NAA T-2 Buckeye

The naval jet trainer built for carrier-based pilot training.

Overview

North American Aviation (NAA) United States ICAO: T2 1959–2007 Active $15 million

The North American T-2 Buckeye was a twin-engine jet trainer developed for the United States Navy. Designed to introduce student aviators to jet operations and carrier procedures, it served for several decades. The aircraft bridged the gap between basic trainers and fleet aircraft.

Live Fleet Activity (T2)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × General Electric J85-GE-4 turbojets
Engine type
Jet
Thrust
2 × 2,950 lbf · 13 kN
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
2
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
38 ft 9 in  ·  11.80 m
Tail height
14 ft 9 in  ·  4.50 m
Fuselage diameter
3 ft 11 in  ·  1.20 m
Wing span
38 ft 1 in  ·  11.60 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
13,200 lb  ·  6,000 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
650 lb  ·  300 kg
Fuel capacity
690 gal · 2,600 L · 2,100 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
450 kt  ·  518 mph  ·  833 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
930 nm  ·  1,070 mi  ·  1,720 km
Fuel burn
2.00 nm/gal  ·  0.98 km/L
Ceiling
45,200 ft  ·  13,800 m
Rate of climb
6,200 ft/min  ·  31 m/s
Takeoff distance
1,310 ft  ·  400 m
Landing distance
1,710 ft  ·  520 m
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1st Lt. Tim Miller flies his T-2C Buckeye

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Operational Context

NAA T-2 Buckeye — carrier-based jet trainer

The T-2 first flew in 1958 and entered service in 1959. It was designed specifically for naval jet training and featured strengthened landing gear and an arresting hook for carrier operations. The aircraft introduced generations of pilots to jet performance.

Powered by two turbojet engines producing between 2,700 and 3,000 pounds of thrust (12 to 13 kN) each depending on variant, the T-2 cruised at approximately 450 knots (830 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight was about 15,000 pounds (6,800 kg). The tandem cockpit supported advanced instruction.

The Buckeye remained in U.S. Navy service until replaced by the T-45 Goshawk. Its straightforward design and carrier capability made it a reliable training platform. The aircraft holds an important place in naval aviation history.