Northrop T-38 Talon

The supersonic trainer built to prepare generations of fighter pilots.

Northrop T-38 Talon – NASA © NASA/Tony Landis

Overview

Northrop Grumman United States ICAO: T38 1961–1972 Active $756,000 (1961)

The Northrop T-38 Talon is a twin-engine supersonic jet trainer developed for the United States Air Force. Designed in the late 1950s, it became the first supersonic trainer in the world. The aircraft has trained thousands of military pilots.

Live Fleet Activity (T38)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × General Electric J85-5A
Engine type
Jet
Thrust
2 × 3,850 lbf · 17 kN
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
2
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
46 ft 5 in  ·  14.14 m
Tail height
12 ft 10 in  ·  3.92 m
Fuselage diameter
3 ft 3 in  ·  1.00 m
Wing span
25 ft 3 in  ·  7.70 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
12,500 lb  ·  5,650 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
1,400 lb  ·  650 kg
Fuel capacity
580 gal · 2,200 L · 1,800 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
745 kt  ·  857 mph  ·  1,380 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
133 kt  ·  153 mph  ·  246 km/h
Range
991 nm  ·  1,140 mi  ·  1,840 km
Fuel burn
1.69 nm/gal  ·  0.83 km/L
Ceiling
50,000 ft  ·  15,200 m
Rate of climb
33,600 ft/min  ·  171 m/s
Takeoff distance
3,700 ft  ·  1,130 m
Landing distance
4,500 ft  ·  1,370 m
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A U.S. Air Force Northrop T-38A-65-NO Talon

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Operational Context

Northrop T-38 Talon — supersonic jet trainer

The T-38 first flew in 1959 and entered service in 1961. Derived from the F-5 fighter, it featured a slim fuselage and swept wings optimized for high-speed performance. The aircraft was designed to provide student pilots with experience in supersonic flight.

Powered by two General Electric J85 engines producing approximately 2,900 pounds of thrust (13 kN) each, the T-38 can exceed Mach 1.3. Maximum takeoff weight is around 12,700 pounds (5,760 kg). The tandem cockpit configuration supports advanced flight instruction.

The Talon has served for more than six decades and continues to be used in updated variants. Its longevity reflects a robust and adaptable design. The T-38 remains one of the most significant military trainers in aviation history.