North American designated the Sabreliner to meet the USAF UTX (Utility Trainer Experimental) requirement in 1956. The prototype first flew in September, 1958. It was powered by two General Electric YJ-85 turbojet engines, each rated at 2,500 lbs. of thrust.
The USAF ordered the T-39A version, which used two Pratt & Whitney J60-P-3 turbojets, each rated at 3,000 lbs. of thrust.
Different versions of the T-39 were equipped as a radar systems trainer for the F-105D, electronic warfare crew training for the F-105G, radar intercept officer training, and bombardier/navigator training.
North American also sold the Sabreliner as a civil transport.
TYPE: Cargo/Trainer
CREW: Three
CAPACITY: 5-7 passengers
ENGINE: 2-Pratt & Whitney J60-P-3
RANGE: 2,500 MI
SPEED: 550 MPH
CEILING: 40,000 FT
LENGTH: 44 FT
HEIGHT: 16 FT
WINGSPAN: 44 FT 6 IN
EMPTY WEIGHT: 9,257 LBS
MAX TAKEOFF WEIGHT: 17,760 LBS