North American T-2C Buckeye

The Buckeye was designed in 1956 in response to a Navy requirement for a multi-purpose jet trainer.  The first version of the aircraft used a single J34 jet engine and in this configuration the first flight was made in January 1958.  Deliveries to training squadrons began in 1960.  At the same time a program to redesign the Buckeye with two more modern jets was underway.  This resulted in the T-2B, which entered Navy service in 1965.  In 1969, even more efficient engines were fitted to the Buckeye resulting in the T-2C.  The new General Electric J85 engine produced the same performance for significantly lower costs.    The Buckeye began to be replaced in Navy service in the 1990s by the T-45 Goshawk.   

Service History

Manufactured by North American Aviation, Columbus, Ohio and delivered to the U.S. Navy in July 1970.

Assignments between 1970 and 1974 are unknown.

March 1974                 Training Squadron 23 (VT-23), Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas.

August 1975                Training Squadron 10 (VT-10), Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida.

November 1982          Training Squadron 4 (VT-4), Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida.

1996                            Training Wing 6 (CTW-6), Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida.

April 2003                   Loaned to Pima Air & Space Museum by the National Naval

Manufacturer
North American

Markings
Carrier Training Wing 6 (CTW-6), Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida

Designation
T-2C

Serial Number
157050