The T-38 Talon is the world’s first supersonic trainer, first flown in 1959. Tens of thousands of pilots learned to fly in T-38s. The US Air Force is the primary user of the T-38, but Talons are also used by the US Navy and several NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) member nations. NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) also maintains a fleet of T-38s, flown by astronauts to maintain their flight proficiency and used as chase planes. T-38s have also served as test beds for a variety of new technologies, equipment, and weapons systems. The US Air Force Thunderbirds flight demonstration team flew T-38s from 1974 to 1983. Flying this T-38A in 1961, Jacqueline “Jackie” Cochran set eight world records for speed, altitude, and distance, including a record for speed over a 15km closed course, at 844.2 miles per hour (1,358.6 km/hr) on August 24, 1961. This aircraft was flown by US Navy Captain and NASA astronaut Wally Schirra in 1963.

Display Status

This object is on display in West End at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.

West End

Object Details

Date

1959

Country of Origin

United States of America

Type

CRAFT-Aircraft

Manufacturer

Northrop Aircraft Inc.

Dimensions

Overall: 12 ft. 5 5/8 in. × 45 ft. 11 3/16 in., 6621lb., 24 ft. 11 3/16 in., 41.3 ft. × 6.2 ft. (3.8m × 14m, 3003.3kg, 7.6m × 12.597m × 1.902m)
Storage: 29cm (11 3/8 in.)

Materials

All metal, aluminum honeycomb wings, twin-afterburning engines.

Alternate Name

Northrop T-38 Talon

Inventory Number

A20040215000

Credit Line

Transferred from the United States Air Force.

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
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