Lockheed had an early lock on military jet trainer production in the United States with its very successful two-seat derivative of the P-80/F-80 Shooting Star, the T-33A/TV-2. As good as the T-Bird was, Lockheed believed a much more capable trainer could be developed from the basic T-33 design. As a private venture, under the guidance of Kelly Johnson, Lockheed sought to improve the instructor's visibility and the aircraft's low speed handling characteristics. These changes, along with a redesigned and strengthened landing gear, would allow the aircraft to be considered for a carrier trainer