Northrop T-38 Talon

26 Jul 2026 · © Unknown

This Northrop T-38 Talon, painted in a striking heritage livery for the 75th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force, taxis after a demonstration at an airshow.

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Aircraft

T-38 Talon T-38

Special 75th Anniversary Livery (U.S. Air Force heritage star field artwork on tail and fuselage)

Airline

United States Air Force

Manufacturer

Northrop

Gear

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max back triple camera 6.765mm f/1.78

Achievements

Vintage Voyager, Livery Legend, Military Maverick

3 badges earned

Photo grade

Score: 63.0

Screen glare and TV logo detract, but the special livery and cockpit detail are interesting—try to shoot direct from field next time!

Location

Wittman Regional Airport

OSH/KOSH

43.9844, -88.5570

Open map

Wittman Regional Airport OSH

Airport

Insights

Aviation History

The Northrop T-38 Talon is the world’s first supersonic jet trainer, introduced in 1961. It has served as the U.S. Air Force’s advanced jet trainer for decades and has also flown with NASA and in other roles.

Fleet Rarity

Still in service with USAF and NASA but slowly being replaced by the T-7 Red Hawk; many have been retired.

Record Flights

The T-38 has not set major distance or route records, but has been crucial in pilot training for many of the USAF’s greatest aviators.

Safety & Events

Used as a trainer and chase aircraft by NASA. Over its lifetime, the T-38 has had a solid safety record but has experienced some non-fatal incidents due to age.

Future Outlook

Remaining airframes are being updated or will be replaced by the Boeing-Saab T-7A Red Hawk within the decade.

Specifications

2 × General Electric J85-GE-5 turbojets

Engine

9.68 m

Wingspan

14.13 m

Length

1,835 km

Range

Mach 0.9 (1,100 km/h)

Speed

2 crew (pilot and instructor/student)

Capacity

5,443 kg

MTOW

3.92 m

Height

2 × 12.67 kN (2,900 lbf) dry thrust each

Thrust

ICAO Chapter 2, ~110 dB

Noise