The Talon first flew in 1959. The U.S. Air Force uses the T-38 for test pilots and flight test engineers training at the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Air Force Materiel Command uses the T-38 to test experimental equipment such as electrical and weapon systems. Pilots from most North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries train in the T-38 at Sheppard AFB, Texas, through the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration uses T-38 aircraft as trainers for astronauts and as observers and chase planes on programs such as the space shuttle. The Talon was also used by Jacquiline Cochran on several record-breaking speed and altitude flights.
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
1959
CRAFT-Aircraft Parts
Northrop Aircraft Inc.
Metal cylindrical engine
Overall: 68.6 × 279.4 × 58.4cm (27 × 110 × 23 in.)
Storage: 304.8 × 94 × 71.1cm (10 ft. × 37 in. × 28 in.)
Aluminum Alloy
Ferrous Alloy
Plastics
Duct Tape
Paint
Asbestos
A20040215004
Transferred by the United States Air Force.
National Air and Space Museum
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.