F-104G Starfighter Tiger 63-12720 – Hellenic Air Force

The Lockheed F-104G Starfighter is one of the most recognizable aircraft ever operated by the Hellenic Air Force. With its extremely slender fuselage, small wings and Mach 2 capability, the Starfighter represented a major technological step when it entered Greek service.

Among the most distinctive Greek Starfighters is F-104G 63-12720, construction number c/n 6072, carrying the Greek serial FG720. The aircraft survives today as a preserved exhibit at the Hellenic Air Force Museum at Tatoi/Dekeleia, wearing the spectacular Tiger scheme created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 335 Squadron.

The aircraft has recently been repainted and remains displayed outdoors.

F-104G Starfighter in Hellenic Air Force Service

The first 37 F-104G Starfighters were delivered to Greece in 1964. They were initially assigned to the 335 Squadron, which became one of the principal Greek operators of the type.

In 1972, a further nine aircraft arrived from the United States after previous service with the Spanish Air Force. Between 1978 and 1985, additional F-104G and RF-104G Starfighters were transferred to Greece, mainly from Germany and the Netherlands.

From 1971, Greek Starfighters began receiving the distinctive camouflage scheme commonly known as the “Vietnam” camouflage, which became strongly associated with Greek F-104 operations.

The F-104 was the first aircraft operated by the Hellenic Air Force to exceed Mach 2, giving the Greek Air Force a high-performance interceptor and fighter-bomber capability.

Greek F-104G Starfighters remained in service until 1993.

The 335 Squadron Tiger F-104G

The special Tiger scheme applied to F-104G 63-12720 / FG720 was created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 335 Squadron.

Unlike the operational camouflage schemes normally associated with Greek Starfighters, the Tiger aircraft features a highly distinctive combination of bright yellow and black.

The yellow base is identified as FS 13538 Yellow, while the black markings are specified as FS 27038 Semi-Gloss Black.

The result is one of the most visually striking Greek Starfighter schemes and makes 63-12720 an especially attractive subject for scale modelling.

F-104G Starfighter 63-12720 – Aircraft Data

F-104G Starfighter Tiger Paint Guide

The most important colours for modelling F-104G 63-12720 FG720 are the yellow and black used for the Tiger anniversary scheme.

The Federal Standard references provide the primary colour references. Model paint manufacturers may not offer an exact one-to-one match, so the following table should be regarded as a modelling reference and starting point, rather than a claim that every manufacturer’s colour is an exact FS match.

Model Paint Conversion Table

Important Modelling Note

The colours listed above should not be treated as mathematically exact equivalents of FS 13538 and FS 27038.

Commercial hobby paints vary between manufacturers because of pigment formulation, finish, scale effect and application method. The Federal Standard colour remains the primary reference, while the hobby paints are practical approximations.

For the most accurate reproduction of the preserved Tiger aircraft, the modeller should use FS 13538 Yellow and FS 27038 Semi-Gloss Black as the target references and select the closest available paint within the preferred paint range.

Painting the Tiger F-104G

The yellow surface is particularly important because the Tiger scheme depends on a strong contrast between the yellow base and the black stripes.

A white or very light primer is recommended underneath the yellow. Dark primer can noticeably reduce the brightness and saturation of yellow paint.

The yellow should preferably be applied in several thin coats rather than one heavy coat. Once completely cured, the black Tiger markings can be masked and sprayed.

The masking stage is the most demanding part of this particular scheme. The black stripes cross curved sections of the fuselage and must follow the shape of the real aircraft.

For a museum representation of the recently repainted aircraft, weathering should remain relatively restrained. Heavy chipping, excessive exhaust staining or strong fading would represent an operational aircraft rather than the current preserved example.

Recommended Modelling Sequence

1. Prepare and assemble the F-104G Starfighter airframe.

2. Correct and smooth the fuselage seams.

3. Apply a suitable primer.

4. Apply the FS 13538 Yellow base colour.

5. Allow the yellow to cure completely.

6. Mask the Tiger stripes and markings.

7. Apply FS 27038 Semi-Gloss Black.

8. Carefully remove the masking.

9. Correct any small paint imperfections.

10. Apply the appropriate clear coat according to the desired finish.

11. Add decals and markings.

12. Apply restrained weathering appropriate to a preserved museum aircraft.

13. Finish with the final clear coat.

A Distinctive Greek Starfighter

The F-104G Starfighter 63-12720 FG720 represents more than just another preserved aircraft. Its Tiger markings connect the aircraft directly with the history and identity of the 335 Squadron.

For scale modellers, it provides an opportunity to build a Greek F-104G Starfighter that is dramatically different from the familiar Vietnam camouflage aircraft.

The combination of FS 13538 Yellow and FS 27038 Semi-Gloss Black, together with the characteristic Starfighter shape, makes the aircraft immediately recognizable.

The preserved FG720 therefore remains an interesting subject for anyone building a collection of Greek Air Force aircraft or focusing specifically on the special anniversary schemes of the 335 Squadron.

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