Northrop T-38 Talon

30 Nov 2025 · © Unknown

This particular T-38 features a glossy black scheme, often seen at airshows and used occasionally by the USAF Test Pilot School.

0 likes 0 comments

Comments (0)

No comments yet.

More like this

McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) F-15D Eagle

Boeing (formerly McDonnell Douglas) C-17A Globemaster III

Boeing (left - KC-135), Rockwell (right - B-1) KC-135 Stratotanker (left) and B-1B Lancer (right)

Sikorsky Sikorsky HH-3E 'Jolly Green Giant'

Aircraft

T-38 Talon T-38

Standard military (gloss black variant)

Airline

United States Air Force (USAF)

USAF

Manufacturer

Northrop

Insights

Aviation History

The Northrop T-38 Talon is the world’s first supersonic jet trainer and has been used by the United States Air Force and NASA for decades to train pilots, including many astronauts.

Fleet Rarity

Over 1,100 produced; several hundred still active, primarily in the United States, but being gradually replaced; quite uncommon outside of military operator open days and airshows.

Record Flights

Notable for being the primary naval and air force supersonic jet trainer; set a number of early jet training records post introduction.

Safety & Events

Generally has a very good safety record for a jet trainer, with only a few high-profile accidents; widely recognized for its reliability.

Future Outlook

Gradually being replaced by Boeing/Saab T-7 Red Hawk; some airframes being preserved for museum use.

Specifications

2 × General Electric J85-GE-5 turbojets

Engine

7.70 m

Wingspan

14.13 m

Length

1,835 km

Range

Mach 0.9 (approximately 985 km/h)

Speed

2 crew (student + instructor)

Capacity

5,443 kg

MTOW

3.92 m

Height

2,900 lbf (13 kN) each (dry), 3,850 lbf (17.12 kN) with afterburner

Thrust

ICAO Chapter 2/3

Noise

Exact tail number not visible; specification and operator inferred from standard T-38 characteristics and presence at typical USAF airshows.