Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>T-38>HA5405
Northrop T-38 Talon NASA 901, Ellington Field, Texas, 1960s
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
Northrop T-38 Talon NASA 901 MSN 5528 AF serial 63-8181 was used by astronauts for travel
and as chase aircraft. On February 28, 1966 NASA 901 piloted by Commander E. See Jr. and
rear seat Captain C. Bassett Jr. along with another T-38 NASA 907 departed Ellington, Texas for
St. Louis, Missouri. The destination was low broken clouds, rain, snow and fog. NASA 901 pilot
realized he was too high to land so he did a visual go-around but struck the McDonnell Aircraft
building killing both on board.
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) |