T38 Talon Supersonic Trainer
Quick Facts
Quick Facts
The T-38 Talon is a twin-engine, high-altitude, supersonic jet trainer used in a variety of roles because of its design, economy of operations, ease of maintenance, high performance, and exceptional safety record. It is now used primarily by the Air Force Air Education and Training Command (AETC) for undergraduate pilot and pilot instructor training.
Air Combat Command, Air Mobility Command, US Naval Test Pilot School, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) also use the T-38 in various roles.
The instructor and student sit in tandem on rocket-powered ejection seats in a pressurized, air conditioned cockpit.
Student pilots fly the T-38A to learn supersonic techniques, aerobatics, formation, right and instrument flying and cross-country navigation.
The T-38 needs as little as 2,300 feet of runway to take off and can climb from sea level to nearly 30,000 feet in one minute.
