The two-seater T-33 was developed as a variant of Lockheed's P-80 fighter which had a high accident rate until more training with an onboard instructor reversed that trend. In service for over 50 years, the T-33, known as the Shooting Star of T-Bird, was used by the U.S. Air Force to train pilots already qualified to fly propeller-driven aircraft and as an advanced trainer.

In the early 1960s, the T-33 was replaced by the T-37 and T-38 Talon in the USAF's undergraduate pilot training program; however, the aircraft continued to be used as a utility aircraft and proficiency trainer into the 1980s.

The T-33 was used by many air forces as a trainer and by some countries as a light attack aircraft.

Specifications:

Type: Tandem two-seat primary jet trainer

Powerplant: One Allison J33-A-35 turbojet

Thrust: 5,400 lbs

Cruising Speed: 454 mph at optimum altitude

Range: 1,025 miles on internal fuel; ferry range 1,270 miles with tip tanks

Service ceiling: 48,000 ft.

Weight: Max takeoff 15,030 lbs

Dimensions: Wing Span - 38 ft 10 in, Length - 37 ft 9 in, Height - 11 ft 8 in

Marker is on Heritage Drive.

Courtesy hmdb.org

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