Cal Sci Center Lockheed F-104D Starfighter walkaround
Cal Sci Center Lockheed F-104D walkaround
34º 01′ 00″ N / 118º 17′ 02″ W
The California Science Center has several aircraft on display. During a layover of only a few hours at LAX one day I had time to view the aircraft on exhibit outside the museum. It is quite easy to get to, plentiful parking, gorgeous grounds and neighboring museums.
Cal Sci Center’s F-104D against the Los Angeles background — photo by Joe May
Here are photos of the Lockheed F-104D Starfighter mounted on an exterior wall about three stories above the sidewalk, it looks like the manned missile it was designed to be, really just enough airplane to surround a very large engine. This Starfighter looks as if it soaring upwards to the stratosphere. The Delta model Starfighters were also utilized as trainers.
Lockheed F-104D Starfighter — photo by Joe May
The Cal Sci Center Starfighter from directly beneath — photo by Joe May
Chase view of the F-104D Starfighter — photo by Joe May
Additional source: much more Starfighter information can be found on the web site for the International F-104 Society
Travel for Aircraft 
Thank you so much for these photographs. The F-104 was a particular favourite of mine, when NATO aircraft visited RAF bases. However, the 104 had a fearsome reputation for fatal accidents (the Luftwaffe lost over 100 pilots, for example). This was not helped, in part, by the early Stanley ejection seats firing DOWNWARDS. Lockheed seats followed which actually gave a conventional exit, but it wasn’t until the ‘master of ejection’, Martin-Baker was brought into the picture, that the problem was solved.
I’m glad you enjoyed them. Yes, the Germans had their problems with the F-104, causing quite a scandal. Yet, the Italians and Japanese — not too mention the U.S. — did not have close to the German fatality rate. The downward ejection that was there originally must have given more than one pilot a wry smile. Martin-Baker does build the best seats I agree, though, the Russians have shown remarkable ones as well.
I think this is the most exquisite aircraft display support I’ve ever seen…from every angle…almost puts one in the cockpit…or want to be!
Great shots!