The T-38 Talon is a twin engine, high altitude, supersonic jet trainer. It is primarily used by the Air Education and Training Command to train pilots in supersonic techniques, aerobatics, formation flying, night and instrument flying and cross country navigation. The T-38 only needs 2,300 feet of runway to take off and can climb to 30,000 ft in one minute. TheT-38 is also used by various NATO nations as well as NASA to train astronauts and chase plane pilots for Space Shuttle Program.

T-38 Talon Specifications

General characteristics

• Mission: Advanced Jet Pilot Trainer

  Contractor: Northrop Corp.

  Crew: Two
• Length:46’ 4”
• Wingspan: 25’ 3”
• Height: 12’ 10”
• Empty weight: 8,300 lb
• Max takeoff weight: 15,100 lb
• Powerplant:    2 x General Electric GE J85-GE-5 Turbojets w/afterburners
• Base: Laughlin AFB
• Performance
• Maximum speed: Mach 1.08 (812 mph)
• Range:   1,000 miles
• Service ceiling:   50,000 ft +

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