Lockheed RF-80A Shooting Star

Lockheed Corporation · United States · first flew 1946 · fighter

The RF-80A was the dedicated photo-reconnaissance variant of the Shooting Star, replacing the six .50-calibre nose guns with cameras to provide tactical imagery support. It served extensively in Korea.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Mid-mounted, straight
E — Engines	1 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted
F — Fuselage	10.49 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Photo-reconnaissance Shooting Star with cameras replacing nose guns
Longer camera nose distinguishes RF from fighter variants
Single-seat jet recce aircraft with wing-root intakes

The camera nose — slightly longer and lacking the gun blast plates of the fighter — is the key distinguishing feature; otherwise identical to the P/F-80A in silhouette.

Specifications

The Lockheed RF-80A Shooting Star has a length of 10.49 m (34 ft).
It has a wingspan of 11.81 m (39 ft).
Its maximum speed is 898 km/h (558 mph).
Typical crew: 1.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Modified P-80As were converted to RF-80A standard for the reconnaissance mission, with a new nose section accommodating multiple cameras. RF-80As were among the most active reconnaissance aircraft of the Korean War, flying dangerous low-level and high-altitude photo missions.

Variants

The RF-80C followed with uprated engine; the type was also briefly designated FP-80A before the 1948 USAF redesignation.

Where you'll see it

Operated by the USAF in Korea with the 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing; also served with several allied air forces that received ex-USAF F-80s.

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