F-104 Starfighter

The F-104 Starfighter was a interceptor aircraft used by the United States of America and a number of its allies during the mid 20th century. A single engine, high performance jet capable of supersonic speeds, the F-104 was used by the United States Air Force from 1958 to 1967, and by the Air National Guard until 1975.

When the USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) was thrown back in time to the mid 20th century, USAF Captain John Christopher was sent to intercept the Enterprise, which the United States Armed Forces considered to be a large UFO. Seeing the F-104 approaching, the Enterprise attempted to hold the F-104 in place with a tractor beam. However the F-104 proved too fragile, and broke up. The Enterprise was able to rescue Captain Christopher by beaming him on board. The wreckage of the F-104 was spread over a large area of southern Nebraska.

The Enterprise was able to slingshot back in time, and was able to return Captain Christopher to his own time after preventing the F-104 from being crushed in the ship's tractor beams. (TOS episode Tomorrow is Yesterday).