*** Shoe Box Photos ***

 

Berkshire County This program is supported in parts by Grants from the Local Cultural Councils of Northern Berkshire, Pittsfield, Dalton, Sheffield, Hinsdale-Peru, Richmond, Egremont-Alford, Windsor, Lee, Stockbridge, Sandisfield, Tyringham, and Washington Local Cultural Councils, local agencies supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency."

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Lockheed P/F-80,T-33 "Shooting Star"

 

The original design of the P-80 "Shooting Star" started in 1934 utilizing a British Halford H-1 turbojet engine that delivered 3,000 lbs of thrust, later F-80's were upgraded to a General Electric turbojet engine that delivered 4,000 lbs of thrust. The first prototype of the "Shooting Star" was flown during WWII in January of 1944. While the "Shooting Star" was flown in Italy during WWII it was primarily for initial evaluation purposes and not intended as a main line fighter at that time. It was armed with (6) .50 caliber machine guns, a payload capacity of (2) 500lb bombs and carried (8) rockets. It had a maximum air speed of 590 mph at sea level and set a world record of 620 mph in a modified P-80R in 1947 and had a range of 825 miles. In 1947 with the advent of the U.S. Air Force the P-80 designate was changed to F-80. The F-80, was to see more action flying 15,000 sorties in the first 4 months of the Korean War and is credited with the first jet combative role shooting down a Mig-15 in November of 1950. This early low, mono wing jet aircraft was subject to much experimentation and became the T-33 a highly successful 2 seat jet aircraft trainer. Approximately over 1,700 "Shooting Stars" were manufactured until ceasing production in 1959.

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Christy Butler **** www.shoeboxphotos.net **** **** butts@bcn.net