Lockheed T-33A-15-LO Shooting Star

Specifications
Aircraft Type:	Military Trainer
First Flight:	TP-80C, March 1948
Wingspan:	38 feet 11 inches (Without tip tanks)
Length:	37 feet 9 inches
Height:	11 feet 8 inches
Weight:	8,365 pounds
Capacity:	Two
Status:	Display - Static

The Lockheed T-33 began service with the United States Air Force in 1948 as America’s first operational jet fighter. Nicknamed the T-Bird, she looked clean and graceful, and was a dream to fly! For nearly 13 years, T-Birds trained jet pilots. When replaced by newer training aircraft, T-Birds towed targets, simulated intruders and served as “hack” aircraft (flying military personnel and small parts from place to place). Built at Lockheed’s Burbank, California plant in 1953, the Museum’s T-33 joined the 123^rd Fighter-Interceptor Squadron of the Oregon Air National Guard based at Portland and in 1963 transferred from the 123rd Squadron to the 142nd Group.