Spirit of Burbank Starfighter Vehicle

Gazing up at the Spirit of Burbank Starfighter, one might mistake it for a child’s forgotten toy, poised for launch. This F-104 Starfighter, all 55 feet of it, with a wingspan stretching over 21 feet, sits quietly in George Izay Park. Yet its story roars louder than the jets that once screamed across the skies. The Spirit of Burbank Starfighter isn’t just a relic. It’s a testament to Burbank’s rich aviation history, a symbol of a city deeply intertwined with the Lockheed Corporation. Lockheed arrived in Burbank in 1934, planting the seeds for a legacy that would reach supersonic speeds. From within their famed “Skunk Works,” Kelly Johnson and his team birthed the F-104 Starfighter in 1954. Imagine, the world’s first Mach 2 production jet, breaking barriers of speed, altitude, and time-to-climb, all conceived and created right here in Burbank. This particular Spirit of Burbank Starfighter is an F-104D, a two-seater primarily used for training new pilots in the U.S. Tactical Air Command. One of about 2,580 ever made, this plane represents a global phenomenon. The F-104’s design led to various models, adopted by air forces from West Germany and Italy to Canada and Japan. Even NASA recognized its value, employing the Starfighter for high-speed and high-altitude research. The Spirit of Burbank Starfighter found its final resting place in George Izay Park in 1984. The city decided to commemorate both Lockheed, a long-time Burbank employer, and George Izay, a dedicated Parks and Recreation veteran, with this powerful symbol. Ironically, this monument to innovation has been a source of contention. City officials have grumbled about the maintenance costs, with the Air Force demanding annual condition reports. The initial cost also remains a mystery, with conflicting accounts of whether the city purchased the plane for $25,000 or if Lockheed generously donated it. Behind the Spirit of Burbank Starfighter, a small fenced area holds a domed monument. This monument contains a plaque detailing the aircraft’s history and another marking a 1994 time capsule. This capsule, celebrating 66 years of Lockheed’s presence in Burbank, now resides in the Gordon R. Howard Museum, also located within George Izay Park. The Spirit of Burbank Starfighter stands as a silent sentinel, a powerful reminder of an era when Burbank’s skies were filled with the thunder of jets pushing the boundaries of flight. It’s a story of innovation, controversy, and ultimately, a lasting tribute to a city and its legacy in aviation history.