Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star - Caruthersville, Missouri - Static Aircraft Displays on Waymarking.com

"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 piloted by Tony LeVier. The T-33 was developed from the Lockheed P-80/F-80 starting as TP-80C/TF-80C in development, then designated T-33A. It was used by the U.S. Navy initially as TO-2 then TV-2, and after 1962, T-33B.

General characteristics

• Crew: Two
• Length: 37 ft 9 in (11.49 m)
• Wingspan: 38 ft 10.5 in (11.86 m)
• Height: 11 ft 8 in (3.57 m)
• Empty weight: 8,300 lb (3,775 kg)
• Max. takeoff weight: 15,100 lb (6,865 kg)
• Powerplant: 1 × Allison J33-A-35 centrifugal compressor turbojet, 5,400 lbf (23 kN)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 600 mph (970 km/h)
• Range: 1,275 mi ferry (2,050 km)
• Service ceiling: 48,000 ft (14,600 m)

Armament

• Guns: 2 × 0.50 in (12.7 mm) Browning M3 machine guns with 350 rpg (for AT-33)
• Hardpoints: 2 with a capacity of 2,000 lb (907 kg) of bombs or rocket pods" - source 

The T-33 saw service around the world as a trainer aircraft in several countries.  Currently only Bolivia is using this aircraft for training with all other countries retiring their aircraft.

This particular aircraft is part of a memorial to Lt. Col. John B. English who was born in Caruthersville and became Missouri's leading flying ace during World War II.  He died in crash on November 17, 1954 in Toul-Rosières Air Base, France when returning from a training mission and after several attempts to land in bad weather and fog his aircraft flamed out due to lack of fuel.  He made the decision to crash his aircraft in a wooded area sacrificing himself rather then jeopardizing further casualties on the ground.

Type of Aircraft: (make/model): Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star Tail Number: (S/N): 535004 Construction:: original aircraft Location (park, airport, museum, etc.): England City Park inside / outside: outside Other Information:: Not listed Access restrictions: Not listed

Visit Instructions:
Photo of aircraft (required - will be interesting to see if the aircraft is ever repainted or progress if being restored)
Photo of serial number (required unless there is not one or it is a replica)
Photo(s) of any artwork on the aircraft (optional but interesting)

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Date Logged Log User Rating   02/23/2014 Team AZMO visited it