T-38 Talon Trainer Jet

Manufacturer: Northrop Corporation
Category: Bombers & Strategic Aircraft
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Maximum Speed Mach 1.3
Range 1,140 miles
Payload Capacity Limited external stores (training only)
Crew 2

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name	T-38 Talon
Manufacturer	Northrop Aircraft
Country of Origin	United States
Introduction / In Service Since	1961 / Yes
Status	Active
Category	Supersonic Trainer
Crew	2
Unit Cost	~$1 million (historical)

2. Dimensions & Structure

Length	46 ft 4 in
Wingspan	25 ft 3 in
Height	12 ft 10 in
Wing Area	170 sq ft
Empty Weight	7,200 lb
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	12,700 lb

3. Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 1.3
Range	1,140 miles
Combat Radius	N/A (trainer only)
Service Ceiling	50,000 ft
Rate of Climb	33,600 ft/min

4. Powerplant

Engine Type	2× GE J85-5A turbojets
Thrust (per engine)	2,900 lbf
Total Thrust	5,800 lbf

5. Payload & Armament

Internal Payload Capacity	None
Weapons Bay	None
Compatible Weapons	Training stores only
Hardpoints	Limited (training configurations)

6. Avionics & Systems

Radar System	None
Navigation	Modernized digital avionics (T-38C)
Electronic Warfare (EW)	None
Stealth Features	None

7. Operational History

Primary Operator	United States Air Force
Conflict Usage	None (trainer aircraft)
Notable Missions	NASA astronaut proficiency & chase aircraft use

8. Additional Information

Variants	T-38A, T-38B, T-38C
Successor / Future Replacement	T-7A Red Hawk
Notable Features	Supersonic training capability
Estimated Operational Life	Through late 2020s–2030s

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

4.4

Stealth Capability 3 / 10
Payload Capacity 3 / 10
Range & Endurance 6 / 10
Electronic Warfare 4 / 10
Maintenance Efficiency 6 / 10

PROS

Proven, reliable platform with over 60 years of service
Supersonic performance ideal for fighter transition training
Low operating and maintenance costs
Upgraded avionics in T-38C variant
Widely used by USAF and NASA

CONS

Aging airframe with structural fatigue concerns
Limited avionics compared to modern trainers
Not designed for combat missions
Narrow landing gear increases runway handling difficulty
Lacks modern safety systems found in newer platforms

T-38 Talon

The Northrop T-38 Talon remains one of the most iconic training aircraft in U.S. Air Force history, serving as the world’s first supersonic jet trainer and a benchmark for pilot development since the early 1960s. Designed to transition student aviators into high-performance fighter and bomber cockpits, the T-38 continues to play a vital role in preparing pilots for aircraft such as the F-22, F-35, B-1B, and B-52.

Powered by twin General Electric J85 turbojet engines, the T-38 achieves speeds up to Mach 1.3 while maintaining exceptional fuel efficiency and low operating costs. Its lightweight airframe, narrow profile, and responsive handling make it ideal for advanced aerobatics, formation flying, and tactical maneuver instruction. The aircraft’s range of approximately 1,140 miles allows for extended training operations without the need for frequent refueling.

Although the T-38 Talon was not designed as a combat aircraft, it is equipped with basic training-mode hardpoints capable of carrying external stores for weapons simulation. The cockpit has been incrementally upgraded with digital avionics, HUD displays, and improved navigation systems to align with modern fighter aircraft training requirements.

The T-38 has supported generations of U.S. Air Force pilots, NASA astronauts, and international partners. Its proven durability and adaptability have kept it operational for over six decades, with upgraded variants such as the T-38C extending service life and enhancing safety. The Talon will eventually be replaced by the Boeing-Saab T-7A Red Hawk, but it remains a core platform for fighter lead-in training.

T-38 Talon Price in US

While the T-38 is no longer in production, its estimated historical unit cost ranged between $0.8–1.2 million (1960s dollars). Modern maintenance and upgrade packages significantly increase lifecycle expenses, but the aircraft is valued for its low operational cost compared to contemporary trainers.

Reviews

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Stealth Capability:

8
Payload Capacity:

8
Range & Endurance:

8
Electronic Warfare:

8
Maintenance Efficiency:

8
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