F-80's

Well, the T-33 was originally designated, the TF-80C. It was basically an F-80C with a second seat added, and slightly reduced fuel capacity, and a reduced armament comprising 2 Browning .50 cal. guns. The first TF-80C first flew in 1948. Soon after, it was redesignated the T-33, and as they say, the story of the T-33 is really almost a completely new one from the F-80. In short, over 5,000 were built for over 25 different nations, and as I said in a recent thread, some are still in service to this day……quite an accomplishment. To think that the TF-80C was only originally designed because of the alarming accident rate of early jet fighters (though not due to bad design or qualities but simply because pilot’s weren’t used to the new jet fighters of the time), and it went on to become the world’s most successful jet trainer is really quite interesting.

The T-33 was bulit in various forms, including the T-33A, T-33B, the naval Sea Star (which was carrier capable), the AT-33A armed variant, and DT-33A drone director.

Hi Phantom,

Great pics,
As no-one has answered my question, do I assume there is no difference between the F-80 & T-33 ?
I have been unable to find the answer on the net

Cheers
TNZ

Well, there are supposedly 4 CT-133’s in service with the CAF based at CFB Cold Lake in Alberta, but I don’t know of the serials on them.

Hi.
Is this T-33 still around,I think it’s Milldenhall but don’t know when.
Phil. 🙂

RT-33 in the background?

ok – another detail of the camera nose in the RF-80

Martin

two more and then back to work…

Martin 😀

RF-80 at Roswell, NM

another useful link

http://www.mindspring.com/~jaybirdone/headhunters/korea_photos.htm

Martin

one more

check here

http://www.cottonpickers.org/the_67th_tactical_reconnaissance_wing_in_korea,_1951-1954.htm

and here

http://www.cottonpickers.org/picture_of_the_week18.htm

many more photos of RF-80 can be found via the main site, and then under “Photo Collections”

http://www.cottonpickers.org/Main.htm

does anyone have any detail pics?

That’s a good question, P2

Actually, armament aside, what is the performance differences between a T-33 and F-80?

TNZ

Anyone know of any places to look for answers to my questions?

Another good question would be what’s the need for the RT-33 if you have the RF-80?

Just to keep the ball rolling. The 12th PRS in 1948. Lots of WW2 vets in the group photos. Nice formation shot as well.

Dan

Great series of photos.

Of particular note to me was the photo that is obviously an RT-33. I’d like to know more about T-33 operations in Korea. Sadly, there was no mention of them in the F-80 book I recently read.

Also of interest is the last photo where it shows an F-80, but it has the T-33 style 230-gallon tip tanks as opposed to the 165 gallon Lockheed or 265 gallon Misawa tanks.

Personally I think the Misawa tanks look the best, but I’ve never seen an F-80 with T-33 tanks before, though I’ve read they could be fitted with them. Were they a bit more structurally sound than the Misawa tanks?

a few more

if you insist… 😀

Cool photos guys. Thanks for sharing.

Any other photos are quite welcomed. The RF-80 is a rarity so post all the photos you want of it.

Acrojets

Okay, here is my contribuition to this F-80 thread – the “Acrojets” aerobatic team from the Fighter School at Williams AFB. Az.

Enjoy!