CT-133 Silver Star

The CT‑133 Silver Star is a Canadian‑manufactured version of the Lockheed T‑33 Shooting Star, produced by Canadair from 1953 to 1957 under licence. Designed as a two‑seat jet trainer, the aircraft entered Royal Canadian Air Force service in 1955, where it quickly became the backbone of pilot instruction and a versatile platform for liaison, reconnaissance and weapons‑testing duties. Powered by a General Electric J33‑A‑35 turbojet delivering 5,600 lbf of thrust, the Silver Star could reach 600 km/h and a ceiling of 12 500 m, offering cadets exposure to jet‑age performance while retaining the forgiving handling of its prop‑driven predecessors. Distinctive features include the ventral fuel tank, a reinforced nose‑up elevator control system for carrier‑type manoeuvres, and the ability to carry light armament such as rockets or machine‑gun pods for weapons training. Over 640 units were built, many serving for three decades before being retired in the 1990s. Their longevity and adaptability cemented the CT‑133’s reputation as a reliable workhorse, influencing later Canadian jet trainers and contributing to the nation’s aerospace industry growth. Today, restored Silver Stars grace airshows and museums, symbolising Canada’s early jet‑training heritage and its pivotal role in advancing post‑war aviation capabilities.

Canadair

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