F-104
In the Spring of 1983, an agreement was reached to have the shell of an F-104 aircraft displayed at NDSU.
The following excerpts are from an article written by Spectrum reporter Rob Wigton: "Air Force loans SU jet aircraft to be on display in fall of 1983."
In recognition of SU's efforts to promote technical excellence, the Air Force has loaned a jet aircraft to be displayed at the engineering and architectural complex.
The aircraft will 'symbolize the application of science and technology, since the design of such a machine incorporates many of the fundamental principles taught in the classrooms of SU,' said Dr. Joseph Stanislao, dean of the college of engineering and architecture.
The aircraft which is 60 feet long and 25 feet wide, would be mounted on a twelve-foot pedistal at a site to be determined later if the project clears the necessary channels.
It
will be completely refurbished and the fuel tanks and military marking removed
by the Air Force and replaced by SU lettering on the fuselage.
Cost of the project will be limited to the cost of a concrete slab and pedestal and the actual mounting of the aircraft.
"The presence of the aircraft will help to motivate students to aim high for academic excellence.' Stanislao would like to have the structure on the grounds by the fall of 198.
He feels that SU is ready to assume a leadership role in the area of high technology and he strongly advocates the presence of a 'symbol of advancement in high tech.'
Spectrum, April 8, 198, p. 1
The F-104 was placed just east of the visitor's parking lot across from the south entrance to the College of Pharmacy and behind the Engineering and Architecture Complex in October of 1983.
The plaque read:
"North Dakota State University
College of Engineering and Architecture
United States Air Force and North Dakota Air
National Guard 'Happy Hooligans'
The placement of this aircraft is dedicated to all the graduates of the engineering and technological profession at North DakotaState University who have dedicated their efforts to the advancement of science and technology.
This F-104 aircraft stands as a symbol of advanced engineering and achievements by such graduates. It has been used by NASA as a high-altitude research vehicle for a long period, stretching from its initial production in the late '50s, on into the '80s.
The name below the canopy, Michael Swann, is that of a NASA test pilot who is a 1973 graduate of NDSU and a former member of the North Dakota Air National Guard.
F-104
Speed: over twice the speed of sound
Altitude: approaching outer space
Mission: to gather scientific data
Weight: 15 tons (when fully operational)
Power: 17,000 pounds thrust"
In the Summer of 2002, the plane was removed and apparently sold or given to the VFW in Valley City, where it supposedly now sits. Below is what remains of the site:
