester• Knitted fabric• Fabric weight: 4.42 oz/yd² (150 g/m²) • Print on one side• Blank reverse side• 2 metal grommets
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!
Aircraft Description
The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter was a supersonic interceptor aircraft developed for the United States Air Force and later adopted by several NATO allies. Designed by the legendary Kelly Johnson at Lockheed’s Skunk Works, the F-104 was a radical departure from the subsonic fighters of the early 1950s. First flown in 1954, it entered service in 1958 and quickly became known for its needle-like fuselage and short, stubby wings designed for high-speed, high-altitude flight.
The F-104 was powered by a single General Electric J79 turbojet engine and was capable of reaching speeds over Mach 2, making it one of the fastest combat aircraft of its era. Its innovative design prioritized speed and climb rate, making it a formidable interceptor. However, its thin wings and relatively short range limited its maneuverability and ground-attack capabilities. Despite its limitations, it served in several roles including air superiority, reconnaissance, and nuclear strike.
Nicknamed the “Missile with a Man in It,” the F-104 gained a reputation for both its breathtaking performance and its unforgiving flight characteristics. While it saw limited use in combat by the U.S., it became a staple of European air forces, particularly in Germany, Italy, and Canada. Some variants remained in service into the early 2000s.
The F-104 was also notable for setting numerous world records in speed and altitude during its operational lifetime. Its legacy is a mix of pioneering aeronautical achievement and a cautionary tale about pushing design limits. Today, the Starfighter is remembered as an audacious leap forward in jet fighter design, emblematic of Cold War-era innovation and risk-taking.