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T-2 Buckeye

T-2C Buckeye jet trainer aircraft was produced for the US Navy by North American Aviation [purchased by Rockwell, which was purchased by Boeing] at Columbus. T-2C trainers were used by the Naval Air Training Command to conduct basic jet flight training for future Navy and Marine Corps aviators. The trainer established an outstanding record of safety and reliability while providing training for more than 11,000 students to pilot 18 different models of Navy jet aircraft. Buckeyes also were purchased by Venezuela (T-2D) and Greece (T-2E).

The two-place, high-performance T-2C Buckeye was used for a wide variety of pilot training, from the student's first jet flight to fully qualified flight. The aircraft was used for teaching a wide range of skills, including high-altitude, high-speed formation and aerobatic flights; basic and radio instruments; night and day navigation; and gunnery, bombing, and carrier operations.

The T-2 has been grounded three times in 1997 due to safety problems. Over the next few years the T-45 Goshawk will replace the T-2 Buckeye in the Intermediate Jet Pilot Training Program.

Specifications

DIMENSIONS: Span: 38.13 feet (11.6 meters)
Length: 38.70 feet (11.8 meters)
Height: 14.80 feet (4.5 meters)
WEIGHT:Empty: 8,115 pounds (3,681 kilograms)
Take-off gross weight: 13,179 pounds (5,978 kilograms)
MAXIMUM SPEED AT SEA LEVEL:465 knots (862 kilometers/hour)
SERVICE CEILING:45,200 feet (13,777 meters)
CREW:Instructor pilot, student pilot
FUEL:Fuselage tank: 387 gallons (1,465 liters)
Wing tip tanks: 102 gallons (386 liters) each tank
Wing leading edge: 50 gallons (189 liters) each wing
RANGE:930 nmi (1,723 kilometers) (10% reserve)
EQUIPMENT:
  • LS-1A Election Seats Speed Brakes
  • Duplicate controls and instruments in each cockpit
  • Variety of communications and navigation systems
POWER PLANTS:Two J85-GE-4 engines; each rated at 2,950 pounds (1,338 kilograms) maximum thrust (standard day at sea level)
ARMAMENT:
  • Two 320-pound (145 kilograms) capacity underwing store stations
  • 50-caliber gun package
  • Bomb racks
  • Rocket packs
  • Tow target containers
  • Fire control package (baggage compartment)
  • An armament accessory kit was available that provided six store stations.
LANDING GEAR:Tricycle; hydraulic retracted; conventional air/oil shock strut
MAINTAINABILITY:
  • Workstands or ladders not required for servicing or maintenance
  • Large quick-open access doors for equipment, accessories, and engines
  • System components grouped together in spacious compartments
  • Engines accessible and easily removed from ground level
  • Battery starting

Sources and Resources


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http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/t-2.htm
Maintained by Robert Sherman
Originally created by John Pike
Updated Thursday, December 24, 1998 8:13:37 AM