North American T-39 Sabreliner

1958


BUSINESS TRANSPORT	Virtual Aircraft Museum / USA / North American

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.

Specification

MODEL	Sabreliner 65
ENGINE	2 x Garrett TFE731-3-1D turbofans, 1678kg
WEIGHTS
Take-off weight	10886 kg	24000 lb
Empty weight	6420 kg	14154 lb
DIMENSIONS
Wingspan	15.37 m	50 ft 5 in
Length	14.30 m	47 ft 11 in
Height	4.88 m	16 ft 0 in
PERFORMANCE
Cruise speed	0.81M	0.81M
Ceiling	13715 m	45000 ft

Comments

1-20 21-40 41-60 61-80

Robert simmons, e-mail, 29.12.2022 02:16

Spent 14 of my 20 years in Air Force working on the t39 started in 1963 at Langley on the first ones we got there spent a year then was in North Africa for a year then back to Langley and back on the saber liner again for three more years flew as flight mechanic we had ten planes there for tac sic command 2 b models 593873 and 592874 the rest were a models in 1967 was shipped to ramstenat that time it was headquarters for 17th Air Force had two a models 624470 and 624478 for the commander flew all over Europe on many flights man slates was the ip an outstanding officer to work with at that time general Yeager was deputy commander flew several times with him went to Thailand from there for a year working on b66s then back to Langley my last 8 years we had 624496 as our primary aircraft for tac commander and 634495 as backup did a lot of taxing in Germany and Langley very easy aircraft to tAxl besides the two b models we also had 624494 624498 624495 624496 61640 61647 624501 624502

BRIAN SIMMERS, e-mail, 11.03.2023

Robert simmons

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

Bob Archer, e-mail, 09.03.2020 18:29
I would like to contact John Caton and anyone else who supported the Cuban Missile Crisis with T-39 missions. Please contact me on email carlscroop@aol.com Many thanks Bob Archer
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Rodney Bell, e-mail, 26.02.2018 03:46
My first duty assignment was at Randolph AFB, 1971 T-39 Base Flight....I was Ass't Crew Chief on LGEN George B. Simler's T-39....Got my first stick time in back in 72. Sweet aircraft...!
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William R. Buchanan, e-mail, 20.02.2021

Rodney Bell

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.

I was Tech Sgt Robesons assistant from 69 to 71 on 0678 or Gen Simlar's Personal T39. I was the person who painted it over at Kelly AFB when we upgraded it to rival Gen Browns plane, (Off White and Very Light Gray in early 71. I was sent to Scott AFB to learn C9 Hospital Ships and ran the phase Dock at Clark AFB in the Philippines in 72-73. I was also on a first name basis with Maj Gaston O Bush (mentioned in another post) who was one of the finest officers I ever met in my service.

Small World Huh?

Bill Hallisey, e-mail, 26.08.2017 18:47
Want to share stories and connect with fellow Air Force T-39 crew chiefs and maintenance personnel stationed in Weisbaden from 1969 to 1972. I was a crew chief on flying status. Probably landed in most air bases and airports in Europe at one time or another. whall27425@aol.com
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Robert Simmons, e-mail, 31.12.2022

Bill Hallisey

Bill was at Ramstein 1967 to 1970 had seventh Air Force saber liners two them

Rafael Velez, e-mail, 10.05.2021

Bill Hallisey

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.

Dave Hansen, e-mail, 22.03.2017 04:06
as a non flying enlisted, I supported the Scatback mission at NKP after they signed the Pease with Honor Accords.. I have not heard the first discouraging remarks from anyone who was associated with this wonderful airframe. Scatback March 73 to October 73, NKP, in support of the United States Support Activities Group (USSAG)
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Patrick Spino, e-mail, 21.02.2017 20:46
Hello to everyone contributing here regarding the T-39 Sabreliner. I was a Sgt stationed USAF Wiesbaden '69-'71, 2063rd Comm Sq. I met Maj. Gus Bush (Texan) who piloted the T-39 (on SAM) and he offered to take me on a trip. A buddy of his who had just rotated out of Sheppard for Wiesbaden co-piloted with Gus; the mission consisted of several touch & goes at various strips in Italy to orient the co-pilot of these airstrips before landing in Athens for a couple of nights. This trip was the highlight of my 4 years served. I loved jets since I was a kid and to be in the T-39 flying over the Swiss Alps, the Leaning Tower of Pisa as well as coming in on final approach to Athens while looking down on the turquoise waters of the Med, are experiences I'll never ever forget! Thanks so much, Major Gus Bush!
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Larry Miller, 28.12.2016 23:29
Bill Hallisey, I was stationed at Wiesbaden during the same time you where there 1970 -1972. I worked in the T-39 Phase Dock doing both Minor and Major Aircraft Inspections along with assisting with aircraft modifications. We put in some long hrs. sometimes and I got to know each aircraft and their crew chiefs. Over all it was Great Duty.
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Rafael Velez, e-mail, 29.03.2022

Larry Miller

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

Larry Miller

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

Marcus White, e-mail, 26.12.2016 18:58
I was stationed at Norton AFB in California from 1975 thru 1979. I was in the 63 OMS and I was the crew chief for aircraft 610647. Used to polish the leading edge slats almost daily. Whenever the pilot requested me to empty the blue water from the toilet I knew what their plans were. Or if they were to request for me to fly the plane but for me to bring an overnight bag for what was to be a 4 hour flight I knew we were going to flying near Nellis. As soon as we got near Nellis they would call me to the cockpit and stare at one of the gauges. Fuel flow was one of their favorites. It would bounce around and for a split second exceed the maximum. I would red X the aircraft and we would land at Nellis. Of course I would call my squadron and inform them I needed a engine specialist. It would take two days to get him there. So of course I would spent those two days in Las Vegas. The specialist would arrive and I would run the engines for him. He would inform his people that he needed a replacement fuel flux flow transmitter or something of the like and it would take two days to arrive. Another two days in Vegas. What a life. I also was TDY in Japan at Yokota AB for a few months to assist with some T39's there. Best times of my life.
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Ember Gidion, e-mail, 18.02.2022

Marcus White

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.
I have to say that was one of my best experiences in life. I got to travel to a lot of places in both the U.S. AND OVERSEAS. It gave me 1 year of electronics education as well as MUCH more responsibility. This along with degree in Electronic Engineering really was very helpful getting a career in the Aerospace Defense field. I truly believe that EVERY young person should have to serve for at least 3 to 4 years in our military!
How was your experience? Did you enjoy your time in service?
Do you still live in Southern California?
I hope life has been great for you and Thank you for your service (really).

Jess Hennell, e-mail, 25.11.2016 23:36
I was asst crew chief and flight mech on the T-39A aircraft 62-4453 at Peterson Field and crew chief on 624474 then 624462 at RAF Lakenheath then they moved 62-4462 RAF Mildenhall. I had 5 years on these aircraft it was the best 5 years of my 21. I have a face book groupe
T-39A Flight Mech and Crews it's open to all T-39 guys do come and join it would be great to hear from you. Also if any of the guys I worked with see this do drop an e mail
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Rick Fluke, e-mail, 07.08.2022

Jess Hennell

Jess:
Just ran across your comments on being a crew chief on T-39s at Peterson Field. Were you there during 65-66 ??

As a young E-3 I was a member of the HQ ADC briefing team and had many trips in one special T-39 along with M /Gen Preuss, Col Bennett(?) and MajTom Ferrara.

If my memory is correct the bird was "Smokey 462". If in fact that was the correct tail number, I got to fly on it again when it was assigned to the "Scatback" flight at TSN during 66 /67.

I remember one particular flight while at ADC - we were on
let down into Langley AFB when we had a Duck hit the ring
on the Starboard engine - Big WHAM! and the aircraft veered
sharply before it straightened out. Just glad it wasn't ingested by the engine !!

Ah, to be so young again! But can you affirm whether the
correct tail number was 462 or perhaps 426 ??

Rick Fluke
SMSgt USAF (Ret)

Dannny Howser, e-mail, 05.01.2022

Jess Hennell

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

Jess Hennell

What happened to 62-4462? I worked on it at Wethersfield in the 62-65 timeframe.

