Model Art Aircraft Photo Book 01
Lockheed NF-104A

Please note: This title is not available in bookstores.

The USAF’s Premier Astronaut Training Aircraft

In October 1961, the USAF Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB was renamed the Aerospace Research Pilot School (ARPS), reflecting its growing role in manned spaceflight programs.

From the early days, the need for an aircraft that could give students hands-on experience in practical spaceflight training was clear. This included rocket-powered flight based on the X-15 program, the use of attitude control systems, high-altitude operations in full-pressure suits, and zero-gravity flight.

However, flying an X-15 on a routine basis would have been prohibitively expensive, so the USAF explored the idea of modifying a production aircraft for these missions. The result was the NF-104A—a unique hybrid trainer equipped with a rocket engine and reaction control system. This photo book highlights the remarkable aircraft through period photographs, illustrations, diagrams, and detailed commentary.

Author: Tony R. Landis

Contents

• NF-104A Photo Archive
• History of the NF-104A
• Painting & Marking Guide
• Recollections from a former ARPS instructor
• Col. Yeager’s Zoom Profile
• X-1B Photo Archive
• JF-104A Photo Archive
• History of the JF-104
• “N-205 / ST-38” Spaceflight Training Aircraft