ONLINE ENCORE - Militaria Auction
Lot 2259a:
Description
This is a remarkable mid-century aviation training aid featuring a Lockheed F-80C Shooting Star main landing gear assembly mounted in a custom mobile tubular steel transport frame. The unit showcases the sophisticated hydraulic systems of America’s first successful operational jet fighter, including a Pacific Aviation Inc. hydraulic cylinder (Serial No. 1384, Ref. 663123) and the rugged “L-S” marked Lockheed structural components. Multiple original data plates are present, identifying this as “Trainer Flight Equipment” with drawing No. 702530-600, manufactured by Lockheed Aircraft Service Inc. in Burbank, California, for the U.S. Air Force. Historical research into Order No. AF 14355 indicates this unit was likely part of a post-WWII procurement contract for technical training aids used by the Air Training Command (ATC) during the transition to the Jet Age in the late 1940s. The piece serves as a fascinating cross-section of Cold War engineering, complete with original stenciling such as “CHECK THAT HOOKS ARE COCKED BEFORE FLIGHT.” The assembly shows authentic service wear, surface oxidation on the hydraulic cylinder housing, significant dust accumulation from long-term storage, and expected aging of the rubber tire and hydraulic lines, though it remains structurally sound on its wheeled display rack. Please see photos for condition. H 60″, W 48″, D 68″.
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