Designed with straight wings, the type saw extensive combat in Korea with the United States Air Force (USAF) as the F-80. America's first successful turbojet -powered combat aircraft, it was soon outclassed with the appearance of the swept-wing transonic MiG-15 and was quickly replaced in the air superiority role by the transonic F-86 Sabre.

The RF-80A was designated as such in 1948 and carried three or four cameras capable of side, downward and forward observation. A later modification was the installation of a wire recorder for use on visual reconnaissance missions.

Four RF-80 missions quickly delivered 2,100 photos that provided the measurements and greatly aided the landing. Click on the following links for more information about reconnaissance during the Korean War.

F-80A test aircraft (s/n 44-85044) with twin 0.5 in (12.7 mm) machine guns in oblique mount, similar to World War II German Schräge Musik, to study the ability to attack Soviet bombers from below.

In June of 1948, the P-80A and FP-80A were redesignated F-80A and RF-80A respectively. After the end of the Korean War, 137 F-80As and RF-80As were partially brought up to F-80C standards.

Lockheed F-80 Shooting Star of the United States Air Force, history, production numbers, photographs, surviving aircraft.

The RF-80A pilots of the 302nd and 303rd TRS’ were amongst the most experienced tac recce drivers in the USAF. For example of the 20 pilots assigned to the 303rd TRS, twelve, possibly more, had seen action in Korea.

Jul 7, 2011 · The RF-80A was an F-80A, with a longer and deeper nose to house cameras in place of the six M 2 guns, initially on the basic aircraft. The RF80A's prototype (the XF 14) was flown in the fall of...

Dec 4, 2013 · As one of the world's first successful turbojet-powered combat aircraft, it helped usher in the 'jet age' in the USAF and other air forces worldwide. One of its claims to fame is in training a new generation of pilots, especially in its closely-related T-33 …

Six RF-80A aircraft were modified to RF-80C-11-LO standard by Lockheed Air Service, Inc. The conversion consisted of the installation of the J-33-A-35 engine, an ejection seat using an M-5 catapult and M-3 actuator, and provisions for an AN/ARC-27 command radio.