T-2C Buckeye

The T-2 Buckeye series was designed and manufactured by North American Aviation (later part of Rockwell International) in Columbus, Ohio, beginning in the mid-1950s to fulfill the U.S. Navy’s requirement for a cost-effective, jet-powered trainer aircraft. The prototype, designated YT2J-1, took its maiden flight on January 31, 1958, and the aircraft officially entered service in 1959 as the T-2A. Drawing design elements from earlier models like the FJ-1 Fury, the Buckeye was engineered for versatility, enabling it to perform a wide array of training missions including high-speed formation flying, aerobatics, navigation, instrument training, gunnery, bombing, and carrier operations.

Subsequent variants improved upon the original design, with the T-2B introducing twin Pratt & Whitney J60 engines in 1965 for enhanced performance. The T-2C, released in 1969, represented the pinnacle of the series, equipped with more powerful twin General Electric J85-GE-4 turbojets, each delivering 2,950 pounds of thrust. This upgrade made the T-2C the most produced model, with 231 units manufactured out of a total 529 Buckeyes built by 1970. Its robust construction and reliability allowed it to serve as a carrier-capable intermediate trainer, preparing thousands of Navy and Marine Corps pilots for advanced jet aircraft.

The T-2C Buckeye was exported to allied nations such as Greece and Venezuela, extending its influence beyond U.S. borders. It remained in active U.S. Navy service until its retirement in 2008, when it was succeeded by the T-45 Goshawk.

Today, a few examples continue to fly in private hands, underscoring the aircraft’s enduring legacy as a cornerstone of naval aviation training. Authentic materials from the T-2C embody this rich history, making them a perfect choice for custom tags that honor aviation heritage.

•  Crew: 2 (student pilot in front, instructor in rear)

•  Length: 38 ft 3.5 in (11.67 m)

•  Wingspan: 38 ft 1.5 in (11.62 m) over tip tanks

•  Height: 14 ft 9.5 in (4.51 m)

•  Wing Area: 255 sq ft (23.7 m²)

•  Empty Weight: 8,115 lb (3,680 kg)

•  Maximum Takeoff Weight: 13,179 lb (5,977 kg)

•  Powerplant: 2 × General Electric J85-GE-4 turbojets, each producing 2,950 lbf (13.1 kN) thrust

•  Maximum Speed: 522 mph (840 km/h, 454 kn) at 25,000 ft (7,600 m)

•  Stall Speed: 100 mph (160 km/h, 87 kn)

•  Range: 1,046 mi (1,683 km, 909 nmi)

•  Service Ceiling: 40,400 ft (12,300 m)

•  Rate of Climb: 6,200 ft/min (31 m/s)

•  Armament: Provisions for training weapons on 2 underwing pylons (expandable to 6 with kit), including gun pods (e.g., 0.50-caliber), bombs, rockets, or tow targets

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