HOME      Northrop T-38 Talon
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NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
Northrop T-38 Talon aircraft are the world's first supersonic advanced trainers.

They acquired a reputation for economy of operations, ease of maintenance, excellent performance and safety.

The aircraft are used to train pilots in Germany, Portugal, Taiwan and Turkey, in addition to the United States.

They are also used by NASA for observation, and as chase planes for various projects including the Space Shuttle. They have trained over 60,000 pilots, preparing them to fly a variety of advanced fighter aircraft.

More than 1,100 of the aircraft have been produced between 1959 and 1972, when production ended. Over 550 aircraft are still active. With ongoing upgrades to the airframes, it is anticipated that the Northrop T-38 Talon will remain in service through 2020.



Specifications

    US$ Cost:
    Primary Function:
    Crew:
    Engines:
    Thrust:
    Weight Empty:
    Max. Weight:
    Length:
    Wingspan:
    Cruise Speed:
    Max. Speed:
    Climb Rate:
    Ceiling:
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    Year Deployed:
$756,000
advanced trainer
2- pilot/student
GE J85
2 x 2,900 lbs. ea.
7,175 lbs.
12,100 lbs.
46' 5"
25' 3"
575 mph
815 mph
29,750 fpm
55,000 feet
1,100 miles
3/10/59
1961
Radio Control Airplane
A rc T-38 Talon from Bob Fiorenze.


Radio Control Airplanes:
Pictured above is the RC Northrop T-38 Talon from Bob Fiorenze. It has a wing span of 48" and a length of 84". A variety of power is available for it. You can power it with a .91 fan, a turbine, or electrically with a BVM Vio Fan. It features a fiberglass fuselage. Weight, when complete, will be between 15 and 19 lbs.

The next two pictures below are of rc T-38 Talon airplanes built from Park Jets plans. They feature wing spans of 27" and lengths of 45". Construction is all foam. Recommended power comes from a Himax 2015-4100 motor geared 4.4:1 swinging a 9 x 6 pusher prop. Weight is from 15 to 18 oz.

Nitro Planes sells a rc T-38 Talon ARF. It is all foam construction with a wingspan of 30" and a length of 46".  Power comes from a brushless motor turning a 65  mm fan unit.  All up weight is about 2 1/2 lbs.

6 MM FlyRC.com has rc T-38 Talon. Their Depron foam kit has a 28" wing span and a 45" length. You can power it with a speed 400 type brushed or brushless pusher prop. All up weight is from 18 to 20 oz.

The last picture on this page is of the rc Northrop T-38 Talon electric ducted fan from the Electric Jet Factory. It has a 27" wing span and a 35" length and comes as an ARF. Recommended power is a 4300 kV brushless motor driving a 64 mm fan. Weight should be around 40 oz.

Have you built a rc T-38 Talon, or can you recommend one?  Email us.



Radio Control Airplane
The rc T-38 Talon from Parkjets plans.


Radio Control Airplane
The rc T-38 Talon, ready for launching.


Radio Control Airplane
The rc T-38 Talon from Electric Jet Factory.