North American Aviation’s first jet trainer, the T-2 Buckeye, made its first flight in 1958. Built at the Columbus, Ohio, plant, the trainer took its name from the state’s nickname. Its primary customer was the U.S. Navy and it was used for both basic and advanced training. First designated the T2J-1, it had a 38-foot 1-inch wingspan. Later versions were used as multipurpose aircraft and designated the T-2. North American built 609 Buckeyes until 1973 and some remained in service through the 1990s.