History

Originally designed the TF-80C, the two-place T-33 jet was built by Lockheed Aircraft and first produced in 1948 and continued until August 1959 with 5,691 T-33s built.

It is a longer version of the historic P-80 (F-80) Shooting Star, our nation's first operational jet fighter (and the first to score a victory in all-jet combat when one downed a MiG-15 early in the Korean War). Three feet more were added, plus a second seat and dual controls, to provide the Air Force with a trainer since there was nothing available in which to instruct pilots about the then-new jet technology of the late '40s.

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 was used by the USAF, U.S. Navy, and over forty nations around the world. Lockheed built 5,691 T-33s by August, 1959. Production continued under license in Canada and Japan with another 866 examples being produced. The T-33 was produced as the DT-33 (drone director), the RT-33 ( recon version), and the AT-33A ( light attack version). The Shooting Star continued to be used by Air National Guard units until 1994. It is still operated by some foreign nations.

ROLE: Trainer
Crew: Two
Bureau Number: 35979 SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: Allison J-33 of 5,400 lbs. thrust
Span: 37 ft. 6 in.
Length: 37 ft. 8 in.
Height: 11 ft. 7 in.
Empty Weight: 8,084 lbs
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 11,965 lbs.
Armament: Two .50-cal. machine guns in nose


PERFORMANCE
Maximum speed: 525 mph
Cruising speed: 455 mph
Service Ceiling: 47,500 ft