Draft:Lockheed NT-33A

(Redirected from Draft:NT-33A)
  • Comment: Two copies of this page have been created, in draft space and in article space. It is not necessary to create two copies of the same page, and it annoys the reviewers. This is sometimes done in order to bypass Articles for Creation review. However, if a submitter is ready to have the article in article space, it can be moved into article space, rather than creating a copy. It is common for a page that has been duplicated in draft space and in article space to be nominated for deletion or proposed for deletion.
    If the article is kept, this draft should be redirected to the article. If the article is deleted, this draft may be kept for future improvement. Robert McClenon (talk) 17:24, 23 January 2024 (UTC)
  • Comment: Is this about the NT-33A or the NC-33A? Robert McClenon (talk) 17:23, 23 January 2024 (UTC)
  • Comment: Hi Folks,
    The creation editor seems to have a wee bit of problem adding in footnotes to the article, but I think is notable. The half-formed references are at the bottom of the article, waiting to go. I would do it, but I have the Convair NC-131H TIFS to fix, which has the footnotes sitting next to the refs waiting to go in, as well. Hope somebody fixes it. scope_creepTalk 21:15, 22 January 2024 (UTC)

The Lockheed NC-33A, an in-flight simulator, played a significant role for several decades in supporting various Department of Defense projects. With its versatile capabilities, the NC-33A served as a tool for studying the flight characteristics, cockpit displays, control sticks, and flight control design of numerous aircraft models, including the X-15, A-10, F-15, F-16, F-18, F-117, and F-22. In addition to its research contributions, the NC-33A was utilized for training numerous U.S. Air Force and Navy test pilots.

NT-33A
NT-33A in flight.
Role In-Flight Simulator
Manufacturer Lockheed
First flight 1957
Introduction 1958
Retired 1998
Status Retired, in storage at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
Primary user United States Air Force
Produced 1957
Number built 1
Developed from Lockheed T-33

In the late 1950s, the NT-33A underwent a transformation from a standard T-33 trainer with the nose of an F-94, to a versatile platform capable of simulating the flight characteristics of different aircraft. This transformation was achieved through advanced programming, enabling the NT-33A to accurately replicate the flight profiles of various aircraft types. Furthermore, the NT-33A was equipped with an innovative "artificial feel" system, reproducing the unique characteristics of the stick and rudder controls of the simulated aircraft. When the evaluation pilot manipulated the controls in the front seat, the NT-33A mirrored the response of the simulated aircraft. To ensure safety, a safety pilot occupied the rear seat, equipped with standard controls to take over in case of computer malfunctions or if the simulation presented overly challenging situations.

The responsibility of modifying, operating, and maintaining the aircraft was entrusted to the Calspan Corporation, formerly known as the Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory. Over its 40-year service period, the NT-33A, under Calspan's guidance, played an important role in conducting numerous research programs nationwide. The NT-33A conducted its last research project in April 1997, and it was placed on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in August 1997. Then moved to storage.

Timeline of development

edit
? Constructed as a T-33A-1-LO by Lockheed at Burbank, California, USA.
1957 Loaned to Calspan Corporation, Buffalo, NY.

Converted to a NT-33A.

Converted with F-94 nose.

By November 1986 Transferred to 6512th Test Squadron, Edwards AFB, CA.
22 April 1997 Transferred to Air Force Flight Test Center, Edwards AFB, CA.

The final assignment was at Edwards before hand over to USAF Museum. At the time it was the oldest active aircraft in the USAF inventory.

April 1997 Ferry flight. Delivered to National Museum of the United States Air Force, Wright Field, Dayton, OH.
August 1997 Placed on display at National Museum of the United States Air Force

References

edit

“ NT-33A". National Museum of the United States Air Force™. Retrieved 2023-09-20.

“ NT-33A". National Museum of the United States Air Force™. Retrieved 2023-09-20.

Lockheed T-33". Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia . Retrieved 2023-09-20.

“Aerialvisuals". Airframes Database . Retrieved 2023-09-20.