Lockheed XP-80 Shooting Star
Lockheed Corporation · United States · first flew 1944 · fighter
The XP-80 was the prototype of America's first operational jet fighter, designed by Lockheed's Skunk Works team under Clarence 'Kelly' Johnson in just 143 days. It demonstrated that American industry could master jet propulsion and laid the groundwork for the P-80 Shooting Star.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 10.49 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- America's first operational jet fighter prototype with embedded single turbojet
- Straight mid-wing with flush air intakes in wing roots
- Skunk Works rapid development — flew 143 days after contract award
The XP-80 differs from production P-80s by its original de Havilland engine intake configuration; the slim fuselage, straight mid-mounted wing, and conventional tail are shared with all Shooting Star variants.
Specifications
- The Lockheed XP-80 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
Designed around a British de Havilland Halford H-1 turbojet, the XP-80 first flew on 8 January 1944 at Muroc Dry Lake. Two prototypes were built, one powered by the H-1 and a second by a General Electric I-40; both proved the concept and led directly to production P-80 orders.
Variants
The XP-80 led to the XP-80A, YP-80A pre-production aircraft, and the production P-80A; the airframe later evolved into the T-33 trainer.
Where you'll see it
Pure experimental aircraft; the two XP-80 prototypes were not used operationally. Production P-80As arrived in Europe too late to see Second World War combat.
Related aircraft
- Lockheed F-80 Shooting Star
- Lockheed XP-58 Chain Lightning
- Lockheed NC-121K Warning Star
- Lockheed P-80A Shooting Star
- Arado E.580
- Bell XP-77
- Blohm & Voss BV 155
- Curtiss SC Seahawk
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