These F-104 Starfighter wind tunnel models of the inlet cones date from the late 1950 and were acquired at Ames NASA testing facility. The F-104 was an early supersonic aircraft that could reach mach 2 or 1528 mph. Starfighter was developed by Lockheed and often nicknamed ‘The missile with a man in it’ designed by legendary engineer Clarence ‘Kelly’ Johnson founder of the secretive Skunk Works.

These compelling objects are important as they were prototypes used to create and modify the actual aircraft and are a scaled down version that was used and tested. You can see the wires at the opening that were used to record data while testing.

These are sold individually but make a great set and if you would like a stand I can send one with the piece. I think they look great as they are and can stand up as shown. They also make pretty amazing bookends.

The last photo courtesy of NASA —you can see the inlets on the side of the aircraft in the photo

Each piece measures: 10” H x 7” at widest point and 2.25” D. Each weigh around 10 lbs

sold individually