Lockheed T-33A “Shooting Star”

Lockheed T-33A “Shooting Star”. USAFM 1995-053. The two-place T-33 jet was designed for training pilots already qualified to fly propeller-driven aircraft. It was developed from the single-seat F-80 fighter by lengthening the fuselage slightly more than three feet to accommodate a second cockpit., Originally designed the TF-80C, the T-33 made its first flight in March 1948. Production continued until August 1959 with 5,691 T-33s built. In addition to its use as a trainer, the T-33 has been used for such tasks as drone director and target towing; and, in some countries, even as a combat aircraft. The RT-33A version reconnaissance aircraft produced primarily for use by foreign countries had a camera installed in the nose and additional equipment in the rear cockpit., The T-33 is one of the world's best known aircraft, having served with the air forces of more than 20 different countries for almost 40 years. Many are still in use throughout the world. The T-33A on display was last used as an Air Battle Damage and Repair (ABDR) aircraft for the 917th Wing and given to the USAF Museum upon completion of that program. The Museum's T-33 is marked to represent the T-33s assigned to Barksdale AFB used by SAC tenants like 1st Combat Evaluation Group and Headquarters 2nd Air Force., Specifications , Span: 37' 6" . Length: 37' 8" . Height: 11' 7" . Weight: 15,000 lbs max . Crew: two (2) . Armament: two .50-cal Browning m3 machine guns . Cost: $123,000, Performance , Max speed: 525 mph . Cruising: 455 mph . Range: 1,000 miles . Service ceiling: 45,000 ft . Engine: Allison J-33 with 5,400 lbs thrust