F-104G KH+126 at SABCA paint shop 1963 F-104G, construction number 683D-9047, company model 683-10-19, built by SABCA manufactured by West Group (ARGE-West); assembly start at SABCA-Gosselies June 18, 1963; first flight September 25, 1963 in AWX (All Weather Fighter) version coded with construction number "9047" camouflage scheme "Norm 62" according tech order "TA-196"; acceptance date by BABwSABCA December 23, 1963 7 SABCA factory test flights and 2 military test flights with 8 flight hours; military test flights at Gosselies: 26.11.1963 and 23.12.1963 (test); delivery date January 3, 1964 coded KH+126 LVR 3 (Luftwaffenversorgungsregiment 3) at Manching AB on January 16, 1964 for modifications and upgrading to Messerschmitt for Fighterbomber version modification on March 4, 1964 DA+259 JaboG 31 "Boelcke" at Norvenich AB delivery date on September 17, 1964 crashed June 12, 1965 at Suippes Bombing Range, France after compressor stall due to IGV failure; pilot ejected safely, written off; struck off charge order (AVA) April 29, 1966. During the AFCENT Tactical Weapons Meet at Chaumont AB in June 1965 DA+259 was lost. It crashed in a field, about 1 km from Mahrecourt, France, near the Suippes range. During the third approach for an air-to-ground attack, the aircraft suddenly encountered an engine failure (IGV failure) and subsequent rapid loss of height. Pilot ejected in time and was unhurt. copyright © Peitzmeier archive