Lockheed T-33

The Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star (or T-Bird) is a subsonic American jet trainer. It was produced by Lockheed and made its first flight in 1948. The T-33 was developed from the Lockheed P-80/F-80 starting as TP-80C/TF-80C in development, then designated T-33A. It was used by the U.S. Navy initially as TO-2, then TV-2, and after 1962, T-33B. The last operator of the T-33, the Bolivian Air Force, retired the type in July 2017, after 44 years of service.[1]

T-33 Shooting Star
A demonstration T-33 in flight in 2016
Role Training aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed
Designer Clarence "Kelly" Johnson
First flight 22 March 1948
Retired 31 July 2017 (Bolivian Air Force)
Primary users United States Air Force
United States Navy
Japan Air Self Defense Force
German Air Force
Produced 1948–1959
Number built 6,557
Developed from Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star
Variants Lockheed T2V SeaStar
Canadair CT-133 Silver Star
Developed into Lockheed F-94 Starfire
Boeing Skyfox

Design and development

The T-33 was developed from the Lockheed P-80/F-80 by lengthening the fuselage by slightly more than 3 feet (1 m) and adding a second seat, instrumentation, and flight controls. It was initially designated as a variant of the P-80/F-80, the TP-80C/TF-80C.[2]

Design work on 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 Lockheed test pilot Tony LeVier at the controls. Production at Lockheed ran 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 SeaStar. The two TF-80C prototypes were modified as prototypes for an all-weather two-seater fighter variant, which became the F-94 Starfire. A total of 6,557 T-33s were produced: 5,691 of them by Lockheed, 210 by Kawasaki, and 656 by Canadair.

Operational history

U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy

The two-place T-33 proved suitable as an advanced trainer, and it has been used for such tasks as drone director and target towing. The U.S. Air Force began phasing the T-33 out of front-line pilot training duties in the Air Training Command in the early 1960s, as the Cessna T-37 Tweet and Northrop T-38 Talon aircraft began replacing it for the Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) program. The T-33 was used to train cadets from the Air Force Academy at Peterson Field (now Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs). The T-37 replaced the T-33 for Academy training in 1975. The final T-33 used in advanced training was replaced 8 February 1967 at Craig AFB, Alabama.[3] Similar replacement also occurred in the U.S. Navy with the TV-1 (also renamed T-33 in 1962), as more advanced aircraft such as the North American T-2 Buckeye and Douglas TA-4 Skyhawk II came on line. USAF and USN versions of the T-33 soldiered on into the 1970s and 1980s with USAF and USN as utility aircraft and proficiency trainers, with some of the former USN aircraft being expended as full-scale aerial targets for air-to-air missile tests from naval aircraft and surface-to-air missile tests from naval vessels. Several T-33s were assigned to USAF McDonnell F-101 Voodoo, Convair F-102 Delta Dagger, and Convair F-106 Delta Dart units, to include similarly equipped Air National Guard units, of the Aerospace Defense Command as proficiency trainers and practice "bogey" aircraft. Others later went to Tactical Air Command, and TAC gained Air National Guard F-106 and McDonnell-Douglas F-4 Phantom II units in a similar role until they were finally retired, with the last being an NT-33 variant retired in April 1997.

Military use by other nations

Some T-33s retained two machine guns for gunnery training, and in some countries, the T-33 was even used in combat: 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. T-33s continued to fly as currency trainers, drone towing, combat and tactical simulation training, "hack" aircraft, electronic countermeasures, and warfare training and test platforms right into the 1980s.

United States Air Force Lockheed RT-33 reconnaissance plane forced down in December 1957, on display in Gjirokastër, Albania
USAF Lockheed NT-33A

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 licence for service in the RCAF—Canadian Forces as the CT-133 Silver Star, while Kawasaki manufactured 210 in Japan. Other operators included Brazil, Turkey, and Thailand, which used the T-33 extensively.

In the 1980s, an attempt was made to modify and modernize the T-33 as the Boeing Skyfox, but a lack of orders led to the project's cancellation. About 70% of the T-33's airframe was retained in the Skyfox, but it was powered by two Garrett AiResearch TFE731-3A turbofan engines.

