T-38 Completes 50 Years of Service

[moose135]

Full story here: http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123247461

3/18/2011 - RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- Officials commemorated the T-38 Talon supersonic jet trainer's 50th service anniversary in a ceremony here March 17.

The T-38 was first deployed in March 1961, and has served as a training vehicle for multiple generations of pilots and pilot instructors throughout its five decades of service. Col. Richard Murphy, the commander of the 12th Flying Training Wing, said the T-38 continues to play a central role in the Air Force's pilot training program.

"The T-38 has been an instrumental and foundational element (of pilot training) over the last 50 years," Colonel Murphy said. "The Talon continues to develop our combat Air Force pilots as they learn aviation and warfighting skills that are needed for today's Air Force and for our future."

I've had the immense pleasure to fly the T-38. For someone who had a hundred or so hours in single-engine Pipers, and had just finished the T-37 phase of UPT, the Talon really lived up to the nickname "White Rocket". She was delightful to fly, could be challenging to land, and may be the most beautiful airplane to every take flight.

A few old shots in honor of a great old gal...

Columbus AFB, Summer 1981:


Columbus AFB Flight Line:


Holloman AFB, Summer 1982 - AT-38B of the 479th Tactical Fighter Training Wing, Lead In Fighter Training


One of the best aircraft I've ever flown. Thanks for the wings!

[Chris S]

Thanks for sharing your old photos and special tribute to the T-38, Moose !!

[Speedbagel_001]

What is the relationship of the T-38 to the similar F-5? How do they compare with each other (size/performance)?

[moose135]

Both the T-38 and F-5 grew out of a Northrop-funded demonstrator, N-156, designed as a lightweight fighter. While the USAF was not interested in the fighter version, they did purchase the trainer to replace the aging T-33, which didn't have the performance needed to match new generation jet fighters.

The two aircraft are similar in size and shape, and use variations of the same General Electric J-85 turbojet engine, with the F-5 having a higher-thrust version. Visually, there are several differences between the T-38 and the two-seat F-5B, including shape of the nose, and the F-5 (all variants) have a leading edge extension near the wing root, and different wing tips to accommodate missile launch rails. The F-5 also has hard points under the wing for weapons or fuel tanks. The engine intakes are also substantially different between the two aircraft. Structurally, the T-38 uses a honeycomb structured wing, while the F-5 has a more traditional skin over underlying spars and stringers.

While the F-5A/B saw only limited service in the US, many were produced for export under the Foreign Military Sales program. The later F-5E version featured a larger fuselage and wing, as well as more powerful engines. The three aircraft all were similar in performance, with the F-5s being a little heavier and faster, with similar range.

[Speedbagel_001]

Very informative, thanks!