Our Aircraft’s History

Canadair CT-133 “Silver Star” (MCN T-33-553; S/N 133353) ~ The Silver Star is a jet trainer aircraft that was built via contract from Lockheed Corporation for the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Very little information is known on the aircraft, though research is still on-going.  Below is what is known so far:

  • November 1970 – Renumbered from RCAF S/N 21553
  • March 1978 – Used for battle damage repair training, used for spare parts
  • October 1986 – Classified as an Instructional Airframe #868B
  • April 1989 – struck off

MAPS Air Museum obtained the wreckage and is awaiting its turn in the restoration building.

Specifications/Performance

  • Role: Jet Trainer
  • National Origin: Canada
  • Manufacturer: Canadair (via Lockheed contract)
  • First flight: December 1952
  • Retired: 2005 (Canadian Forces)
  • Built: 656
  • Crew: 1 or 2
  • Length: 37 ft 8 in
  • Wingspan: 42 ft 5 in
  • Height: 11 ft 8 in
  • Empty weight: 8,440 lb
  • Max takeoff weight: 16,800 lb
  • Engine: 1 x Rolls-Royce Nene 10 turbojet, 5,000 lbf
  • Max speed: 570 mph
  • Range: 789 mi
  • Service ceiling: 47,000 ft

Armament, notable

  • none (Silver Star Mk 3AT was an armed variant)

Museum display note: undetermined, still in storage and awaiting significant renovation (see below photos)

Developed from: Lockeheed T-33 “Shooting Star”

Replaced by: Beechcraft CT-156 “Harvard II” (Canada’s Beechcraft T-6 “Texan II” designation)