The T-33 Shooting Star
The T-33 S/N 51-4406 on display
The Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star (or T-Bird) is an American jet trainer aircraft. It was produced by Lockheed and made its first flight in 1948. The T-33 was developed from the Lockheed P-80/F-80 starting as TP-80C/TF-80C in development, then designated T-33A.
A total of 6,557 units were produced.
This aircraft, 51-4406 was produced by the Lockheed Aircraft Corporation in Burbank, California.
By 1953, nine out of ten jet fighter pilots were trained in T-33s in the US and abroad. The Iowa Air National Guard had one or two assigned to each squadron until the early 1970s. They were very successful training aircraft and many are flying today at airshows and as flight test chase planes. There are several located in Iowa at city parks and airports.
The cockpit lists Brigadier General Walter Saur as the pilot. He was local pilot who flew during the Korean Conflict. During his 45 year military career he received the Legion of Merit, the USAF Lifetime Achievement Award, was a member for many years of Oelwein’s American Legion Ross Reid Post #9, including serving as Post Commander, served as State VFW Judge Advocate General several years, was past president of the Iowa Reserve Officers Association, as well as being an active member of the Military Officers Association.
Service History of S/N 51-4406:
- 1951: Constructed as a T-33A-5-LO by Lockheed at Burbank, California, USA.
- 1951: Delivered to US Air Force
Iowa Air National Guard T-33
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