Analysis of F-104C World’s Altitude Record Flight

The goal of this project was to try and accurately model the performance of the F-104C Starfighter which achieved a new world altitude record on December 14 th , 1959. In completing the project, the goal was to gain a better understanding of the performance modeling of today and flight test methods from the past while creating a drag polar and engine deck which could be used for future applications of performance modeling. Based on the results presented, it was found that the engine model used to predict the engine performance required adjustments to achieve the flight as it occurred, while the drag polar was much easier to accurately model due to extensive real drag data. While an engine deck was modeled it is unknown how reliable the model would be to model anything other than the world altitude record flight of the F-104. Further analysis of the aircraft performance characteristics is needed to determine the accuracy of the engine deck model; however, the modeled drag polar provides an accurate representation of the data throughout the flight envelope.