Northrop T-38 Talon

Zion 🇺🇸

19 Apr 2026 · © Unknown

NASA Northrop T-38 Talon trainer jet on display at night. The T-38 is iconic for its long career supporting astronaut training and Space Shuttle missions.

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Comments (1)

Kiwi Aviation · 19 Apr 2026

Excellent!

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Aircraft

T-38 Talon T38

NASA

Airline

NASA

Manufacturer

Northrop

Achievements

Rare Bird, Vintage Voyager, Night Owl, Military Maverick

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Insights

Aviation History

The Northrop T-38 Talon is the world’s first and most produced supersonic jet trainer, in service since 1961 and used by both the USAF and NASA for astronaut training and chase plane missions.

Fleet Rarity

Relatively rare outside military/government use; still in NASA and USAF fleets but largely retired worldwide.

Record Flights

Famous for supersonic training at NASA and USAF; not specifically known for distance records but key in high-speed pilot training.

Safety & Events

Numerous safe NASA flights for training and as chase planes for various high-profile missions including Space Shuttle landings.

Future Outlook

Some still flying with NASA and USAF, but being phased out (to be replaced by Boeing-Saab T-7 Red Hawk).

Specifications

General Electric J85-GE-5A turbojets

Engine

7.7 meters

Wingspan

14.13 meters

Length

1,835 kilometers

Range

Mach 0.95 (about 1,080 km/h)

Speed

2 (crew)

Capacity

5,443 kilograms

MTOW

3.92 meters

Height

2 x 2,050 kgf (20.1 kN) each

Thrust

93 dB (typical, varies by configuration, pre-dates ICAO modern Chapter 3/4 standards)

Noise