FSX Sim Skunk Works F-104 S "53-14" 21 Gruppo 53 Stormo

This high-fidelity repaint reproduces the distinctive livery of the Aeritalia-Lockheed F-104 S “53-14” of 21 Gruppo, part of 53 Stormo within the Italian Air Force. Offered exclusively as a free add-on, it reflects the operational service stripe known for this supersonic interceptor. Originally crafted by Alessandro Barbarini, this package does not include the payware Sim Skunk Works base model, which is available separately.

Historical Context of the F-104 S “53-14”

The F-104 S variant represented a significant evolution of Lockheed’s Starfighter concept, incorporating boosted performance parameters and additional payload capacity. Italian manufacturers, operating under Aeritalia, introduced various refinements to bolster the interceptor role. The “53-14” scheme, commonly associated with 21 Gruppo of 53 Stormo, underscores the aircraft’s heritage within the Aeronautica Militare Italiana, which flew the F-104 family for decades.

Key Features of This Livery

• Accurate Markings: All squadron and national insignia mirror the historical references of 21 Gruppo, 53 Stormo.
• High-Resolution Textures: Detailed paintwork ensures crisp visual fidelity at various zoom levels in Microsoft Flight Simulator X.
• Authentic Color Palette: The camouflage and iconic markings follow period-correct color standards used by the Italian Air Force.
• Seamless Integration: Optimized to fit perfectly onto the payware Sim Skunk Works F-104 S model’s geometry.

Deployment of the New Repaint

After obtaining the necessary payware model, place all included folders from this repaint directly into the “Simobjects/Airplanes” directory, ensuring the subfolder structure remains intact. Two specific aircraft.cfg files—located in both the CLEAN and ASUP sections—require slight edits. Insert the lines in the provided “add_to_aircraft_cfg” document at the correct section and replace XX with the next available number in your configuration.

[fltsim.XX]
title=SSW F104S CLEAN UBUNTU 51-12
sim=f104s_clean
model=S-clean_cio_ubuntu
panel=S-model
sound=
texture=textures\5112
kb_checklists=F104_check
description="Aeritalia-Lockeed F104 S SuperStarfighter version 2
SIM SKUNK WORKS"
kb_reference=F104_ref
ui_manufacturer=SIM SKUNK WORKS F-104S
ui_type=CLEAN CIO UBUNTU
ui_variation=5112
atc_heavy=0
atc_parking_types=MIL_COMBAT
atc_id=6716
// do not change this line
// used by system gauge
atc_flight_number=CLCIO
visual_damage=1
// do not change this line
// used by system gauge
atc_airline=UBUNTU
ui_createdby="Sim Skunk Works"

Additional Insights

• This add-on focuses on the special markings referencing “53-14” and does not modify or overwrite any core aircraft systems.
• Ensure you have the latest Sim Skunk Works F-104 S package to avoid compatibility issues.
• Check that your simulator’s settings maximize texture resolution for the best visual results.

Credit to the Creator

All textures and artwork were produced by Alessandro Barbarini. The repaint remains freeware and is intended to enhance the realism and immersion of the Sim Skunk Works F-104 S for avid enthusiasts and collectors of historic military liveries.