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P-80 Shooting Star
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P-80 C Specifications

    Primary Function:
    Crew:
    Engine:
    Thrust:
    Weight Empty:
    Max. Weight:
    Machine Guns:
    Rockets:
    Bombs:
    Length:
    Wingspan:
    Max. Speed:
    Climb Rate:
    Range:
    Ceiling:
    First Flight:
    Year Deployed:
fighter
one
Allison J-33
5,400 lbs.
8,420 lbs.
16,850 lbs.
6- .50 cal.
eight
2,000 lbs.
34' 5"
38' 9"
600 mph
4,600 fpm
1,200 miles
46,000 feet
1/8/44
1945






Although engineers at Lockheed looked into producing a jet fighter before the start of World War II, the lack of engines with enough power and sufficient reliability caused them to shelve the project. In 1943, their development of a jet fighter program became possible with the advent of the British design de Havilland Goblin engine.

Lockheed built their first jet fighter prototype of the P-80 around the engine. However, although the engine produced enough thrust to power the aircraft, lack of reliability was a serious factor. Eventually General Electric developed a turbojet engine that was suitable for the first production aircraft. During early testing, it propelled the P-80 at speeds over 500 mph.

The production P-80 Shooting Star was deployed in small numbers just prior to the end of World War II. None saw action. The Shooting Star was the first U.S. jet fighter.

P-80 aircraft were used as escorts for cargo transports during the Berlin Air Lift in 1948. Their designation was changed from P-80, pursuit, to F-80, fighter, at that time.

P-80 Shooting Star aircraft over Korea.

P-80 Shooting Star aircraft first saw combat during the Korean War. On June 27, 1950 four of the aircraft were credited with the downing of four North Korean IL-10 ground attack propeller driven aircraft. On November 8, 1950 a F-80 was credited with the downing of a MiG-15 in what may have been the first jet air-to-air combat.

Throughout its service life, the P-80 was upgraded and improved. It was equipped with more powerful engines, an ejection seat, and a canopy with explosive bolts for emergency bail-outs.

Eventually the P-80 was replaced by faster and more maneuverable F-84 and F-86 jet aircraft. While the U.S.A.F. was the primary user of the 1,715 P-80 fighter aircraft produced, its two seat trainer version, the T-33, was used by the air forces of some 30 countries throughout the world. Over 6,500 of the trainer versions were produced.

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