Lockheed T-33A Shooting Star

Mystery Spotter 🇺🇸

05 Feb 2026 · © Unknown

This specific aircraft, 55-3556, is frequently seen at airshows in North America, maintained in excellent condition and marked as a tribute to the original Thunderbirds.

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Lockheed C-130 Hercules (L-382/EC-130/QC-130)

Aircraft

T-33A Shooting Star T-33

US Air Force, Thunderbirds Heritage

55-3556

Registration

Airline

US Air Force (historic markings, not a current operator)

Manufacturer

Lockheed

Gear

iPhone

Insights

Aviation History

The T-33 was one of the first operational jet trainers, serving with many air forces worldwide and also notable for its early service with the USAF Thunderbirds demonstration team.

Fleet Rarity

Rare as an active flyer, with only a handful (less than 50 globally) maintained in private hands or museums.

Record Flights

No absolute speed/altitude records, but set training standards for jet aircraft globally.

Safety & Events

Numerous T-33s served in Thunderbirds livery during the team's early years, and these aircraft have a storied history in both training and aerial demonstration.

Future Outlook

Most surviving T-33s are museum pieces or fly occasionally at airshows; type retired from formal military service.

Specifications

Allison J33-A-35 turbojet

Engine

11.86 meters

Wingspan

11.51 meters

Length

2,050 km

Range

700 km/h

Speed

2 (pilot + instructor)

Capacity

6,350 kg

MTOW

3.57 meters

Height

2,400 kgf (23.6 kN)

Thrust

Approx. 97 dB (no formal ICAO stage applicable for this classic jet)

Noise

Though in Thunderbirds livery, this aircraft now operates in civilian hands and is not part of the current Thunderbirds demonstration team.