JF-104A "FG-749" NASA with special noseart during high altitude rocket launch tests 1961

F-104A, construction number 183-1037, model 183-93-02, US serial number 56-0749, built by Lockheed
delivery date May 27, 1957; Air Research and Development Command (ARDC) 1957-April 1959
arrived at NASA Flight Research Center (FRC) HSFS on April 13, 1959 flown by Neil Armstrong; modified with special instrumentation and redesigned JF-104A
modified for high-altitude centerline rocket (balloon) launch tests with ventral-mounted Air Launched Sounding Rocket (ALSOR)
The intent of the program was to release a balloon from an air launched rocket at over 1.000.000 feet altitude (approximately 190 miles)
and then measure its rate of descent to determine the air density. served as a launch platform for parachute test vehicles and experimental sounding rockets
later, it was used for mission support, pilot proficiency and as a chase plane for other research aircraft; in all, seven NASA pilots flew the airplane 249 times
NASA pilot Milton Thompson ejected safely at Edwards AFB when the plane suffered asymmetric flap condition during X-15 gliding exercises
which resulted in an uncommanded roll, aircraft was destroyed in the crash on December 20, 1962 at Edwards AFB, on the Rogers Dry Lake.

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/history/Features/Thompsons_Wild_Ride.html

copyright © Peitzmeier via NASA archive

see nose close-up below