T-33 A "T-Brid"

Brief History

This Lockheed-built two-place trainer was originally intended to train pilots to fly jets. The T-33 is derivative of the P-80 which was the Air Force’s first operational jet fighter. The T-33A is a F-80 with a lengthened fuselage to make room for the second tandem seat. It entered service during the 1950s . It was used to transition pilots from propeller-driven aircraft to jets, and to train pilots in instrument flying. Both the 109th and the 179th Squadrons used T-birds at various times. It remained in inventory until the late 1960s. The museum T-33 has the colors of the 109th FIS on the wing tip tanks.