Years In Service: 1955-2009
Initial Flight: October 1954
Affectionately known as the “Tweety Bird,” it was the first U.S. Air Force jet trainer. Its flying characteristics helped student pilots transition to the larger, faster T-38 Talon. The original prototype crashed during spin testing. As a result, long spin strakes were added on each side of the nose, the tail enlarged, and the problem was solved.
Aircraft Specifications
Height: 9′ 5″ Wingspan: 33′ 10″ Length: 29′ 4″ Crew: 2 Powerplant: Continental J69-T25 Thrust: 1,025 mph No. of Engines: 2 Speed: 410 mph Ceiling: 39,000 ft.