T-33A “Shooting Star” Aircraft

During the last few months of World War II, America’s first operational jet fighter aircraft, the Lockheed P-80 “Shooting Star” entered service. Because U.S. fighter pilots had difficulty adjusting to the different flying characteristics of the new jet, a modified training version was necessary. The T-33 is actually a P-80 with a lengthened fuselage and the addition of a second seat for an instructor pilot. To compensate for the loss of internal fuel capacity, Lockheed added wing tip fuel tanks. The U.S. Air Force took delivery of the displayed T-33 in 1950, serial 0-61767. Painted in the colors of the 48th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, the last U.S. squadron to fly the T-33, the aircraft welcomes visitors near the entrance of the Museum.