LOCKHEED T-33

1946’€“1959

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The Lockheed T-33 'T-Bird' was the pioneering and first widely used jet trainer, evolving from the P-80 Shooting Star.
  • It was extensively produced, with almost 7,000 units built across the United States, Japan, and Canada, utilizing Allison J33 or Rolls-Royce Nene engines.
  • Known for its remarkable longevity and performance (e.g., 525 mph max speed, 1,000 nm range), the T-33 remained in service with seven nations even by the end of 2000.
See a mistake? Contact us.
iad
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.”

Plane & Pilot

Plane + Pilot is general aviation’s only adventure-based magazine. From where to go, to how to get there, and everything in between, your next great adventure awaits.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get the latest Plane & Pilot Magazine stories delivered directly to your inbox

SUBSCRIBE