The Rockwell T-39 Sabreliner was an American utility transport and trainer used by the US Air Force and Navy during the Cold War period. Remaining in production for almost three decades, this military aircraft was an ideal VIP transport, liaison, and radar trainer. All military Sabreliners were certified to civil airworthiness standards. Sweden, Argentina, and Bolivia were the only nations to receive this utility transport plane outside the Americas.
The prototype of the Rockwell (North American) T-39 Sabreliner performed its maiden flight on September 16, 1958. It was introduced into service with the US Air Force in July 1962 as the T-39A. The US Navy would also acquire this military aircraft in 1963. As the first batch was delivered, the USAF realized this aircraft would be ideal as a radar trainer for the Republic F-105D Thunderchief. For this purpose, the nose of the aircraft was enlarged to house the R-14 radar and the APN-131 Doppler, and it was designated T-39B.
The US Navy also recognized the Sabreliner suitability in the radar training role and ordered a naval version to train pilots and radar operators for its F-8 Crusaders and F-4 Phantoms. Thus, the first 42 naval variants were originally designated T3J-1, which was equipped with Magnavox APQ-94 radar. The T-39F was a version used by the USAF in training for the 'Wild Weasel' role developed during the Vietnam War. The aircraft would gain some success in the civil market as the Sabreliner 40, 60, 65, 75, and 80.
Technical Description
The Rockwell T-39 Sabreliner was a twin-engine monoplane, with an all-metal fuselage. It featured low swept wing. As a matter of fact, the aircraft had a distinct swept wing profile reminiscent of the North American F-100 Super Sabre interceptor. The wing of the T-39 had an incredibly raked angle for a subsonic utility transport. The trailing edge flaps were electrically operated. The aircraft was powered by two Pratt & Whitney J60-P-3 turbojet engines, each of which generated 3,000 pounds of thrust.
Specifications
Type: utility transport/trainer
Length: 13.34 m (43 feet, 9 inches)
Wing Span: 13.54 m (44 feet, 5 inches)
Wing Area: 31.82 m2 (342 square feet)
Height: 4.88 m (16 feet)
Power Plant: two 3,000-lb, Pratt & Whitney J60 turbojet engines.
Maximum Cruising Speed: 808 km/h (501 mph)
Range: 3,138 km (1,945 miles)
Service Ceiling: 13,700 m (45,000 feet)
Accommodation: two pilots and provision for up to ten passengers.
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| Above, the Rockwell Sabreliner in service with the US Navy. |
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| The T3J-1 (T-39B) variant |
