The T-38 Talon is a twin-engine, high-altitude, supersonic jet trainer developed and produced by Northrop Grumman between 1959 and 1972, and used primarily for pilot training. The U.S. Air Force acquired 1,100 of the aircraft before production ended. In addition to being used to train U.S. Air Force pilots, the T-38 Talon is also used to train NASA astronauts.Fox News: Air Force Jet Crashes in California Desert (May 21, 2009)
On May 21, 2009, a T-38 Talon crashed near Edwards Air Force Base in the California desert at around 1:15 p.m. Officials had no immediate information on the cause of the crash.Fox News: Air Force Jet Crashes in California Desert (May 21, 2009)
Specifications
- Length: 46 feet, 4 1/2 inches
- Height: 12 feet, 10 1/2 inches
- Wingspan: 25 feet, 3 inches
- Speed: 812 mph (Mach 1.08 at sea level)
- Ceiling: Above 55,000 feet
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 12,500 pounds
- Range: 1,000 milesFAS: T-38 Talon
References
Fast Facts
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T-38 Talon
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Developed and produced by Northrop Grumman
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Produced between 1959 and 1972
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Was the world's first supersonic trainerOfficial Site: T-38 Talon
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The U.S. Air Force is the largest user of the T-38 TalonOfficial Site: T-38 Talon
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The U.S. Air Force bought 1,100 T-38 Talons before production of the aircraft was discontinued
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More than 500 of the aircraft are currently in use by the U.S. Air Force and NASAOfficial Site: T-38 Talon
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The last T-38 was delivered to the Air Force in 1972Official Site: T-38 Talon
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Northrop Grumman has produced a replacement wing for the T-38 Talon to help extend the aircraft's life until 2020 or beyondOfficial Site: T-38 Talon
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The aircraft are constructed of aluminum alloys with surfaces reinforced with internal honeycombOfficial Site: T-38 Talon
