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On a video posted on YouTube there is a short clip of some sort of rocket-powered device - presumably a missile - extended beneath an F-104 on a mechanical sling. It must have been lowered into position, since the F-104 certainly couldn't take off with it in place.

I can't find any reference to it, and would like to know what it is.

F-104 F-104 device in place and ignition source

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  • $\begingroup$ Supersonic store separation is a tricky issue. Using a trapeze makes it much more controlled. $\endgroup$
    – Peter Kämpf
    Mar 28 at 19:57

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The extending trapeze launcher was used with the Genie air to air nuclear missile on early star fighters. A similar design was use with F106 delta dart which had an internal missile bay.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_F-104_Starfighter

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    $\begingroup$ There was a nuclear A2A missile? Was it in regular service? $\endgroup$
    – Cpt Reynolds
    Mar 28 at 17:43
  • $\begingroup$ @CptReynolds It was designed to attack large bomber formations and was fired once in an exercise, with Air Force observers right below the nuclear explosion. $\endgroup$
    – Peter Kämpf
    Mar 28 at 17:59
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    $\begingroup$ I was stationed at Griffiss AFB in NY. we had a F106 fighter squadron located with us, the 49th FIS. They kept a pair of aircraft on alert fueled and weapons on board. Of course the USAF will neither confirm nor deny the presence of nuclear weapons on any base. I worked maintenance on the SAC side with B52G and KC135A aircraft. We also had aircraft on alert. $\endgroup$
    – Jim
    Mar 28 at 18:53

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