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North American T-39 Sabreliner1958 | ![]() |
BUSINESS TRANSPORT | Virtual Aircraft Museum / USA / North American |
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Successful in both civil and military markets, the North American NA-246 Sabreliner was developed originally as a private venture although the programme launch, announced on 27 August 1956, was in response to the US Air Force UTX (Utility Trainer Experimental) specification issued ealier in that month. Laid out with a six-seat interior and to be flown by a two-man crew, the civil-registered prototype was completed in May 1958, although the lack of suitable engines delayed the first flight, which took place at Los Angeles, until 16 September. The initial powerplant comprised two 1134kg thrust General Electric YJ85 turbojets and, thus powered, the prototype completed its military evaluation programme at Edwards Air Force Base in December 1958. A month later the Sabreliner won its first order, for seven NA-265 or T-39A aircraft with 1361kg thrust Pratt & Whitney J60 engines. Military production eventually totalled 213 aircraft. All military models of the T-39 series were certificated to civil airworthiness standards, beginning with the T-39A on 23 March 1962. North American then launched the commercial version, which was type approved as the NA-265-40 Sabreliner 40 on 17 April 1963. Since then civil production of all models, including the final model, the Sabreliner 65A, totalled well over 600 aircraft when the last aircraft came off the line in 1981. Rockewell International's Sabreliner Division was acquired in 1983 by the specially formed Sabreliner Corporation of St Louis, Missouri to continue product support. At the end of 1990 the company completed the design of a new version of the Sabreliner designated the Model 85. This has a supercritical wing incorporating winglets, a fuselage stretch of 1.5m, and more powerful TFE731-5 turbofan engines, but further development will require a risk-sharing partner.
William R. Buchanan, e-mail, 20.02.2021 ![]() Rodney I don't remember you and just happened across this site. You must have came in right after I was sent to the PI. Robert Simmons, e-mail, 31.12.2022 ![]() Bill was at Ramstein 1967 to 1970 had seventh Air Force saber liners two them Rafael Velez, e-mail, 10.05.2021 ![]() I was stationed at Wiesbaden AFB from 1970-72 as a T-39 mechanic flight line and jet docks. Flew as Flight mechanic sometimes. Like to communicate with some of the old workers there. It was fun being stationed there. I remember the Big Ben and Featherstall bars. The T-39 was a great bird. I studied aviation and was an airline pilot for 38 years retiring as Intl Captain on B-777. I flew for PanAm and Delta. Was based in Berlin on B-727. Rafael Velez, e-mail, 29.03.2022 ![]() I was a T-39 mechanic at Wiesbaden from 1970-1972. I also worked at the Jet hangar and also the flight line. My aircraft was 62-4471. I think you were my roommate for a while. Are you from Idaho? Let me know. I became a pilot for 40 years and retired as a B-777 captain for Delta. Rafael Velez, e-mail, 13.10.2021 ![]() I was station at Wiesbaden from 1970-1972. I work at the hangar and then the flight line on the T-39. I think you were my roomate for a while. Let me know how your doing. I live in Florida as a retired airline captain. Sincerely, Rafael Ember Gidion, e-mail, 18.02.2022 ![]() Hey Marcus, what a small world. I was just thinking if we ever ran into each other. I to was stationed at Norton AFB between 1972-1975 in the 63rd MAW as a Master Sargent. I was a Radar, Communication and Navigation Technician. I worked on the flight line, in launch trucks, docks and in the shop. I trouble shot any problems that worked off of electricity on any and all aircraft tat was on or flew into Norton. Then trouble shot and repaired any of these systems ‘black boxes’ including instrumentation in the shop, replaced tested and sometimes flew with some of the superstitious pilots crews. Also keyed in daily ‘Friend or Foe’ codes for aircraft. Rick Fluke, e-mail, 07.08.2022 ![]() Jess: Dannny Howser, e-mail, 05.01.2022 ![]() Jess, I was at Mildenhall when you and the T-39 were transferred from Lakenheath. I was a flight mechanic on the C-47’s and later T-29’s. You and I were in Base Flight. Do you remember a flight to Ramstein in the T-39 and during refueling the SPR receptacle failed? I was on a trip in. The T-29 and we’re diverted to pickup your crew and pax. If I recall correctly there was a General Officer onboard the T-39. Ron Obernier, e-mail, 11.02.2021 ![]() What happened to 62-4462? I worked on it at Wethersfield in the 62-65 timeframe. Brian Simmers, e-mail, 12.03.2022 ![]() Dear Robert, Anonymous, e-mail, 08.01.2023 ![]() BriAn we worked together at Langley were you there when we were up at the big hanger where the big airplane were or down at the other end by the t birds BRIAN SIMMERS, e-mail, 13.03.2023 ![]() I was at both areas at Langley when they moved us, I presume to make room for the F-15's when we were reassigned from 4500 CAMS to the First Tactical Fighter Wing in 75-76 I think. BRIAN SIMMERS, e-mail, 11.03.2023 ![]() Hey Bob, Robert Simmons, e-mail, 29.12.2022 ![]() John weren’t you and I at Langley at the same time I was a tech sgt at the time I think we used to work together on flight line do you have any information on 624470 or 624478 the airplanes I had at ramstrin ger send me a e mail sometime Rafael Velez, e-mail, 13.10.2021 ![]() I like to know what happen to T-39 I work on at Wiesbaden AFB. Tail number 66-4461.(1970-1972). Brian Simmers, e-mail, 28.03.2022 ![]() If you are referring to Tail # 62-4461, she is on display at Warner-Robbins AFB Macon Ga. Goggle the Tail # and it will come up. Rafael Velez, e-mail, 29.03.2022 ![]() I will look it up and probably drive there to see it. It was my intro to aviation. After discharge I study aviation in Florida. I had a 40 year career as a pilot with National /PanAm /Delta. I retired as a B-777 as an international Captain. Thanks a lot for the info. Rafael Velez, e-mail, 13.10.2021 ![]() I was a mechanic on T-39 station at Wiesbaden from 1970 to 1972. Was a great assignment.
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Hey Bob,
I worked for /with you at Langley 1974-1976 on the flight line working on the T-39's. This may help you to remember me, when I was discharged in Sept 1976 you bought a motorcycle from me a Honda 450 cc. just wondering how are you doing. Answering your question on the big hanger, I was there when we moved from the east end to the west end to the big hanger, around the same time the F-15"s arrived.
Thanks Brian
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