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Hans Peter Tschanz
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Germann Squadron 71 "Richthofen"

May 31, 2022 · in Aviation · · 13 · 1.5K

Tactical Luftwaffe Squadron 71 "Richthofen" 1963-1973: Starfighters

On April 9, 1963, the first Starfighters landed in Wittmund: Registration number KH+112 by Oberleutnant Manfred Fischer and HK+114 by Oberleutnant Diether von Olleschik. It was the first Bundeswehr Fighter Squadron to be equipped with this type of Aircraft.

On April 24, 1965, Federal President Heinrich Lübke donated a troop flag to all Luftwaffe Units in Munich, including JG 71. On July 28, 1966, Defense Minister Kai-Uwe von Hassel visited the Squadron. On September 22, 1966, the Squadron took over newly built storage Halls for the F-104, which had been outdoors until then. During Tactical reviews by NATO (TAC EVAL; Tactical Evaluation), from June 2 to 5, 1970, the Squadron concluded with the Final Rating "Excellent" and on September 24, 1970, the Commanding General of the Air Force Group North, Lieutenant General Helmut Mahlke, awarded the 1 The Squadron' S Fighter Squadron as the best unit of the 4th Air Force Division.

By March 1973, around 75,000 flight hours had been flown with the Squadron' s F-104Gs.

Kit: Revell 1:32, Decals Pedinghaus

Reader reactions:
10  Awesome

16 additional images. Click to enlarge.


13 responses

  1. Wonderful model and great historical facts, Hans Peter!
    Gut erledigt!

  2. Nice looking build and display, Hans.

  3. Very nice build, Hans Peter @messerschmitt
    Your pictures are absolutely showing the most out of this Starfighter.

  4. That is a wonderful build!

  5. Impressive result from that older kit!

  6. Nice work on a kit that "needs help."

  7. Awesome Starfighter!

  8. Great build, beautiful aircraft! Love the finish. Could you tell me what colors you used to achieve the tri-color camo?

  9. Color scheme of the Starfighter: lower side Model Master Ghost Gray 1728, camouflage green Mr Color 64, camouflage neutral gray 53. I hope I could help.

    • Hey Hans, thanx for the feedback on colors. I built a German F-86K using your suggestions.

      3 attached images. Click to enlarge.

  10. Well done, @messerschmitt. It is hard to find a paint scheme for an F-104 that doesn't look cool.

  11. Wow, that's an amazing piece of work and really looks cool.

  12. Hallo Ian, danke Dir für das Feedback. Gruss Hans Peter

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