Popularly known as “T-Bird” the Lockheed T-33A was developed 1948 as a two-placed version of the F-80 Shooting Star.  The F-80,  the United States first mass produced jet fighter and the first USAF aircraft to exceed 500 mph. The F-80 also made its mark in combat by scoring the first jet aerial victory and the first all jet fighter engagement. The jet to jet combat took place on November 8, 1950 when a F-80 assigned to the  16th FIS shot down a Russian built  MiG-15 during the Korean Conflict.

Design work for the Lockheed P-80 began in 1943 with the first flight on 8 January 1944. Following on the Bell P-59, the P-80 became the first jet fighter to enter full squadron service in the United States Army Air Forces. As more advanced jets entered service, the F-80 took on another role - training jet pilots. The two-place T-33 jet was designed for training pilots already qualified to fly propeller-driven aircraft.

 

Originally designated the TF-80C, the T-33 made its first flight on 22 March 1948 with US production taking place from 1948 to 1959. The US Navy used the T-33 as a land-based trainer starting in 1949. It was designated the TV-2, but was redesignated the T-33B in 1962. The Navy operated some ex-USAF P-80Cs as the TO-1, changed to the TV-1 about a year later. A carrier-capable version of the P-80/T-33 family was subsequently developed by Lockheed, eventually leading to the late 1950s to 1970s T2V-1/T-1A Sea Star.

 

Some T-33s retained two machine guns for gunnery training, and in some countries, the T-33 was even employed as a combat aircraft: the Cuban Air Force used them during the Bay of Pigs Invasion, scoring several kills. 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 has served with over 30 nations, and continues to operate as a trainer in smaller air forces. Canadair built 656 T-33s on license for service in the RCAF - Canadian Forces as the CT-133 Silver Star while Kawasaki manufactured 210 in Japan. Other operators included Brazil, Mexico, Turkey and Thailand which used the T-33 extensively.

The T-Bird’s primary mission training was to train pilots qualified in propeller driven aircraft as they transition into Jet powered fighter. Later in the “T-Birds” career, the trainer joined the Air Defense Command (ADC) and became one of the Commands most versatile aircraft.

 

In initial ADC squadron assignments, T-33’s were use for instrument training, certification or requalification of Pilots.  As time passed, Air Defense Command T-33s were also utilized as target for Interceptor training ( by using manual and electronic devices) and as simulated aggressors for US radar sites. These missions gave Junior Officers valuable experience in air combat tactics before assignment to fighter–interceptor aircraft.

 

The T-33 was a familiar sight at McChord for almost 40 years lastly with the 318th FIS. Upon their retirement the 318ths nine T-33's had been flown more than 10,000 each. In a simple farewell ceremony four of  the five remaining T-33's completed a group flyby over the Base in salute to the types retirement. The last T-33 (58-0616) left McChord on February 4, 1988 with the Air Forces last leaving service in March of that year.  

• TYPE: Proficiency Trainer – Combat Support Aircraft

• POWER: One J-33-A-23 Allison Turbojet with 5,400 lb thrust

• SPEED: 543 mph

• RANGE: 1,300 miles

• SERVICE CEILING: 48,000 ft   

• WEIGHT: 7,920 lbs. Empty; Max T/O 14,442 lbs.

• DIMENSIONS:  Span 38ft, Length 37 ft 9 in. Height 11 ft .8in.

• ARMAMENT: AN/ALE-2 Chaff Dispenser, AN/ALQ-72 ECM Pod

• CREW: One or Two  

• PRODUCTION TOTALS: (USAF) 5691, (Total), 6557

• COST: $110,000 in 1945