NORTHROP T-38 “TALON”€

1961’€“ Present

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The T-38 is an aging jet aircraft that remains in significant global use for U.S. military advanced training, NASA research, and various roles in other countries.
  • It boasts impressive performance specifications, including a top speed of 858 mph, a Mach 0.9 cruise, and an exceptional 720° per second roll rate.
  • Though production ceased in 1971, the aircraft has seen variants like the weapon-capable T-38B and the electronically retrofitted T-38C, with some units eventually entering private ownership in the U.S.
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STANDARD DATA: Seats (ejection) 2. Gross wt. 12,000. Empty wt. 7,615. Engines two 3,850-lb. General Electric J-85-GE-5A turbojets.
PERFORMANCE: Max speed 858 mph. Cruise Mach 0.9. Range 1,090. Ceiling 53,500′.

Though aging, the T-38 is still in heavy use around the world, from advanced jet training for the U.S. military to research applications with NASA, as well as in various roles in a variety of countries. The aircraft boasts a 720° per second roll rate. The T-38A ended production in 1971. A variant, the T-38B has a gunsight and a centerline pylon which can be fitted with a gun pod or bombs. The latest variant, the T-38C employed older airframes retrofitted with new, electronic instrumentation. Several T-38s have made their way back into the U.S. in private hands.

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