Northrop T-38 Talon

30 Mar 2026 · © SSGTRocky

Northrop T-38 Talon (USAF, Beale AFB 'BB' tail code) seen on the ramp, canopies open, under clear skies. This supersonic trainer remains a staple of military pilot training.

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Aircraft

T-38 Talon T-38

Standard USAF black trainer livery (Beale AFB markings)

404 (tail number visible)

Registration

Airline

US Air Force (not an airline, but an operator)

Manufacturer

Northrop

Gear

iPhone 17 Pro Max

Achievements

Vintage Voyager, Military Maverick

2 badges earned

Location

FBO

March Air Reserve Base · RIV/KRIV

33.8807, -117.2590

Open map

March Air Reserve Base RIV

Airport

Insights

Aviation History

The Northrop T-38 Talon is the world\'s first supersonic jet trainer, introduced in 1961 and still in service with the US Air Force for advanced pilot training and as a companion trainer for U-2 and B-2 crews.

Fleet Rarity

Hundreds built; still in use with many airframes active but gradually being retired. This specific BB tail code marks it as a Beale AFB aircraft, where usage is rarer compared to trainer bases.

Record Flights

One of the longest serving jet trainers in history; operated by NASA for astronaut training and used by elite demo teams as well as routine Air Force training. Notable for its role at Beale AFB supporting U-2 training.

Safety & Events

A number of non-fatal incidents, but mostly noted for extremely safe operations over decades. Used by NASA during Apollo-era training missions.

Future Outlook

Gradual retirement planned; to be replaced by Boeing-Saab T-7 Red Hawk. Some T-38s will likely be preserved in museums or used for research/parts.

Specifications

2 × General Electric J85-GE-5 turbojets

Engine

7.8 m

Wingspan

14.1 m

Length

1,835 km

Range

Mach 0.9 (972 km/h)

Speed

2 (pilot instructor/student)

Capacity

5,443 kg

MTOW

3.9 m

Height

Each engine: 2,050 lbf (9.1 kN) dry, 2,900 lbf (13 kN) with afterburner

Thrust

Not rated in ICAO civil standards (military jet, typically 120 dB at takeoff)

Noise