The Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star was an American military jet fighter developed during the Second World War. Renamed F-80 in 1948, it subsequently fought in Korea as both a fighter and a ground-attack aircraft. Its prototype and production versions used different engines.[1]Lockheed XP-80 Lulu BelleNational Air and Space Museum · airandspace.si.edu · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details[2]Lockheed F-80C Shooting StarU.S. Air Force · secretsdeclassified.af.mil · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Wartime development
Clarence “Kelly” Johnson's team began work in June 1943 under exceptional secrecy. A makeshift factory incorporating engine crates and a circus tent became an early home of the organisation later known as Skunk Works. The XP-80 prototype, Lulu Belle, used a British Halford H-1B engine and first flew on 8 January 1944 with Milo Burcham at the controls.[1]Lockheed XP-80 Lulu BelleNational Air and Space Museum · airandspace.si.edu · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Testing did not proceed without setbacks: an inlet failure and a cracked engine delayed the programme. Larger XP-80A aircraft with a different powerplant followed in 1944. Four service-test YP-80s went to Britain and Italy, but the type did not establish a wartime combat career comparable to the piston fighters it was intended to replace.[1]Lockheed XP-80 Lulu BelleNational Air and Space Museum · airandspace.si.edu · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Production aircraft
The F-80C carried six .50-calibre machine guns and could also use rockets and bombs. Its Allison J33 turbojet produced 5,400 pounds of thrust. The change from P-80 to F-80 reflected the Air Force's replacement of “pursuit” by “fighter” in its designation system, rather than the introduction of an entirely new aircraft.[2]Lockheed F-80C Shooting StarU.S. Air Force · secretsdeclassified.af.mil · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Korean War service
The Shooting Star undertook day-fighter, fighter-bomber and reconnaissance work in Korea, with reconnaissance performed by specialised versions of the family. Ground attack became a central part of its service as more advanced fighters appeared. Aircraft 49-696, preserved by the National Museum of the United States Air Force, flew combat missions with the 8th Fighter-Bomber Group and reached the museum in 1979.[2]Lockheed F-80C Shooting StarU.S. Air Force · secretsdeclassified.af.mil · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details