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 redesigned and strengthened landing gear, would allow the aircraft to be considered for a carrier trainer.