Northrop T-38 Talon

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10 May 2026 · © Old Man

Spott d at fbo at FSM

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General Dynamics / Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon

Aircraft

T-38 Talon T-38

U.S. Air Force standard trainer grey/black

AF 66 378

Registration

Airline

U.S. Air Force

Manufacturer

Northrop

Gear

I phone 16 Pro Max

Achievements

Vintage Voyager, Military Maverick

2 badges earned

Location

Fort Smith Regional Airport

FSM/KFSM

35.3366, -94.3674

Open map

Fort Smith Regional Airport FSM

Airport

Insights

Aviation History

The Northrop T-38 Talon is the world’s first supersonic jet trainer and has been a mainstay of U.S. military pilot training since the 1960s.

Fleet Rarity

While once common, the T-38 fleet is aging. Hundreds remain in service (mainly with USAF), but retirement plans are underway.

Record Flights

Used extensively for supersonic flight training and astronaut preparation by NASA; not known for commercial records.

Safety & Events

Has had multiple minor and several high-profile incidents, mostly involving training accidents.

Future Outlook

Planned to be replaced by the Boeing T-7A Red Hawk in coming years; some airframes expected to be preserved in museums.

Specifications

2 × General Electric J85-GE-5A turbojet

Engine

7.7 m

Wingspan

14.1 m

Length

1,835 km

Range

858 km/h

Speed

2 (tandem seating)

Capacity

5,443 kg

MTOW

3.9 m

Height

2 × 12.7 kN (2,900 lbf)

Thrust

Approximately 126 dB (not ICAO rated, military aircraft)

Noise