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Military Training Aircraft ·North American

T-2 Buckeye

American trainer aircraft, active from 1950s to 2000s, extensively utilized for pilot training in the United States Navy. Key figures: top speed 838 km/h, range 1,683 km, service ceiling 13,533 m, max takeoff weight 5,931 kg, unit price $1M, built 529.

Max speed
838km/h
Range
1,683km
Produced
529units
Avg unit price
$1 million
North American T-2 Buckeye military training aircraft side profile drawing
Side profile · North American T-2 Buckeye · length 11 m
Technical SpecificationsVersion: T-2C
Crew2
Length11 m (36.1 ft)
Wingspan11.6 m (38.1 ft)
Height4.5 m (14.8 ft)
Wing area24 m² (258.3 sqft)
Empty weight3,652 kg (8,051 lbs)
Max. takeoff weight5,931 kg (13,076 lbs)
Powerplant2 × turbojets General Electric J85-GE-4 1,338 kgf each
Ejection seatNorth American LS-1
PerformanceVersion: T-2C
Maximum speed838 km/h (521 mph)
Operational range1,683 km (1,046 mi)
Service ceiling13,533 m (44,400 ft)
Climb rate31.5 m/s (103.3 ft/s)
Operators — 2026
No country is operating the T-2 Buckeye in 2026.
All Operators
🇬🇷 Greece· 🇺🇸 United States· 🇻🇪 Venezuela

Description

The T-2 Buckeye was a training aircraft on which more than 11,000 pilots of the US Navy and Marine Corps were trained. It was used to train pilots for various missions such as carrier operations, instrument flying, gunnery and bombing, high altitude and high-speed formation flying, and aerobatics.

Design

The T-2 was a highly reliable aircraft, stable, and easy to maneuver, equipped with a sturdy landing gear. The pilot and instructor, sitting in tandem with dual controls, had excellent visibility. The Buckeye could carry an offensive load consisting of machine gun pods, rockets, and bombs.

Variants

The initial versions T-2A and T-2B were replaced in 1973 by the T-2C, which featured more powerful General Electric engines. Two variants of the T-2C were also developed for export: the T-2D for Venezuela and the T-2E for Greece. Recently retired from service after more than 40 years and 315 units built, the T-2 Buckeye was replaced in the United States by the T-45 Goshawk, derived from the British Hawk.

Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and other open sources. Illustrations generated by AI. Last updated on 5 August 2026. Suggest a change

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of aircraft is the T-2 Buckeye?
The North American T-2 Buckeye is a military training aircraft aircraft developed by North American and entered service in 1959.
What is the maximum speed of the T-2 Buckeye?
The North American T-2 Buckeye has a maximum speed of 838 km/h (520 mph).
What is the range of the T-2 Buckeye?
The North American T-2 Buckeye has an operational range of 1,683 km (1,045 miles). This range can vary based on payload, altitude, and mission profile.
When did the T-2 Buckeye first fly?
The North American T-2 Buckeye made its first flight on January 31, 1958. It entered operational service in 1959.
How many T-2 Buckeye have been built?
Approximately 529 units of the North American T-2 Buckeye have been produced since it entered service in 1959.
How much does a T-2 Buckeye cost?
The North American T-2 Buckeye has an estimated unit cost of approximately $1.0 million. Actual prices vary based on configuration, quantity ordered, and included support packages.
What is the service ceiling of the T-2 Buckeye?
The North American T-2 Buckeye has a service ceiling of 13,533 meters (44,399 feet). This is the maximum altitude at which the aircraft can maintain controlled flight.
Compare This Aircraft
T-2 Buckeye vs
Hawk L-39 Albatros M-346 Master T-38 Talon T-45 Goshawk
Latest Data Updates
  1. AUG 52026 Updated Climb rate added
  2. JUL 232026 Updated Sources and cross-references refreshed
  3. APR 72026 Updated Sources and cross-references refreshed
  4. APR 52026 Updated Ejection seat added
  5. JAN 122026 Updated Range updated in a site-wide editorial pass