LOCKHEED T-33

1946’€“1959

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The T-33 'T-Bird' was the first widely used jet trainer, an evolution of the P-80 Shooting Star.
  • Powered by an Allison J-33 turbojet engine, it boasted a top speed of 525 mph, a range of 1,000 nm, and a ceiling of 47,000 feet.
  • Nearly 6,000 T-33s were built in the United States, with additional production in Japan and Canada, the latter featuring Rolls-Royce Nene engines.
  • Its enduring design meant it remained in service with 7 nations by the year 2000.
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STANDARD DATA: T-33A Seats (ejection) 2. Gross wt. 16,800. Empty wt. 8,440. Engine one 5,400-lb. Allison J-33-A/4 turbojet with w/water-alcohol injection. PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 525 mph. Long range cruise 455 mph. Range 1,000 nm. Ceiling 47,000′.

The ’T-Bird’ was the first widely used jet trainer, a design evolved from the P-80 Shooting Star that flew briefly at the end of World War II. Original engines were Allison J33-35 single-shaft turbojet engines with a thrust rating of 5,200 lbs. Almost 6,000 T-33s were built in the United States, 210 in Japan (by Kawasaki) and 656 in Canada featuring the Rolls-Royce Nene engines. By the end of 2000, 7 nations in the world still listed the T-33 as “in service.”

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