Crying Tiger reborn

The Belgian F-104G Starfighter FX99, the very last operational Belgian aircraft of this type, was restored with unprecedented dedication by Luc Degens in Eigenbilzen. What began as a dream grew into an impressive restoration project of more than 1,700 hours of work.

The FX99 made history on 26 September 1983, when it flew its final mission from Kleine-Brogel to Koksijde. After that, the Starfighter disappeared from Belgium for many years and eventually ended up in Canada. In 2021, the aircraft returned to its homeland. Since August 2022, Luc Degens has worked almost daily on rebuilding this aviation legend.

With the help of former Starfighter pilots, technicians and aviation enthusiasts, the “Crying Tiger” was brought back to life. Cockpit instruments were carefully reinstalled, lighting was made operational again and the iconic paint scheme was restored down to the smallest details. According to experts, the FX99 is now among the most beautifully restored Belgian Starfighters.

On 22 September 2023, the restored FX99 was officially re-inaugurated, exactly 40 years after its last operational period with the Belgian Air Force. Guests, including former F-104 pilots, attended this emotional moment. As the ultimate tribute, three F-16s from Kleine-Brogel performed a flyover above Eigenbilzen.

The “Crying Tiger” lives again at Wolf Mountain.
Not just as an aircraft, but as a monument to passion, craftsmanship and Belgian aviation heritage.

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