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1956 Canadair Т-33АН Silver Star
- February 1, 2023
Canadair CL-30 Silver Star for Sale — Canadian-Built T-33 Jet Trainer
The Canadair CL-30 Silver Star is the Canadian-manufactured variant of the Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star jet trainer, produced under license by Canadair in Montreal for the Royal Canadian Air Force. Distinguished from American T-33s by its Rolls-Royce Nene 10 centrifugal-flow turbojet in place of the Allison J33, the Silver Star produced more thrust and offered improved single-engine performance characteristics compared to the standard T-33, making it a popular and capable trainer that served Canada from the early 1950s through the 1970s. Today, surviving CL-30 Silver Stars are sought-after jet warbirds that combine manageable operating costs with genuine Cold War Canadian military heritage. Airplane Trade maintains listings for the Canadair CL-30 Silver Star for serious warbird buyers and sellers.
Development and Service
Canadair produced 656 Silver Stars between 1952 and 1959, designated CT-133 in RCAF service. The decision to use the Rolls-Royce Nene engine rather than the American J33 was driven partly by Commonwealth industrial policy and partly by the Nene's superior thrust output, which gave the Silver Star better performance at altitude and improved single-engine handling characteristics compared to the standard T-33. The Nene was a centrifugal-flow design of considerable reliability and relative simplicity, qualities that made it well-suited to the training role where student pilot errors placed higher demands on engine durability than in operational squadrons.
The RCAF used the Silver Star extensively for advanced jet pilot training, instrument flying training, and lead-in instruction for pilots transitioning to the CF-100 Canuck and later the CF-104 Starfighter. A number of Silver Stars were also provided to France and Turkey under military aid programs, and the type served with several other air forces in trainer and utility roles. Canada retired its last CT-133s in 2005, making it one of the longest-serving T-33 variants of any nation.
Technical Specifications — Canadair CL-30 Silver Star
- Engine: Rolls-Royce Nene 10 centrifugal-flow turbojet, 5,100 lb thrust
- Maximum speed: 543 mph (472 knots) at altitude
- Cruise speed: Approximately 400-430 knots
- Service ceiling: 48,000 ft
- Range: Approximately 1,200 miles with tip tanks
- Seats: 2 (tandem)
- Wingspan: 38 ft 10 in
- Length: 37 ft 9 in
- MTOW: 14,442 lb
The Silver Star as a Civilian Warbird
The Canadair Silver Star shares most of its airframe commonality with the American T-33, which means that parts and maintenance expertise developed for the large worldwide T-33 fleet are broadly applicable to the CL-30. The main distinction is the Nene engine, which is supported by specialists in jet engine overhaul with experience on this centrifugal-flow design. Several Silver Stars have operated successfully in civilian hands for decades, appearing at airshows and in formation flying events across Canada and the United States.
The tandem two-seat configuration is particularly valued in the warbird community for its ability to carry a qualified pilot or passenger who can share the full jet flying experience. The Silver Star's gentle handling characteristics and forgiving power response make it more accessible to transitioning warbird pilots than some higher-performance jets, while its performance envelope is still impressive by any standard. Operating costs, while significant, are lower than for more complex swept-wing jets.
Civilian Operation Requirements
CL-30 Silver Stars in civilian operation typically hold FAA Experimental Airworthiness Certificates in the Exhibition or Air Racing categories. Pilots require valid jet aircraft type ratings and demonstrated experience on similar aircraft. Insurance requires specialist coverage through providers experienced in ex-military jet warbird operations, and preflight planning must account for the limited fuel capacity relative to the Nene's consumption at lower altitudes where the centrifugal engine is less efficient than axial designs.
Find a Canadair CL-30 Silver Star on Airplane Trade
Browse Canadair CL-30 Silver Star listings on Airplane Trade to find aircraft from private Canadian warbird collections, estate representatives, and specialist dealers. Our marketplace provides detailed aircraft specifications, service histories, and direct seller contact for each listing. Whether you are a Canadian warbird collector seeking a piece of RCAF history or an international buyer looking for an affordable jet warbird, Airplane Trade connects you with the Silver Star market efficiently and professionally.