In the late 1990s, 18 T-33 Mk-III and T-33 SF-SC from the Bolivian Air Force went to Canada to be modernized at Kelowna Flightcraft. New avionics were installed, and detailed inspection and renewal of the fuselage and wings were performed. Most of the aircraft returned in early 2001 and remained operational until the type was officially retired on 31 July 2017.[4]

On 21 June 1996, 1 T-33A-5-LO (trainer TR-602) from the Hellenic Air Force piloted by Squadron Leader Ioannis Kouratzoglou successfully intercepted a Turkish F-16C violating Athens FIR by engaging in low-altitude high-G maneuvers.[5]

Civilian use

A limited number of T-33s have been owned privately, with two used by Boeing as chase aircraft. In 2010, one T-33 owned by Boeing was used as a chase aircraft during the maiden flight of the Boeing 787.[6] The maiden flight of the Boeing 737 MAX-7 on 16 March 2018 also featured a T-33 chase plane.[7] The maiden flight of the Boeing 777-9 on January 25th 2020 also featured a T-33 chase plane, taking off from KBFI and meeting the 777-9 at KPAE, it stopped at KMWH and it took off again to chase the 777-9 on its way back to KBFI, flying around Mount Rainier before their landing.[8] On December 4, 2020, Boeing retired their T-33 Chase Planes after 66 years of service.[9] Actor and pilot Michael Dorn owned a T-33.[10]

Variants
TP-80C
Original United States military designation for the Lockheed Model 580 two-seat trainer for the United States Army Air Forces. Designation changed to TF-80C on 11 June 1948 following establishment of the United States Air Force as a separate military service in 1947, and then to T-33A on 5 May 1949; 20 built.
T-33A
Two-seat jet trainer aircraft for the United States Air Force and delivery to foreign air forces under the Military Assistance Program, 5871 including 699 diverted to the United States Navy as the TV-2.
AT-33A
Conversions of the T-33A for export as a close support variant fitted with underwing pylons and hard points for bombs and rockets. Also used in the original fighter lead-in program at Cannon AFB, NM approximately 1972- 1975.
DT-33A
This designation was given to a number of T-33As converted into drone directors.
NT-33A
This designation was given to a number of T-33As converted into special test aircraft.
QT-33A
This designation was given to number of T-33As converted into aerial target drones for the United States Navy.
RT-33A
T-33A modified before delivery as a single-seat reconnaissance variant; 85 built, mainly for export under the Military Assistance Program.
T-33B
Re-designation of the United States Navy TV-2 in 1962.
DT-33B
Re-designation of the United States Navy TV-2D drone director in 1962.
DT-33C
Re-designation of the United States Navy TV-2KD target in 1962
TO-1/TV-1
U.S. Navy designation of P-80C, 50 transferred to USN in 1949 as jet trainers (not technically T-33 Shooting Star)
TO-2
United States Navy designation for 649 T-33As diverted from USAF production. Two-seat land-based jet training aircraft for the U.S. Navy. First 28 were delivered as TO-2s before the Navy changed the designation to TV-2. Surviving United States Navy and United States Marine Corps aircraft were re-designated T-33B on 18 September 1962.[11]
TV-2
Re-designation of the TO-2 after the first 28 were built.
TV-2D
TV-2s modified as drone directors, later re-designated DT-33B.
TV-2KD
TV-2s modified as radio-controlled targets, could be flown as a single-seater for ferry, later re-designated DT-33C.

Canada
Silver Star Mk 1
Canadian-designation for T-33A, 20 delivered.
Silver Star Mk 2
Canadian-designation for a T-33A which became the prototype of the Silver Star Mk 3.
T-33AN/CT-133 Silver Star Mk 3
The T-33AN is a Rolls-Royce Nene powered-variant of the T-33A for the Royal Canadian Air Force; 656 built by Canadair with the company designation CL-30. Canadian military designation was later changed from T-33AN to CT-133.

Other
L-245
One Lockheed owned fuselage with a more powerful engine. Was later developed into the T2V SeaStar.[12]
Aérospatiale Pégase[13]
A Canadair T-33AN was modified by Aérospatiale with an S17a 17% thickness wing section.
Boeing Skyfox
A comprehensive upgrade and re-engine project, powered by 2 Garrett TFE-731 turbofans. The sole prototype remains parked, sans engines, at Rogue Valley International (MFR) at Medford, Oregon.

Former operators
T-33 of the Belgian Air Force
T-33 of the Taiwan Air Force at Hsinchu Air Base 2012.
A T-33 Shooting Star of the Hellenic Air Force
T-33A of the Mexican Air Force
T-33 Portuguese Air Force
T-33 of the Republic of Korea Air Force
T-33 of the Spanish Air Force
T-33 of the Philippine Air Force
T-33 belonging to the former Imperial Iranian Air Force (IIAF)
T-33 of French Air Force in 1980 on the Air Base 705 of Tours
T-33 in Saudi Arabia
T-33A of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force

For operators of Canadian-built aircraft refer to Canadair CT-133 Silver Star.

