LOCKHEED T-33A “SHOOTING STAR” (T-BIRD)
Built by Lockheed Aircraft, this was the first jet trainer, a derivative of the original P-80 “Shooting Star”. It was needed to assist pilots in transitioning from propeller airplanes to the first jets, and featured a 38.6 inch addition in fuselage forward of the wing, and a 12 inch addition aft to provide room for the second seat. A 230 gallon fuel tank was added to each wing tip, and armament was reduced to two .50 caliber machine guns. First produced in 1948 as the TF-80C, it remained in operational service with the USAF until 1988, serving as a trainer and utility aircraft. In total, 6,557 were built, with license production also occurring in Canada and Japan. Some T-33As, supplied under the Military Assistance Program, are still in service today. T-33s were the primary trainer for undergraduate pilots in the advanced phase. In 1960-1980, the aircraft performed as target, as electronic counter measures platforms and other general support, including radar/radio verification, and cost-effective pilot proficiency training.
USAF S/N 53-5205 is a T-33A-1-LO, one of 5,691 T-33As built by Lockheed Aircraft in Burbank, California. It was delivered to the USAF on October 6, 1954 and assigned to the 2589th AF Reserve Combat Training Center, Dobbins AFB, Georgia. In May 1955 it went to the 2584th AFR Flying Training Center, Memphis Municipal Airport, Tennessee, and in October 1957 to the 1001st Air Base Wing, Andrews AFB, Maryland. It was retired to Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona in August 1962, and shipped to the museum in May 1983. It bears the insignia of its last assignment at Andrews AFB.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Crew: Two seats but only one pilot required.
Power Plant: Allison J33-A-35 turbojet, thrust 5,400 lbf (24.0 kN)
Dimensions:
Span: 38 ft 10-1/2 in (11.08 m)
Length: 37 ft 9 in (11.5 m)
Height: 11 ft 4 in (3.5 m)
Weight:
Empty: 8,084 lbs (3,666 kg)
Max Gross: 11,965 lbs (5,426 kg)
Performance:
Max. Speed: 534 mph (860 km/h) at 25,000 ft (7,620 m)
Range: 800 miles (1,290 km)
Service Ceiling: 45,500 ft (13,870 m)
Armament: Two .50 cal. m/g in nose.
THIS AIRCRAFT IS ON LOAN FROM THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE