T-38C Talon
The world’s first supersonic, two-seat jet trainer that has been in service for more than 50 years.
T-38C Modernization & Sustainment
The U.S. Air Force has relied on the T-38C to train multiple generations of pilots. Boeing is helping modernize and sustain the Air Force’s fleet so the trainer aircraft can continue preparing pilots for their future missions.
In addition to providing performance-based logistics support for the trainer’s avionics system, Boeing designs and installs modernization upgrades including the integration of new mission computers and heads-up displays.
An Enduring Platform
The T-38 Talon was the world’s first supersonic trainer when it first flew in 1959. Tens of thousands of Air Force pilots have trained on the T-38, with the student and instructor sitting in tandem rocket-powered ejection seats.
Boeing provides support for the T-38C variant of the trainer aircraft, which incorporates a glass cockpit with integrated avionics displays and a head-up display, very similar to what pilots can expect with modern fighter and bomber aircraft.
The T-38 needs as little as 2,300 feet (695.2 meters) of runway to take off and can climb from sea level to nearly 30,000 feet (9,068 meters) in one minute.
Technical Specifications
| Manufacturer | Northrop Corp. |
| Power Plant | Two General Electric J85-GE-5 turbojet engines with afterburners |
| Thrust | 2,050 pounds dry thrust; 2,900 with afterburners |
| Thrust (with PMP) | 2,200 pounds dry thrust; 3,300 with afterburners |
| Length | 46 feet, 4 inches (14 meters) |
| Height | 12 feet, 10 inches (3.8 meters) |
| Wingspan | 25 feet, 3 inches (7.6 meters) |
| Speed | 812 mph (Mach 1.08 at sea level) |
| Ceiling | Above 55,000 feet (16,764 meters) |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight | 12,093 pounds (5,485 kilograms) |
| Range | 1,093 miles |
| Armament | T-38A/C: none; AT-38B: provisions for practice bomb dispenser |
| Unit Cost | $756,000 (1961 constant dollars) |
| Crew | Two, student and instructor |
| Date Deployed | March 1961 |
| Inventory | Active force, 546; ANG, 0; Reserve 0 |