D-091 - T-33 Part 2

The Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star, also known as the T-Bird, is an American subsonic jet trainer. It was initially developed as the TP-80C/TF-80C, as a variant of the Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star, by lengthning the fuselage 1 meter (3 feet), and adding a second seat with instruments and flight controls. Its first flight was made in March 22nd, 1948, and production lasted between 1948-1959.    A licence of production was given to Canadair to build T-33 for service in the Royal Canadian Air Force, were it was given the code name CT-133 Silver Star. Kawazaki also manufactured versions of the T-33 in Japan.   Despite its use as a trainer, some variants had two machine guns for gunnery training, and even was used in combat. During the Bay of Pigs Invasion (April 17th-20th, 1961), Cuban T-33s shot down some B-26 Marauders and sank two transport ships. In June 21st, 1996, the Hellenic Air Force used the T-33 to intercept a Turkish F-16C that violated Athens air space.   Bolivia was the last user