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.
A single-shaft turbojet engine for a Northrop T-38 Talon
Overall: 273.1 × 53.3 × 66cm (107 1/2 in. × 21 in. × 26 in.)
Storage: 298.5 × 78.7 × 78.7cm (117 1/2 in. × 31 in. × 31 in.)
Non-Magnetic White Metal
Ferrous Alloy
Copper Alloy
Plastic
Anodized Aluminum
Electrical Wiring
Paint
Asbestos
A20040215003
Transferred from the United States Air Force.
National Air and Space Museum
Usage conditions apply
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