Lockheed QT-33A
Lockheed Corporation · United States · first flew 1957 · reconnaissance aircraft
The QT-33A is a drone conversion of the Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star jet trainer, modified to operate as a quiet target or research drone with noise-suppression features.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 11.48 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- T-33 Shooting Star airframe converted to quiet drone
- Straight-wing jet with tip tanks
- Engine noise-suppressed remotely piloted variant
Identical external profile to the T-33 with straight wings and tip tanks; unmanned configuration distinguishes it operationally rather than visually.
Specifications
- The Lockheed QT-33A has a length of 11.48 m (38 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.85 m (39 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 966 km/h (600 mph).
- Typical crew: 0 (unmanned).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Derived from the widely produced T-33, surplus airframes were converted in the late 1950s for use as remotely piloted drones by the US military. The 'Q' designation denotes the drone role, and 'T' indicates its trainer origins.
Variants
The QT-33A was one of several drone variants of the T-33 family; the base T-33 served as trainer for numerous air forces worldwide.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the United States military for target and research drone duties; rarely seen outside US ranges.
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