The T-33 was
destroyed in a take-off accident on 6th September 2006. Fortunately
the pilot and engineer survived with minor injuries. Golden Apple
are currently investigating the purchase of a replacement T-33.
The P-80 was the first jet fighter to be used by
the USAAF and was a product of the fertile mind of Clarence L
"Kelly" Johnson of "Skunk Works" fame. From start to finish the
prototype took only 180 days and the first flight, in January 1944,
was only delayed by the delivery of the engine from the UK. The
aircraft flew well from the start and its development was only
marred by the unreliable jet engines of the day. Although kept away
from action in the Second World War for fear of falling into enemy
hands, the aircraft did fly in both the UK and Italy before the
cessation of hostilities.
It was quickly into action during the Korean War
and in the first encounter with a MiG -15 the F-80 was the victor.
However, it was clear that the swept wing MiG was a formidable
opponent for the older design of the F-80 and thus it saw further
distinguished service as a fighter/bomber leaving the MiGs to the
newer F- 84's and F-86's.
 That
said 31 enemy aircraft fell in combat for the loss of 14 F80s. There
was a heavier price to pay in the air to ground role with 130
aircraft lost but this has to be set against nearly 100,000
operational missions during the war.
The TP-80C two-seat aircraft, first flown March
1948, was a development of the fighter and was soon designated
T-33A. This was to become the definitive advanced jet trainer for
nearly three decades and a total of over 6500 were produced. Like
the single seater the T-33 also saw service in Korea. Production
only ceased in 1959 and in all over 30 countries were to use the
type. One of the countries that licence built the T-33 was Canada
and G-TBRD is one of the 656 built under this programme. Called the
"Silver Star" by the Canadians it is similar in all respects to the
US built version except for the more powerful Rolls Royce Nene
engine. Generations of "Cold War" fighter pilots were trained on the
T-33 and for many it was their first experience of a jet. The
'T-bird' has been operated by many air forces and for over 50 years
and certainly has a special place in the "Aviation Hall of Fame".
By kind permission of the Canadian Government this
aircraft has its original RCAF colour scheme and number - 21261.
However, many will remember this T-33 in its Black Knight guise
displayed by the late Ormond Haydon Baillie or in an USAF scheme
flown by the late Mark Hanna.
Following a lengthy restoration programme at
OFMC and
The Aircraft Restoration Company, who now have engineering
responsibility for it, 261 is flown by experienced civilian and
ex-military fast jet pilots.
Technical Data
Engine: Rolls Royce Nene
Span (with tips): 42ft 5in
Length: 37ft 8in
Height: 11ft 8in
Empty Weight: 9300lbs
Max Take-off Weight: 16,800lbs
Max Speed: 505kts/0.8 mach
Time to 40,000ft: 15 mins
Service Ceiling: 43,000ft
Range: 1200 miles
Operational Requirements
Fuel Type: Jet
A-1AVTURF40,F34,F35 (FS 11 required).
Capacities: Internal 293 galls/1330 litres -
external Tips 384 galls/1774litres.
Filling Sequence: i. Alternate wings, ii.
Alternative 1/2 tips until full: gravity fill.
Engine Oil: NATO 0-133 Aero Turbine Oil 2.
Hydraulic Fluid: NATO H-515 RAF OM-I5.
Electric Start: 28V DC GPU Capacity 1400 amps
Chocks: Required
Fire Cover: As for normal ops.
Ejection Seat: Ejection seats inert, no
Cartridge fitted, Canopy jettison live.
Runway: Normal min 4500ft sea level ISA
Cables: DOWN for high speed trample.
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As
well as the jet engine and the swept wings and tail other
innovations included a highly ergonomic cockpit with outstanding
visibility and powered controls. The first Sabre production run was
the' A' model, one of which scored the first swept wing victory over
a MiG-15 in Korea. It can be distinguished from later F-86 variants
by the slimmer tail section and V windshield. The' A: model has
power assisted primary controls rather than the fully powered
controls of the later versions. 
