Mission

USN -- Fixed wing training aircraft for the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School.

Description

The T-38 Talon is a twin-engine, high-altitude, supersonic jet trainer originally developed for and primarily used by the Air Force Air Education and Training Command (AETC) for undergraduate pilot and pilot instructor training. The aircraft is the primary fixed wing curriculum training asset at the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School and is used to train students in a variety of roles, including aircraft handling and flight characteristics, transonic performance and system integration.  In addition to the AETC, the Air Force Air Combat Command (ACC), Air Mobility Command (AMC) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) also use the T-38 in various roles because of its design, economy of operations, ease of maintenance, high performance, and exceptional safety record.

Specifications

Primary Function: Training jet for U.S. Naval Test Pilot School.
Date Deployed: 1961.
Propulsion: (2) J85-GE-5 turbojet engines each producing 2,900 pounds (1,315 kilograms) of thrust with afterburners.
Length: 46 feet, 4 1/2 inches (14 meters).
Wingspan: 25 feet, 3 inches (7.6 meters).
Height: 12 feet, 10 1/2 inches (3.8 meters).
Weight: Max. gross, take-off: 12,500 pounds (5,670 kilograms).
Airspeed: 812 mph (Mach 1.08 at sea level).
Ceiling: 55,000+ feet (16,667 meters).
Range: Max. 1,000 miles (870 nautical miles).
Crew: Two.
Prime Contractors:  Northrop Grumman & General Electric

Program Status

Production Phase: Operational
Inventory: 10