The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter is a single-engine, supersonic interceptor aircraft that was first introduced in the 1950s. Designed for high-speed performance, it features a sleek, aerodynamic shape and a high-mounted wing configuration. The F-104 was primarily used by the United States Air Force and various NATO allies during the Cold War. Equipped with advanced avionics and capable of reaching speeds over Mach 2, the F-104 played a significant role in air defense missions. Its unique design and capabilities made it a notable aircraft in military aviation history, although it was eventually phased out in favor of more modern fighters.