T-39A “Sabreliner”

At the time the T-39A Sabreliner was built, the USAF issued a specification that required the manufacturer to design and fly a prototype as a private venture, with no guarantee of a production order. North America was already pursuing the idea of a small jet transport and adapted its early concepts for the prototype of the Sabreliner.  

Designed as a utility aircraft that could be used for combat-readiness training, the T-39A was tested in June 1960, and deliveries were made later that year to the USAF Training Command.  

The Museum’s T-39A was manufactured by North American Aviation and delivered to the Air Force on August 16, 1963. It was dropped from the inventory and delivered to us on July 3, 1985.