<p>Once in fairly widespread service with the USAF, the Sabreliner today accounts for only a handful of airframes. The design was launched on 27 August 1956 to a USAF requirement for a utility aircraft able to undertake a variety of training, liaison and rapid transport tasks. The initial T-39A variant accounted for 143 aircraft, and was also the spur for the parallel civil development for an executive jet. Most of the T-43As were used for communications work, including the rapid delivery of reconnaissance film.
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<p>Further USAF variants included six T-39Bs with radar noses for training F-105 pilots, and three T-39Fs converted from T-39As for electronic warfare training. The designation CT-39A was applied to aircraft converted with seven-seat interiors and strengthened landing gear.
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<p>The vast majority of T-39s were retired in the 1980s, but two still serve with the 12th FTW at Randolph, assigned to the Instrument Flight Center, while a very small number is assigned to the Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards AFB on a variety of test purposes, having previously flown with the 4950th TW at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH.
