Which engine powered the two XF-104 prototypes?

Short answer

The Wright J65. The intended J79 wasn't ready yet, so both XF-104s were designed around that turbojet. The first prototype flew with a non-afterburning J65-B-3 built by Buick, replaced in July 1954 by an afterburning J65-W-7. The second aircraft carried the afterburning J65 from the start.

Published: October 31, 2026 · Updated: October 31, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

Which engine powered the two XF-104 prototypes?

F-104 right side view

A fighter without its engine

The J79 intended for the F-104 was not yet available when the prototypes were being prepared, so both XF-104s were designed to carry the Wright J65. The first aircraft was fitted with a non-afterburning J65-B-3, built by Buick. That same engine, a Buick-built, non-afterburning J65-B-3 turbojet, powered the aircraft during its initial testing phase.

From the runway hop to the first flight

On 28 February 1954, during a high-speed taxi run, the XF-104 lifted about five feet off the ground in a planned hop, and its official first flight took place on 4 March. That date, 4 March 1954, is the prototype's official first flight. The initial tests were carried out by Lockheed test pilot Tony LeVier. It was LeVier who made that maiden flight.

The switch to the afterburner

In July 1954, the J65-B-3 was replaced by an afterburning J65-W-7. That change swapped the J65-B-3 for the afterburning version of the J65. The second prototype, Lockheed 083-1002, serial number 53-7787, arrived with the afterburning J65 from the start and made its first flight on 5 October. That second airframe was completed already fitted with the afterburning J65, without going through the non-afterburning variant.