T-33 Shooting Star USAF

Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star airplane model. The two-place T-33 jet was designed for training pilots already qualified to fly propeller-driven aircraft. It was developed from the single-seat F-80 fighter by lengthening the fuselage slightly more than three feet to accommodate a second cockpit.

Originally designed the TF-80C, the T-33 made its first flight in March 1948. Production continued until August 1959 with 5,691 T-33s built. In addition to its use as a trainer, the T-33 has been used for such tasks as drone director and target towing, and in some countries even as a combat aircraft. 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.

The T-33 is one of the world's best-known aircraft, having served with the air forces of more than 20 different countries for almost 40 years. Many are still in use throughout the world.

Mahogany Wood. Scale: 1/48. Wingspan 10 1/4 inches, Length 9 1/2 inches.