The two-place T-33 jet was designed to train pilots already qualified to fly propeller-driven aircraft. Developed from the single-seat F-80 fighter by lengthening the fuselage slightly more than three feet to add a second cockpit, it was originally designed as the TF-80C and made its first flight in March 1948. Production continued until August 1959, with 5,691 T-33s built. Beyond training, the T-33 served as a drone director and target-towing aircraft and, in some countries, as a combat aircraft. The RT-33A reconnaissance version, produced primarily for foreign use, carried a camera in the nose and additional equipment in the rear cockpit. One of the world’s best known aircraft, the T-33 served with the air forces of more than 20 countries for almost 40 years, and many remain in use worldwide. The T-33A on display was last used as an Air Battle Damage and Repair aircraft for the 917th Wing before being given to the USAF Museum after that program ended, and it is marked to represent T-33s assigned to Barksdale AFB for SAC tenants such as the 1st Combat Evaluation Group and Headquarters 2nd Air Force.