 Belgium
 Bolivia
  • Bolivian Air Force - Bolivia acquired 15 T-33AN from Canada in 1973–74, purchasing 5 more from Canada in 1977 and 18 T-33SFs from France in 1985.[14] 18 were upgraded to T-33-2000 standard in 2000–2001.[15] Retired in 2017.[16]
 Brazil
 Burma
 Canada
 Chile
 Republic of China
 Colombia
 Cuba
 Denmark
 Dominican Republic
 Ecuador
 El Salvador
 France
 Germany
 Greece
 Guatemala
 Honduras
 Indonesia
 Iran
 Italy
 Japan (all retired)
 Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
 Mexico
T-33 of the Uruguayan Air Force
 Netherlands
 Nicaragua
  • Nicaraguan Air Force FAN received delivery of four AT-33A aircraft from the US Government after the failed Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961. Retired from service in 1979.
 Norway
 Pakistan
 Paraguay
  • Paraguayan Air Force operated six AT-33A donated by Taiwan in 1990. The belonged to the Grupo Aerotáctico (GAT) 2nd. Fighter Squadron called "Indios". They were withdrawn from use in 1998.
 Peru
 Philippines
 Portugal
 Saudi Arabia
 Singapore
 South Korea
 Spain
 Thailand
 Turkey
 United States
 Uruguay
 Yugoslavia
  • Yugoslav Air Force – Operated 125 Shooting Stars in four variants: 25 T-33A, 22 RT-33A, 70 TV-2, and 8 TT-33A[24]

Aircraft on display
Main article: List of displayed Lockheed T-33 Shooting Stars

Numerous T-33s have been preserved as museum and commemorative displays.

Notable accidents and incidents
10 August 1955
A T-33 Air Force Jet Trainer crashed on a farm 10 miles southeast of Terre Haute IN. Capt. Lee Jetton and 1st Lt. Harry Sawyer Hall were killed. The plane was en route from Maxwell AFB, AL to Chanute AB, IL. The plane was reported to have exploded before crashing in a cornfield a quarter of a mile east of route 159. [25]
20 May 1958
An Air National Guard Lockheed T-33A was involved in a mid-air collision with Capital Airlines Flight 300, a Vickers Viscount, over Brunswick, Maryland.
23 November 1963
A Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) Canadair CT-133 Silver Star on a naval training flight with two crew members on board, crashed into the heavily forested mountainous area of Mount Strachan in what is now known as Cypress Mountain. The two RCN crew members were killed.[26]
27 July 1965
A United States Air Force (USAF) Lockheed T-33A crashed near Allenspark, Colorado while flying low and slow near a thunderstorm to check out newly purchased land. Both occupants, Major Jay. E. Currie and 1st Lt. Donald Darby, were killed.[27][28]
20 August 1971
Matiur Rahman was an instructor pilot at PAF Base Masroor in 1971.[29] He was planning to defect to India with a plane to join the Bangladesh Liberation War. On 20 August 1971, Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas was scheduled to fly with a Lockheed T-33 jet trainer. Rahman saw Minhas about to take off and asked to join him, he jumped into the instructor seat.[30] He attempted to hijack the T-33 in midair from Karachi, Pakistan to India to join the liberation movement. Minhas sent a message to control tower that he has been hijacked. Minhas wrestled with Rahman for control and crashed the plane in Pakistan's territory which caused the death of both pilots. The plane never crossed into India's airspace and crashed near the border but in Pakistan.[31]

Specifications (T-33A)

Data from Lockheed Aircraft since 1913[32]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2
  • Length: 37 ft 9 in (11.51 m)
  • Wingspan: 38 ft 10.5 in (11.849 m)
  • Height: 11 ft 8 in (3.56 m)
  • Wing area: 234.8 sq ft (21.81 m2)
  • Airfoil: NACA 65-213[33]
  • Empty weight: 8,365 lb (3,794 kg)
  • Gross weight: 12,071 lb (5,475 kg)
  • Max takeoff weight: 15,061 lb (6,832 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Allison J33-A-35 centrifugal flow turbojet engine, 5,400 lbf (24 kN) thrust for take-off with water injection
4,600 lbf (20,461.82 N) maximum continuous, dry

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 600 mph (970 km/h, 520 kn) at sea level
  • Cruise speed: 455 mph (732 km/h, 395 kn)
  • Range: 1,275 mi (2,052 km, 1,108 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 48,000 ft (15,000 m)
  • Rate of climb: 4,870 ft/min (24.7 m/s)

