The Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star is the first jet fighter used operationally by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) during World War II. [1] Designed and built by Lockheed in 1943 and delivered just 143 days from the start of design, two pre-production models saw limited service in Italy just before the end of World War II .

Aug 4, 2021 · The Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star wins on all counts. While not the first U.S. jet fighter, it was developed in record time, becoming the first U.S. aircraft to exceed 500 mph in level flight, ultimately serving in various forms in the active U.S. military for over five decades.

Mar 11, 2022 · The P-80 Shooting Star crash. While aeronautic technology had gotten far better by the mid-1940s, it still had a long way to go. 15,000 American pilots died while training during the conflict, and testing planes was a treacherous endeavor for even the best airmen.

May 10, 2023 · The Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star, also known as the F-80, was the first jet fighter used operationally by the US Army Air Forces (USAAF).

Jul 8, 2021 · One of the untold stories of early jet aviation is about the four Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star fighters that reached Europe as early as January 1945. German jets, in particular the Messerschmitt Me 262, were shooting down Allied bombers.

On November 10, 1950, Lieutenant Russell Brown, flying a Shooting Star, made history when he destroyed a Russian MiG-15 fighter in the world's first decisive all-jet combat. However, when compared to the Mig, the F-80 was outclassed and it was quickly replaced by the North American F …

Jan 19, 2024 · Explore the Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star's history, a pioneering jet fighter that revolutionized military aviation with its innovative design and roles.

On 27 June 1950 a Shooting Star of the 35th Fighter Squadron scored America's first jet victories by downing two IL-10 bombers over South Korea. In its first clash with Soviet-built MiG 15s on S November 1950, an F-80 downed a single MiG 15.

In 1944 the US Army Air Force began gunnery trials in Nevada with the Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star; this design promised to revolutionise air warfare. The P-80 was the first fully operational type in the US to have a jet engine - an innovation already familiar to German and British scientists.

May 8, 2024 · Page details technical specifications, development, and operational history of the Lockheed P-80 / F-80 Shooting Star Single-Seat, Jet-Powered Fighter / Fighter-Bomber Aircraft including pictures.