NF-104A Conversion Set

for Kinetic F-104G

Hypersonic Models, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

Lockheed NF-104A Aerospace Trainer

During the early 1960s, the United States Air Force required an aircraft capable of preparing test pilots for the demanding environment encountered at the edge of space. Lockheed answered the challenge by converting three F-104A Starfighters into the unique NF-104A Aerospace Trainer.

The modified aircraft was equipped with a Rocketdyne AR2-3 liquid-fuel rocket engine beneath the rear fuselage, hydrogen peroxide reaction-control thrusters in the nose and wing tips, an enlarged vertical fin, and specialised instrumentation. These changes enabled the NF-104A to climb beyond 100,000 feet, where conventional aerodynamic controls became progressively less effective and the reaction-control thrusters assumed an important role.

Entering service in 1963, the NF-104A trained Air Force Aerospace Research Pilots destined for high-altitude research and space programmes. Pilots routinely conducted steep zoom climbs under jet and rocket power before descending to conventional flight. The aircraft's unforgiving handling at extreme altitude was highlighted by the famous 1963 accident involving test pilot Chuck Yeager, who survived after ejecting from an unrecoverable flat spin.

Although only three aircraft were converted, the NF-104A made a significant contribution to American aerospace research. Bridging the gap between conventional jet aircraft and spacecraft, it prepared a generation of test pilots for the challenges of high-altitude and spaceflight, earning a unique place in aviation history.

The Lockheed NF-104A has always been one of the most intriguing members of the Starfighter family, but until now modelling one accurately in 1/48 scale has required a great deal of scratchbuilding. Hypersonic Models has solved that problem with a comprehensive multimedia conversion designed specifically for Kinetic's 1/48 scale F-104G family of kits. It is important to note that this set is not intended for Kinetic's earlier F-104A/C release.

Inside the sturdy box are five crisply moulded grey injection-moulded plastic parts, around 25 dark grey 3D-printed resin parts, a beautifully turned brass pitot tube from Master, three decal sheets from Caracal Models printed by Cartograf, a sheet of masking material and comprehensive illustrated instructions.

The conversion supplies all the external and internal parts needed to reproduce the distinctive NF-104A. New fuselage inserts, cockpit components, reaction-control thrusters, enlarged fin parts, rocket motor details and numerous smaller fittings are all included. Moulding quality is outstanding throughout, with beautifully smooth surfaces and razor-sharp detail. The 3D-printed parts are particularly impressive, featuring fine attachment points that should make preparation straightforward.

One of the highlights is the complete Rocketdyne AR2-3 rocket installation. The rocket motor may be assembled either with or without the later vent tube, allowing the modeller to depict aircraft from different periods of the programme. A precision-machined Master brass pitot tube replaces the fragile kit part, while the supplied masking template takes much of the guesswork out of preparing the donor fuselage for conversion.

Three Cartograf-printed decal sheets designed by Caracal Models provide markings for an impressive 17 aircraft spanning the NF-104A's entire operational career. Printing quality is flawless, with perfect register, rich colours and comprehensive stencil data.

The instructions are clearly illustrated and logically arranged, guiding the modeller through each stage of the conversion.

Although this is not a beginner's project, the engineering and documentation suggest that anyone with a little experience working with multimedia kits should have no difficulty producing an accurate replica of one of the most fascinating Starfighter variants ever built.

Hypersonic Models has a reputation for producing intelligently engineered correction and conversion sets, and this NF-104A is no exception. The combination of injection-moulded plastic, beautifully printed 3D resin, Master brass and Cartograf decals results in a thoroughly modern multimedia package that leaves very little for the modeller to source elsewhere.

This is not a weekend project—the conversion requires careful cutting and some experience working with multimedia materials—but everything needed to produce an accurate NF-104A is included in the box. For anyone interested in experimental aircraft, the X-plane era or the early years of the American space programme, this conversion fills a significant gap and offers the opportunity to build one of the most remarkable Starfighter variants ever created.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Hypersonic Models for the review samples.

Review Text Copyright © 2026 by Brett Green
Page Created 9 July ,2026
Last updated 9 July, 2026

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