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| The T-39 was developed by North American Aviation Inc. as a private venture to meet a USAF requirement for a twin jet utility trainer. The prototype T-39 made its first flight on Sept. 16, 1958. In January 1959 the USAF placed a production order and on June 30, 1960, the first production T-39A made its initial flight. In all, 143 T-39As and 6 T-39Bs were built for the USAF. Another 62 T-39 variants were produced for the Navy. After the bulk of military contracts had been met, the Sabre Liner entered the commercial market where it became a highly successful executive jet transport.
SPECIFICATIONS: Span: 44 ft. 6 in. Length: 44 ft. Height: 16 ft. Weight: 18,650 lbs. loaded Armament: None Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney J-60s of 3,000 lbs. thrust each Crew: Two plus seven passengers PERFORMANCE: Maximum speed: 538 mph Cruising speed: 500 mph Range: 1,348 miles Service ceiling: 42,000 ft. |
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| Bibliography: National Museum of the USAF |