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`The T-39 was developed by North American Aviation, Inc. as a private
venture to meet a USAF requirement for a twin jet utility trainer. The
prototype T-39 made its first flight on September 16, 1958. In January
1959, the USAF placed a production order and on June 30, 1960, the first
production T-39A made its initial flight. In all, 143 T-39As and 6 T-39Bs
were built for the USAF, another 62 T-39 variants were produced for the
Navy. After the bulk of military contracts had been met, the Sabreliner
entered the commercial market where it became a highly successful executive
jet transport.
WR-ALC supported the communication and navigational systems
in the T-39 during its USAF service. The "Sabreliner" on display
was delivered to the USAF in February 1963 and assigned to the 2848th
Air Base Wing
at Norton AFB, CA. It later served with several units in Europe and was
retired from the 1402nd Military Airlift Squadron at Maxwell AFB, AL
in May 1985 and flown to the Museum for display. |
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