F-104G "13277" (63-13277) 4510th CCTW Luke AFB entering the Range

F-104G, construction number 683D-9004, company model 683-10-19, US serial number 63-13277, built by SABCA
manufactured by West Group (ARGE-West) in Fighterbomber version
the first fifteen aircraft (cn 9001-9015) were assembled from components originally supplied directly by Lockheed
assembly start at SABCA, Belgium on March 6, 1962 with components originally supplied directly by Lockheed and several European factories
first flight June 20, 1962 coded with construction number "9004"; total of 9 factory test flights and 6 military test flights with 13 flight hours
military test flights at Gosselies: 4.7.1962, 4.7 1962, 6.7 1962, 11.7 1962, 13.7 1962 and 19.7.1962 coded KH+104 by test pilot Kpt. Tonet (delivery)
coded KH+104 acceptance date by BABwSABCA on July 19, 1962
DA+123 JaboG 31 "Boelcke" at Norvenich AB delivery date on July 19, 1962 in Silver-finish colors
DR+123 LPR 1 in March 1963 for systems upgrading according project "Balance"
planned for project "Columbus" November 15, 1962; according project "Columbus" airlifted coded BG+136 on May 27, 1963 to Lockheed-Burbank, USA
reassembled and modified to the latest modification level at Lockheed-Palmdale
 operated by the 4510th CCTW at Luke AFB, Arizona in USAF Silver-finish colors coded 13277
crashed July 13, 1966 at Gila Bend Gunnery Range complex during pull-up for a tactical strafing pass on the South Tactical Range after loss of control and ground contact (CFIT)
flight leader observed only the flash and fire; pilot, assigned to the 4443 CCTS, was killed
mission was AGG-22 to familiarize the pilot with weapon delivery on simulated combat targets; aircraft was written off; 461 flight hours.

Project "Balance": upgrade 19 F-104G with retrofit kits at LPR 1 at Erding AB and received DR+xxx codes with their old three-digit squadron numbers.
After the upgrade, these aircrafts either returned to their squadrons or directly to Manching for disassembly for the Columbus program.

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