LF: 1/72 F-104J/S Under fuselage AIM-9 dual launcher assembly

[The Big Gimper]

In anticipation of the arrival of my two 1/72 EWR VJ-101



I'd like to source the under fuselage AIM-9 dual launcher assembly which was found only on the F-104J and F-104S. To the best of my research, the only kits that had these extra bits are the Hasegawa F-104J or S and the Revell F-104G. If you have these kits and are willing to part this these items, drop me a line.





Thank you

[Kerick]

Where would a person hang the extra fuel tanks?

[The Big Gimper]

Where would a person hang the extra fuel tanks?

Off the wings a-la F-104. Once I get the kits, I will assess whether larger wings can be substituted.

[elmayerle]

I'd suggest over-the-wing drop tank placement, as on the Lightning.  Under-the-wing is going to leave you most vulnerable to hot exhaust "splash", not a good think for flammables.

[The Big Gimper]

I like that idea. Would existing F-104 drop tanks be aerodynamically suitable for an over-the-wing installation?

[Weaver]

I'd suggest over-the-wing drop tank placement, as on the Lightning.  Under-the-wing is going to leave you most vulnerable to hot exhaust "splash", not a good think for flammables.

Harriers routinely operate with underwing drop tanks: why would this be worse?

[elmayerle]

I'd suggest over-the-wing drop tank placement, as on the Lightning.  Under-the-wing is going to leave you most vulnerable to hot exhaust "splash", not a good think for flammables.

Harriers routinely operate with underwing drop tanks: why would this be worse?

Harriers at least have the cold flow from the forward nozzles to provide some shield, the VJ-101C would be using afterburners for v/stol operations, creating a much hotter and energetic flow.

[elmayerle]

I like that idea. Would existing F-104 drop tanks be aerodynamically suitable for an over-the-wing installation?

With careful orientation to flow, you don't want them tilted up or to the side, I don't see why not  You might look at essentially inverting the F-104 drop tanks as a starting point, pylons might need "tweaking" to align the tank centerline with the aircraft centerline.