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.

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Quick Facts T2V-1 / T-1 SeaStar, Role ...

T2V-1 / T-1 SeaStar
Lockheed T-1A Seastar in 1959
Role	carrier-capable trainer
Manufacturer	Lockheed
First flight	15 December 1953
Introduction	May 1957
Retired	1970s
Primary user	United States Navy
Number built	150
Developed from	Lockheed T-33

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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.

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.

 United States

• United States Navy
• United States Marine Corps

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]

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)

Related development

• Lockheed T-33
• Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

• Douglas TA-4 Skyhawk
• Fouga CM.175 Zéphyr
• Grumman F9F-8T Cougar
• North American T-2 Buckeye