The Lockheed T2V SeaStar, later called the T-1 SeaStar, is a carrier-capable jet trainer for the United States Navy that entered service in May 1957. Developed from the Lockheed T-33 (itself derived from the Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star), it was powered by one Allison J33 engine.
 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (September 2010) |
| T2V-1 / T-1 SeaStar | |
|---|---|
 Lockheed T-1A Seastar in 1959 | |
| General information | |
| Type | carrier-capable trainer |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed |
| Primary user | United States Navy |
| Number built | 150 |
| History | |
| Introduction date | May 1957 |
| First flight | 15 December 1953 |
| Retired | 1970s |
| Developed from | Lockheed T-33 |
Design and development
Starting in 1949, the U.S. Navy used the Lockheed T-33 for land-based jet aircraft training. The T-33 was a derivative of the Lockheed P-80/F-80 fighter and was first named TO-2, then TV-2 in Navy service. However, the TV-2 was not suitable for operation from aircraft carriers. The persisting need for a carrier-compatible trainer led to a further, more advanced design development of the P-80/T-33 family, which came into being with the Lockheed designation L-245 and USN designation T2V. Lockheed's demonstrator L-245 first flew on 16 December 1953 and production deliveries to the US Navy began in 1956.[1]
Compared to the T-33/TV-2, the T2V was almost totally re-engineered for carrier landings and at-sea operations with a redesigned tail, naval standard avionics, a strengthened undercarriage (with catapult fittings) and lower fuselage (with a retractable arrestor hook), power-operated leading-edge flaps (to increase lift at low speeds) to allow carrier launches and recoveries, and an elevated rear (instructor's) seat for improved instructor vision, among other changes. Unlike other P-80 derivatives, the T2V could withstand the shock of landing on a pitching carrier deck and had a much higher ability to withstand sea water-related aircraft wear from higher humidity and salt exposure.
Operational history
The only version of the T2V was initially designated T2V-1 when it entered service, but was redesignated T-1A SeaStar under the 1962 United States Tri-Service aircraft designation system, the designation under which it would spend the majority of its career.
The T-1A was replaced by the North American T-2 Buckeye but remained in service into the 1970s.
Operators
Surviving aircraft
As of 2017, one T2V-1A airworthy, based at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (former Williams Air Force Base) in Mesa, Arizona,[2] and being flown for experimental and display purposes. Two examples are preserved on public display in Tucson, Arizona.[3]
Specifications (T2V-1)
Data from Lockheed Aircraft since 1913[4]
General characteristics
- Crew: Two (student & instructor)
- Length: 38 ft 6.5 in (11.75 m)
- Wingspan: 42 ft 10 in (13.06 m)
- Height: 13 ft 4 in (4.06 m)
- Wing area: 240 sq ft (22.3 m2)
- Empty weight: 11,965 lb (5,427 kg)
- Gross weight: 15,500 lb (7,031 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 16,800 lb (7,636 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × Allison J33-A-24/24A turbojet, 6,100 lbf (27 kN) thrust
Performance
- Maximum speed: 580 mph (933 km/h, 504 kn) at 35,000 ft (10,670 m)
- Range: 970 mi (1,560 km, 843 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 40,000 ft (12,190 m)
- Rate of climb: 6,330 ft/min (32 m/s)
See also
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
References
External links
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