Northrop T-38 Talon

Harveyy 🇬🇧

2h ago · © Unknown

NASA Northrop T-38 Talon supersonic trainer on display with New York City skyline in the background.

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Aircraft

T-38 Talon T-38

NASA

Airline

NASA

Manufacturer

Northrop

Gear

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max back triple camera 6.765mm f/1.78

Achievements

Rare Bird, Vintage Voyager, Skyline Symphony, Military Maverick

4 badges earned

Photo grade

Bronze

Score: 70.0

Urban skyline backdrop adds intrigue, but poles and chains in foreground clutter the scene and the plane is not fully in frame.

Insights

Aviation History

First supersonic jet trainer introduced for the U.S. Air Force in the 1960s. Used extensively by NASA for astronaut training and transportation.

Fleet Rarity

Active in limited numbers; fewer than 200 airframes in worldwide operation, primarily with NASA and a few other operators.

Record Flights

No world records but has a record for longevity as a supersonic trainer, and extensive NASA/Astronaut service history.

Safety & Events

Numerous minor incidents; used extensively in notable NASA missions for crew readiness, chase, and training.

Future Outlook

Being retired and replaced by newer trainers; some preserved in museums.

Specifications

General Electric J85-GE-5

Engine

9.68 m

Wingspan

14.13 m

Length

1,835 km

Range

Mach 0.95 (1,123 km/h)

Speed

2 (crew)

Capacity

5,443 kg

MTOW

3.92 m

Height

2 × 2,900 lbf (12.9 kN) each

Thrust

Not rated under current ICAO chapters (military jet)

Noise