|
|
Museum Airpark
Google Earth View
|
|
The T-39 was developed by North American Aviation Inc. as a private venture to meet a USAF requirement for a twin jet utility trainer. The prototype T-39 made its first flight on September 16, 1958. In January 1959, the USAF placed a production order and on June 30, 1960, the first production T-39A made its initial flight. In all, 143 T-39As and six T-39Bs were built for the USAF. Another 62 T-39 variants were produced for the Navy. After the bulk of military contracts had been met, the Sabreliner entered the commercial market where it became a highly successful executive jet transport. The Travis Air Museum’s T-39 is located on Parker Road, near the hospital.
The North American Aviation "Sabreliner" dominated the business jet aircraft market in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Capable of cruising at speeds in excess of 400 m.p.h., it was a much sought after form of executive transportation.
When in military service, the CT-39s were flown as executive transports and used to transport priority cargos. Our CT-39A last served at Kirkland Air Force Base, NM.
Specifications:
- Wing Span: 44'5"
- Length: 43'9"
- Height: 16'0"
- Maximum Speed: 563 M.P.H. at 21,500 Ft.
- Service Ceiling: 45,000 Ft.
- Range 1,950 Miles
- Crew/Passengers 2 crew, plus 7 passengers
- Engines 2 x Pratt & Whitney J-60 turbojets rated at 3,000 lbs. thrust each.
Information derived from “Travis Air Force Museum” by Nick Veronico copyright Travis AFB Historical Society/Jimmy Doolittle Air and Space Museum Foundation. This book is available from the Jimmy Doolittle Air and Space Museum GIFT SHOP located in the Travis Air Museum.
|
|
