T-33 Shooting Star USAF Model Airplane

Share Stories of Launches and Operations with this Nostalgic T-33 Shooting Star USAF model plane

About the T-33 Shooting Star USAF

The Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star is a jet trainer that made its first flight in 1948, piloted by Tony LeVier. 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. Despite its age, the T-33 still remains in service worldwide.

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 Shooting Star served many missions during its time. It was used to transport pilots to other bases to pick up tactical aircraft, and afterward led them home on long over-water flights. It also provided realistic combat training. While deployed as the "enemy" during exercises, T-33 pilots flew far out to sea and returned to penetrate the radar defenses of Okinawa, testing the interception ability of jets defending the island. The aircraft also served as a high-speed courier service for the delivery of classified materials, as well as ferrying aircraft parts to various bases in the Pacific.

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, and T-33s have also been built under license in Canada and Japan. A reconnaissance version, RT-33, was built for export.

Get this T-33 Shooting Star model plane exclusive at Warplanes! This T-33 Shooting Star model aircraft is modeled using various high-quality grade materials by our master craftsmen. It is carved from solid mahogany and entirely hand painted, designed to match the original aircraft. A coat of clear lacquer protects the aircraft and gives it a glossy finish.