The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter is a supersonic interceptor aircraft, developed in the early 1950s in response to the rapid increase in performance of Soviet jet aircraft, in particular the Mig-15. In two years, the designers and technicians led by Eng. Clarence "Kelly" Johnson managed to complete the first prototype, that was tested in 1954. The first F-104s became operational from 1958 in various wings of the United States Air Force (USAF). Produced and developed in many construction series, characterized by multiple improvements in performance and operational capabilities, the F-104s were used for a long time in various countries. In Italy, the F-104s were built under license by Aeritalia, in different series with continuous updates, for a total production of slightly more than 200 units up to 1979. They were used in various wings of the Italian Air Force until 2004. From a technical point of view, the aircraft features a particular structure with a long fuselage, short half wings, a raised T-shaped tail, and the use of a single General Electric J79 engine. Specifically designed for the F-104, the J79 was an innovative high-performance turbojet engine, with advanced features such as variable stator compressor, after-burner, and variable-geometry exhaust nozzle. This has long been one of the most technically advanced engines, capable of propelling the aircraft over double the speed of sound (2.2 Mach). The F-104 on display belongs to the S version, the last one produced until the end of the 70s, it and was subject to various modernizations up to the last operational configuration ASA-M, introduced in 1997. Withdrawn from operational service in 2004 at the 9th Wing of Grazzanise (Caserta), it has been placed on display at the academic campus of the University of Palermo since 2010. In February 2023, as part of many activities promoted for celebrating the Centenary of the Italian Air Force, the aircraft was completely repainted, respecting the original grey livery, by the specialists of the 1st Aircraft Maintenance Department of Cameri (Novara) with the logistical support of the 37th Wing of the Italian Air Force and the Museum of Engines and Mechanisms.