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Boeing Skyfox

The Boeing Skyfox is an American twin engined jet trainer aircraft, a highly upgraded development of the Lockheed T-33.

It was designed as a primary trainer to compete with and replace the Cessna T-37 Tweet.

Besides its primary role as a trainer, the aircraft was envisioned to have other roles as well, including ground attack.

The program was started by the Skyfox Corporation in 1983, and was acquired by Boeing in 1986.

The program included the replacement of the Allison J33-A-35 turbojet by two Garrett TFE731-3A turbofans.

It also included an extensive redesign of the airframe.

Only one prototype aircraft was built, and the program was later cancelled due to lack of customers.

The first Skyfox converted was an ex-Canadian Forces Canadair CT-133 Silver Star which was formerly a Silver Star 3AT.

This particular aircraft, produced in 1958, had construction number T.33–160 and serial number RCAF21160.

It was struck off charge on 10 November 1970 and was sold through Crown Assets Disposal Corporation to Leroy Penhall/Fighter Imports in 1973.

It was then sold to Murray McCormick Aerial Surveys in 1975.

Its next owner was Consolidated Leasing in 1977.

The Skyfox was sold to the Skyfox Corporation, carrying the U.S. civilian registration number of N221SF, on 14 January 1983, and went to the Flight Test Research in August of that year.

After conversion to the Skyfox configuration it flew its first flight as the Skyfox prototype on 23 August 1983, nearly 35.5 years after the first flight of the T-33.

Race and test pilot Skip Holm performed the initial flight test at the Mojave Airport, California.

The Skyfox prototype was white overall, with black cheat lines, and a very pale blue trim.

The Skyfox Corporation was not able to find any buyers for the aircraft, despite its price and capability.

However, in 1986, Boeing Military Aircraft Company saw potential, and purchased the marketing and production rights.

Even though Portugal signed a letter of intent for 20 conversion kits, no other nation signed on, and faced with a lack of customers, Boeing cancelled the project.

The prototype aircraft remains the only Skyfox built.

Specifications

Crew

2

Length

46 ft 0 in (14.02 m)

Wingspan

38 ft 10 in (11.84 m)

Height

12 ft 4 in (3.76 m)

Wing area

239.2 sq ft (22.22 m2)

Airfoil

6.68:1

Empty weight

10,284 lb (4,665 kg)

Gross weight

16,235 lb (7,364 kg) (clean)

Max take-off weight

20,000 lb (9,072 kg)

Fuel capacity

779 US gal (649 imp gal; 2,950 L) internal

Powerplant

2 × Garrett TFE731-3A turbofan,

3,700 lbf (16 kN) thrust each

Performance

Maximum speed

505 kn (581 mph, 935 km/h) at optimum altitude

Range

1,960 nmi (2,260 mi, 3,630 km) (internal fuel)

Ferry range

2,947 nmi (3,391 mi, 5,458 km)

Service ceiling

50,000 ft (15,000 m)

G limits

+7.33, -3.5

Rate of climb

7,500 ft/min (38 m/s)

Armament

6,000 lb (2,700 kg) external stores.

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