F-104G "12746" (US serial number 65-12746) sitting on the Luke AFB ramp with the cockpit cooler attached

F-104G, construction number 683D-8021, company model 683-10-19, US serial number 65-12746, built by Fokker
manufactured by North Group (ARGE-Nord); assembled with Lockheed produced parts at Fokker-Schiphol; first flight August 29, 1962 coded KG+121
acceptance date by BABwFokker (RNAF-MTA) January 16, 1963
manufactured in AWX (All Weather Fighter) version under project "Green Hill" (for JG 71); LVR 3 at Manching AB on February 28, 1963 for modifications; planned lease to RNLAF was not executed
instructional aircraft at TSLw 1 at Kaufbeuren AB delivery date on June 28, 1963 in Silver-finish colors; assigned for project "Columbus" on November 15, 1965
to Messerschmitt for disassembly on March 12, 1963
according project "Columbus III" airlifted to Lockheed-Burbank on February 23, 1965; reassembled and modified to the latest modification level at Palmdale
 operated by the 4510th CTTW at Luke AFB in USAF Silver-finish with USAF markings (German shadow serial number 2343) coded 12746
crashed March 5, 1969 during a conventional bombing mission at the Gila Bend Gunnery Range Nr.3 during the recovery from a rocket pass parts of the right wing (with tip tank) separated from the aircraft
due to fatigue cracks; pilot was killed, operated that day by 4518th CCTS; 772 flight hours; written off; struck off charge order (AVA) August 8, 1969.

Project "Green Hill": 42 AWX airplanes were delivered to the Fighter Wing 71 (Jagdgeschwader 71) at Wittmund.

copyright © Wilhelm Göbel