The T-38 Talon is a twin-engine, high-altitude, supersonic jet trainer that first flew in 1959. Manufactured by Northrop Corporation, it has served the US Air Force for over six decades due to its reliability, performance and low operating costs.
T-38 Talons first took flight in 1959. They are a twin-engine, high-altitude, supersonic jet trainer used in a variety of roles because of its design, economy of operations, ease of maintenance, high performance, and exceptional safety record. Air Education and Training Command is the primary user of the T-38 for joint specialized undergraduate pilot training.
T-38s have proven to be an airframe capable of serving a myriad of roles. When the US Air Force’s Thunderbird flight demonstration squadron changed from F-4s in 1974, they chose the T-38 due to its low maintenance cost and high performance. The US Navy also purchased T-38s for the Top Gun training program, while the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) utilized the Talon for flying chase on the Space Shuttle landings and astronaut transportation.
In 1957, Hill Air Force Base assumed primary maintenance and supply duties for the T-38 and continues to provide maintenance support for these aircraft today. Northrop manufactured the T-38A on display in 1962 and it served at US Air Force bases in Texas and Taiwan. In 1979, this aircraft was transferred to the Ogden Air Logistics Center for use as an undergraduate pilot trainer. It went on permanent display at the Hill Aerospace Museum in 1992.
Serial Number: 61-0824
Manufacturer: Northrop Corporation
Primary Function: Aircraft Training
Crew: Two (Student and Instructor)
Engines: Two General Electric J85-GE-5A turbojets; 3,850 lbs thrust each with afterburner
Wingspan: 25 ft 3 in
Length: 46 ft 4.5 in
Height: 12 ft 10.5 in
Weight: 11,761 lbs (maximum); 7,410 lbs (empty)
Speed: 812 mph (maximum); 578 mph (cruising)
Range: 1,093 miles
Service Ceiling: 45,000 ft
Armament: None
Years of Service: 2009 – Present
The T-38 Talon is a twin-engine, high-altitude, supersonic jet trainer that first flew in 1959. Manufactured by Northrop Corporation, it has served the US Air Force for over six decades due to its reliability, performance and low operating costs.
T-38s are primarily used for pilot training by Air Education and Training Command. The aircraft has also served with the Thunderbirds flight demonstration squadron, the Navy’s Top Gun program and NASA for astronaut training and Space Shuttle chase operations.
Yes, the T-38 Talon remains in active US Air Force service today. First entering service in the 1960s, the aircraft continues to serve as an excellent way to train pilots due to its exceptional safety record, ease of maintenance and supersonic capabilities.
Yes, the T-38 is capable of supersonic flight. With a maximum speed of 812 mph and powered by two engines producing 3,850 pounds of thrust each with afterburner, it can exceed the speed of sound!
The T-38 Talon has two General Electric J85-GE-5A turbojet engines. Each engine produces 3,850 pounds of thrust with afterburner, which gives the aircraft its supersonic capability and excellent performance for training missions.
No, the T-38 Talon carries no armament. As a training aircraft, it focuses on teaching pilots fundamental flying skills, advanced maneuvers and supersonic flight operations rather than combat capabilities.
Yes, the US Air Force Thunderbirds flight demonstration squadron flew the T-38 starting in 1974. They selected the Talon when transitioning from F-4 Phantoms due to its low maintenance costs, excellent fuel efficiency and exceptional maneuverability.
Hill Air Force Base assumed primary maintenance and supply duties for the T-38 in 1957 and continues providing maintenance support today. This long-standing relationship demonstrates the base’s crucial role in keeping the Air Force’s training fleet operational.
This T-38 went on permanent display at Hill Aerospace Museum in 1992. Manufactured by Northrop in 1962, it served at bases in Texas and Taiwan before being transferred to the Ogden Air Logistics Center in 1979.