Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star

The Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star was America’s first operational jet fighter. Developed during World War II, it entered service just as the conflict ended. The aircraft laid the groundwork for future U.S. jet designs.

U.S. Air Force Lockheed P-80A-1-LO Shooting Star in flight. © U.S. Air Force

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Overview

Lockheed Martin United States ICAO: P80 1945–1950 $110,000 (1945)

Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star — early jet fighterThe P-80 first flew in 1944 after an accelerated development program. It featured a straight wing and single turbojet engine. Although it arrived too late for significant combat in World War II, it saw service in the Korean War.Powered by an Allison J33 turbojet producing approximately 5,400 pounds of thrust (24 kN), the P-80 reached speeds near 500 knots (926 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeded 16,000 pounds (7,257 kg). Armament included multiple .50 caliber machine guns.The Shooting Star marked a transition from piston fighters to jets in U.S. service. It provided valuable operational experience in early jet combat. The design influenced later fighters such as the F-94 and F-104.

Live Fleet Activity (P80)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
1 × Allison J33-A-35
Engine type
Jet
Thrust
4,600 lbf · 20 kN
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
1
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
34 ft 5 in  ·  10.50 m
Tail height
11 ft 4 in  ·  3.45 m
Fuselage diameter
3 ft 3 in  ·  1.00 m
Wing span
38 ft 10 in  ·  11.83 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
16,000 lb  ·  7,250 kg
Max landing weight
14,000 lb  ·  6,350 kg
Max payload
2,200 lb  ·  1,000 kg
Fuel capacity
890 gal · 3,400 L · 2,700 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
516 kt  ·  594 mph  ·  956 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
1,200 nm  ·  1,380 mi  ·  2,220 km
Fuel burn
—
Ceiling
46,800 ft  ·  14,300 m
Rate of climb
6,870 ft/min  ·  35 m/s
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
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Lockheed P-80 Shooting Stars

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Operational Context

On January 8, 1944, the aircraft prototype designated as XP-80 performed its maiden flight. It was powered by a single de Havilland-built Halford H.1B turbojet. The aircraft was designed with a conventional all-metal airframe and fitted with a thin and straight low wing, and a tricycle arrangement undercarriage.

In late 1944, it entered into service. The Shooting Star was the first fighter jet in operations with its engine located in the fuselage.  It was produced from 1945 to 1950 with a total number of 1,715 units built.

The single-seat P-80 has an external length of 10.49 meters, an external height of 10.5 meters, and a fuselage width of 1 meter. It has a tail height of 3.43 meters and a wheelbase of 3.6 meters. It featured a straight wing with a wingspan of 11.81 meters and a wing area of 22.07 square meters. The aircraft has an empty weight of 3,819 kg, a gross weight of 5,534 kg, and a maximum takeoff weight of 7,646 kg. The maximum payload is 1,000 kg and the fuel tank capacity is 885 US gal.

The P-80 Shooting Star is powered by a single Allison J33-A-35 engine. It is a centrifugal compressor turbojet with water injection, a single-stage double-sided centrifugal compressor, fourteen can type stainless steel combustion chambers, a single-stage axial turbine, and a wet sump oil system. The engine produces a 4,600 lbf dry thrust and 5,400 lbf with water injection. The aircraft has a maximum speed of 516 knots at sea level and a cruise speed of 381 knots. It has a standard range of 717 nautical miles and a ferry range of 1,200 nautical miles. It can fly up to 46,800 feet and can climb at a rate of 6,870 feet per minute.

The P-80 could be loaded with six 12.7 mm M3 Browning heavy machine guns, eight 127 mm HVAR (High-Velocity Aircraft Rocket) unguided rockets, and two 450 kg of bombs.