The F-104 series had entered a second development phase with the F-104G. While the USAF had no more interest in the F-104, Lockheed proposed the Model CL-901 featuring the new J79-GE-19 engine and the Sparrow III missiles; "G" denoted "Germany," the lead country for this version, while "S" indicated the improved "Sparrow" version.Further proposed developments included the CL-958 with larger wings, the CL-981 with retractable canard wings behind the cockpit, and the CL-984 optimised for low-level strike missions. An RF-104G was modified and flew in December 1966 as the prototype CL-901 "Super Starfighter." Externally, the new type had slightly larger air intakes and steel inlet guide vanes that allowed an increase in operating temperature from 121°C to 175°C, enabling a maximum speed of Mach 2.2.
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