Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>T-38>HA5403

General Background

The first prototype of what would become the Northrop T-38 Talon and F-5 Freedom Fighters flew on April 10, 1959. The first Talon entered service on March 17, 1961 at Randolph AFB. The USAF and NASA used the Talon to help their pilots maintain their proficiency. NASA especially liked the T-38 for its much lower operating and maintenance costs compared to the F-18 they had tried. Because of the low cost to operate the T-38 the USAF Thunderbirds Demonstration Team used them from 1974 – 1983 during the OPEC oil embargo.

The Aircraft

Jacqueline Jackie Cochran was born into poverty but achieved greatness as she grew up. Jackie began air racing in the late 1930s and in June 1941 she was the first woman to fly a bomber across the Atlantic Ocean. In 1943 was appointed to the General Staff of the USAAF to direct the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) program. Jackie was the first woman to break the sound barrier, set distance and altitude records and averaged a speed of 844mph while flying Northrop T-38A Talon 60-0551.

Specifications :

Years of Production:	1961 / 1972
Number produced:	1,100 +
Crew:	2 x Instructor / Student
Engines:	2 x General Electric J85-5A (J855R after PMP modification) Afterburning Turbojets Thrust
Dry:	2,050 lbf (9.1 kN) per engine
Afterburner:	2,900 lbf (17.1 kN) per engine
Maximum speed:	Mach 1.3 (858 mph / 1,381 km/h)
Range:	1,140 mi (1,835 km)
Rate of climb:	33,600 ft/min (170.7 m/s)
Ceiling:	50,000 ft (15,240 m)
Range:	745 mi (1,200 km)
Wingspan:	25 ft 3 in (7.7 m)
Length:	46 ft 4.5 in (14.14 m)
Height:	12 ft 10.5 in (3.92 m)
Empty weight:	7,200 lb (3,270 kg)
Loaded:	11,820 lb (5,360 kg)
Maximum take-off:	12,093 lb (5,485 kg)