Years In Service: 1945-1974
Initial Flight: January 8, 1944
It was the first Air Force aircraft to exceed 500 mph in level flight, the first American jet airplane manufactured in large quantities, and the first Air Force jet to be used in combat. When war started in Korea, F-80s were sent to the battle area to help the South Koreans. On November 10, 1950, Lieutenant Russell Brown, flying a Shooting Star, made history when he destroyed a Russian MiG-15 fighter in the world’s first decisive all-jet combat.
Aircraft Specifications
Height: 11′ 4″ Wingspan: 38′ 10″ Length: 34′ 6″ Crew: 1 Armament: Six .50 machine guns Payload: 2,000 lb. bomb or ten .5-inch rockets Thrust: 3,850 lbs. No. of Engines: 1 Cruise speed: 410 mph. Max Speed: 558 mph Ceiling: 45,000 ft.