Wayne Tisdale, e-mail, 30.09.2016 00:18
I was fortunate enough to fly on T-39's as a inflight crew chief at Westover AFB, from 67 -68. Worked for Msgt Ledger. In 1970 I was assigned to Tan Son Nhut, Viet Nam, and once again was an inflight crew chief for the Scat Back Airlines. That was a real busy assignment, flew 6 days in a row hustling courier material to ever base with an improved runway up and down Viet Nam and over to the bases inThailand. The long hours helped pass the time.
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ROBERT S, e-mail, 04.07.2016 04:15
WAS ACREW CHIEF FLIGHT MECHANIC FROM 63TO66 Langley AFB VA WAS CREW CHIEF FOR 17 AF COMMANDER RAMSTEIN GERMANY 67 TO 70 FLEW ALL OVER EUROPE FLEW WITH GEN YEAGER SEVERAL TIMES WAS BACK AT LANGLEY FROM71TO79 WHEN RETIRED FLEWAGAINE AS FLIGHT MECHANIC ALL OVER THE US REALLY A GOOD AIRPLANE TO FLY ON AND WORK ON WHILE AT LANGLEY WORKED ON TAC COMMMANDERS AIRCRAFT HAVE BEEN TRYING TO FIND OUT WHERE SER NO 624477 IS AAND 624470 THE TWO PLANES I HAD IN GERMANY
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Brian Simmers, e-mail, 12.03.2022

ROBERT S

Dear Robert,
I was stationed at Langley AFB 73-76 and was a crew chief on 59-2873. If this reaches you please reach outThanks Brian S

Anonymous, e-mail, 08.01.2023

Brian Simmers

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

Anonymous

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

Anonymous

John caton, e-mail, 24.04.2016 20:18
If there is anyone that wants to know where the T39 they use to work on is, write me at jfc0600@aol.com I found a cite that gives its location or if it was sold to a foreign country. Love to hear from any T39 enthusiast . This plane had a role in the cuban missel crisis that was not known but by a very few individuals.
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Robert Simmons, e-mail, 29.12.2022

John caton

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

John caton

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

Rafael Velez

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

Brian Simmers

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.

john caton, e-mail, 24.04.2016 20:02
I spent 14 years out of 20 working and flying on T39s. For those who also did the same I understand the relationship with this aircraft. Met so many great crew chiefs , they had pride in their plane and work. I was so greatful to have assignments that allowed me to work on and fly with over 2600 loged hours. The tail # 61638 that Carl Arend was asking about is in Laredo Texas as of Apr 2006
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Bill Hallisey, e-mail, 04.03.2016 01:19
I was a crew chief /flight mechanic on T-39's at Wiesbaden Germany from 1970 thru 1972. We referred to our mission as the Wiesbaden Air Base Taxi Stand. Worked with a great group of fellow Air Force personnel.
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Rafael Velez, e-mail, 13.10.2021

Bill Hallisey

I was a mechanic on T-39 station at Wiesbaden from 1970 to 1972. Was a great assignment.

DALE, e-mail, 03.02.2016 04:37
I worked on t39s at tan son nhut vietnam 68-69 scatback det 1 460 trw tail #504 the picture above looks like 675 at tan son nhut
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Granpa, e-mail, 26.05.2015 18:36
The text omits mention of the Sabre 75 and 75A.
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J. J. Henderson, e-mail, 19.03.2015 21:25
C.M.Koskowski, I also was at Andrews AFB from 1969-1972 assigned to the T-39's. I was the crew chief for two years on T-39 call sign "Pacer 94". I also remember General Daniel "Chappie" James and you are right, he was a great guy that treated all of us the same.
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C.M.Koskowski, e-mail, 19.02.2015 17:50
I was a crew /flight mech. on the t-39 at Andrews from 1969-1971.Flow with Senator Barry Goldwater and General Danie "Chappie James jr first African American four-star general what a nice person, many a store to tell. Lots of good times at Andrews and flying around country on the T-39.
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Carl Arend, e-mail, 08.01.2015 06:56
I was a crew chief on tail # 10638 @ Offutt Nebraska in 1980 &1981, Does anyone know where she might be resting now? She was a scrap yard in Nevada but heard she other saved,to e a gate relic at Kessler AFB
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Dave Clipner, e-mail, 01.12.2014 02:16
I had for 2 years from July 65 to Jul 67 on a slow Saturday morning at Ramey AFB,Puerto Rico to fill the ramp with VC-39's and VC140's. Flight time for desk pilots to get hours for pay. They came to play the Golf Course at the base.. Many came during the fall into spring time. I can remember many GCA's and ILS's into the base. Those 2 types came the closest to controlling a fighter that I had. As Ramey was a SAC base with BUFF's and Gas Passers. I don't think that Andrews had any of those type left at home..When the thoughts turned to golf at Ramey...Very fond memories of an Approach Controller /Air Traffic USAF..
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