Armament

  • Hardpoints: 2 with a capacity of 2,000 lb (907 kg) of bombs or rockets (AT-33),

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References
  1. "Fuerza Aérea desactiva cuatro aviones de entrenamiento y ataque T-33 – Diario Pagina Siete" (in Spanish). Retrieved 2017-07-31.
  2. Lockheed P-80/F-80 Archived 2007-12-19 at the Wayback Machine
  3. Scholin, Allan R., "Aerospace World", Air Force and Space Digest, Air Force Association, Washington, D.C., March 1967, volume 50, number 3, page 38.
  4. "Los aviones de entrenamiento y ataque T-33 de la FAB dejan de operar en Bolivia" (in Spanish). La Razón. 31 July 2017. Retrieved 31 July 2017.
  5. Πτηση & Διαστημα (2019-03-18). "Ελληνικό Τ-33 εναντίον τουρκικού F-16 – και δεν είναι βιντεοπαιχνίδι". Πτήση & Διάστημα (in Greek). Retrieved 2019-06-26.
  6. "787 First Flight from the chase plane." wired.com. Retrieved: 22 April 2010.
  7. "PHOTOS: Boeing's Smallest Modern 737, the MAX 7, Takes its First Flight". AirlineReporter. Retrieved 2018-10-02.
  8. "N109X Live Flight Tracking and History (T33 owned by BOEING LOGISTICS SPARES INC) ✈ 25-Jan-2020 ✈ KMWH - KBFI ✈ FlightAware". FlightAware. 25 January 2019. Retrieved 2020-01-27.
  9. Hemmerdinger, Jon (4 December 2020). "Boeing retires vintage T-33 chase jets". Flight Global. Retrieved 2020-12-11.
  10. Freeze, Di. "Michael Dorn: A Trek worth Remembering". Airportjournals.com. Airport Journals. Retrieved June 13, 2015.
  11. Jansen, Clay. " US Marine Corps Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star." Cloud 9 Photography, October 1961. Retrieved: 6 August 2013.
  12. Beck, Simon. "Lockheed Shooting Star Series" Archived 2011-05-21 at the Wayback Machine. US Warplanes.net. Retrieved: 21 October 2011.
  13. Gaillard, Pierre (1991). Les Avions Francaisde 1965 a 1990 (in French). Paris: Editions EPA. ISBN 2-85120-392-4.
  14. Siegrist 1987, p. 175.
  15. International Air Power Review Summer 2001, p. 28.
  16. Wasserbly, Daniel; Olguin, Jonathan R (1 August 2017). "Bolivia retires last T-33s trainer/attack aircraft, announces replacement". IHS Jane's 360. Archived from the original on 1 August 2017. Retrieved 1 August 2017.
  17. Andrade 1982, p. 35
  18. Schrøder, Hans (1991). Royal Danish Airforce. Ed. Kay S. Nielsen. Tøjhusmuseet, 1991, p. 1–64. ISBN 87-89022-24-6.
  19. "Lockheed RT 33". Aeronautica Militare. Retrieved 29 May 2019.
  20. "History of the Kawasaki Aerospace Division." Archived 2010-08-03 at the Wayback Machine Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. Retrieved: 21 March 2010.
  21. Pocock 1986, p. 92.
  22. "Aircraft Enquiry: N109X". FAA Registry. Retrieved: 11 Mar 2012.
  23. http://www.pilotoviejo.com/
  24. "Letelice Lockheed T-33A, RT-33A i TV-2 u JRV i njihove sudbine" (in Croatian). paluba.info. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
  25. "T33 trainer. Two people in plane Capt. Lee Jetton". The Decatur Herald. 1955-08-11. p. 7. Retrieved 2020-01-20.
  26. "Cypress Mountain - T-33 Crash Site". 23 September 2016. Archived from the original on 2017-07-28. Retrieved 2017-07-28.
  27. "Allenspark T-33". coloradowreckchasing.com.
  28. "TrailDamage.com".
  29. "August 20 marks the death anniversary of Rashid Minhas". The Nation. 20 August 2014. Retrieved 19 June 2015.
  30. "42nd Martyrdom Anniversary Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas Shaheed [Nishan-e-Hyder.] – SFP News". www.shaheedfoundation.org. Retrieved 3 January 2016.
  31. "Rashid Minhas 39th death anniversary observed today". AAJ News. APP. Retrieved 3 January 2016.
  32. Francillon 1982, pp. 287, 293.
  33. Lednicer, David. "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". m-selig.ae.illinois.edu. Retrieved 16 April 2019.

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