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.
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