Lockheed P-80C/TV-1 Shooting Star

The Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star was the first jet fighter used operationally by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF). Designed and built by Lockheed in 1943 and delivered just 143 days from the start of the design process, production models were flying in 1945. Designed with straight wings, the type saw extensive combat in Korea with the United States Air Force as the F-80. America's first successful turbojet-powered combat aircraft, it helped usher in the jet age in the USAF, but was outclassed with the appearance of the swept-wing transonic MiG-15 and quickly replaced by the transonic North American F-86 Sabre.

The Museum’s P-80C/TV-1 is Bureau# 33824. This aircraft is one of the oldest in the Museum’s collection. Built in the late 1940s, the Navy received this aircraft in 1948 when the Navy had 50 Air Force P-80Cs transferred to Navy control. This aircraft then served served in multiple states until it arrived here at NAS Willow Grove until it was retired. The Museum restored the aircraft from 2003 to 2005.

Photo 21, Wings of Freedom Aviation Museum, Aug 2014

Lockheed P-80C/TV-1 “Shooting Star”

Photo 18, Wings of Freedom Aviation Museum, Aug 2014

Lockheed P-80C/TV-1 “Shooting Star”

Photo 20, Wings of Freedom Aviation Museum, Aug 2014