TF-80C "Shooting Star"
An F-80C fuselage, taken off the production line in August 1947, was extended by 38.5 inches to fit an extra seat under the lengthened canopy. This prototype trainer was first flown on 22 March 1948. Redesignated TF-80C in June, it became the T-33A within a year. The TF-80C first had the J33A-23 engine, then the more powerful J33A-25. The trainer also retained 2 of the F-8OC's .50 caliber machineguns that were optional in the T-33A. Commonly called the T Bird, the T-33 was produced in larger quantities than any other F-80.
Eventually, given a still better engine (the J33A-35), the T-33 served as the Air Force's standard jet trainer for almost two decades.
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