What capabilities should we expect from the F-104?

[Bremspropeller]

Weren't there Victors in the air most of the time to support EELs farther out over the North Sea?

I mean, it is a compelling AEROPLANE, but the cockpit and it's overall aesthetics are a b-side Monty Python sketch.

 

F.2A out of Gütersloh go brrrr...

Edited Monday at 05:30 PM by Bremspropeller

[Tengah]

The EEL from the F.1a through to the F6 enjoyed the ability to AAR, not commonly used on the earlier versions (F.1a to F.3 and T.4).  The F.2's and F.2a's were mainly RAF Germany aircraft, and as with the Buccaneers AAR was considered surplus to requirement due to the short durations of flight to targets.  The UK based Lightnings did use AAR via H.P. Victors, VC-10K's, etc. The EEL was only limited in time aloft by engine oil capacity and pilot fatigue.  There were many 4 hour plus sorties flown by RAF lightnings...

The aircraft would be a superb model for DCS despite its challenges. The cockpit is an ergonomic nightmare, and it would certainly be a high workload environment for anyone trying to fly it while staying ahead of the performance envelope.  However, unfortunately, it would only appeal to a niche market within the DCS user base.  Better chance as a free Mod or perhaps donation based ala Split Air's offerings.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I agree that the overall aesthetics leave something to be desired, especially the F.6... The T.5, in my humble opinion, was the more attractive variant.

Edited 7 hours ago by Tengah

[Bremspropeller]

8 minutes ago, Tengah said:

However, unfortunately, it would only appeal to a niche market within the DCS user base. 

Not sure abut that one, when all the DCS video'fluencers are basicly flying the Lightning design-mission:

Take off in severe clear wether, with too little fuel to "increase performance", kill a couple of dudes in epic high-angle-off gun-engagements and then crash while trying to land ("...haven't read that page of the book yet...").

The EEL's the perfect jet for those fellas.

[BalkanBattler]

9 minutes ago, Bremspropeller said:

Take off in severe clear wether, with too little fuel to "increase performance", kill a couple of dudes in epic high-angle-off gun-engagements and then crash while trying to land ("...haven't read that page of the book yet...").

LOL 
You forgot "accidentally" disconnecting from the server the exact moment someone gets on their six 

[Tengah]

To be fair, if you got on the six of an EEL, you would have to hang on; she had a very respectable turn radius. 

RIAT 1987 Frightning Display

Anyways, that is enough from me regarding the EEL, back to the 104