THE VERSATILE T-38

the t38 Talon a supersonic flying classroom a high performance instrument trainer a space flight Readiness trainer a test support aircraft an aerospace research trainer this is the vers t38 a multi-mission airplane designed and developed by Northrup Corporation to satisfy United States Air Force requirements for a high performance supersonic aircraft capable of high utilization the t38 Talon is a small lightweight two-place aircraft powered by two j85 D5 turbojet engines with dual independent systems each engine develops 3,850 lb of thrust the favorable thrust to weight ratio of 7 to1 combined with the t38 advanced aerodynamics and design Simplicity provide high performance while retaining the benefits of low procurement and maintenance [Music] [Applause] costs the same design that provides economy of Maintenance also affords exceptional safety the t38 is the only supersonic aircraft to complete all phases of flight test without a major accident now after logging over 600,000 flying hours the t38 continues to maintain its reputation as the safest supersonic aircraft in the Air Force inventory EX ellent visibility from both cockpits twin engine dependability plus excellent single engine performance dual electrical and hydraulic systems with the fluid level visible to the wingman in flight and wide track landing gear with emergency extension by gravity are a few of the t38 attributes in February 1962 the t38 established four new international time to climb records for the 3,000 6,000 9,000 and 12,000 M altitudes the National Aeronautics Association officially recorded t38 climb rates of 44,000 ft per minute or 500 mph straight [Music] up outstanding performance characteristics coupled with the t38 recognized safety features and maintenance Simplicity make this airplane applicable to a variety of missions t-38s are employed as supersonic trainers at nine air training command bases acre flying time at a rate of nearly 27,000 hours a [Music] month the d38 has also been selected by the German air force for their pilot training program [Music] recent United States Air Force maintenance reports show that the average utilization per t38 is about 50 hourss a month with a maintenance index currently averaging only 12 man hours per flight hour in addition to Flight Training the t38 has become a Workhorse for the Air Force systems command at the flight test center Edwards Air Force Space t-38s are used as test support aircraft on the xp7 X15 and other major flight test programs the Strategic Air Command has selected the t38 as a pilot proficiency and test support aircraft on the SR71 program at be Air Force Base the Aerospace research pilot school at Edwards uses the t38 as both a test pilot trainer and as a pilot proficiency aircraft t-38s are also assigned as space flight Readiness Trainers for all us astronauts at the man space flight center the t38 is proving to be an outstanding aircraft a flying classroom where fledgling Pilots are introduced to high performance flight under the safest possible conditions and at the same time a vehicle capable of satisfying the working demands of Veteran test pilots and astronauts the t38 high utilization rate is the direct result of three characteristics system reliability component accessibility and simplicity the incorporation of Maintenance Simplicity into the t38 was a logical extension of northrup's design philosophy but Simplicity isn't the only reason for the t38 low maintenance cost record ground support requirements are minimal inspection and service points are quickly and easily reached through convenient access doors or panels and most maintenance operations are conducted at ground level 95% of All Electronics communication and navigation systems are located in the forward section with immediate accessibility to each individual module components are located one deep thereby avoiding the necessity of having to remove one item to gain access to another large conveniently located access doors and panels covering 25% of the fuselage surface simplify periodic inspections and the performance of on the spot maintenance the result of this design Simplicity is less maintenance time required per flight hour and an exceptionally High operational ready rate proving that a high performance supersonic jet aircraft can be operated economically the t38 unparalleled success as a supersonic trainer has led to an increasing awareness of its potential for many other important operational roles its Mark 1.25 performance and operational flexibility make the t38 well suited to various missions as a high performance drone director used as a flying laboratory for Aerospace medical research the t38 can contribute to the solution of perplexing aeromedical problems the t38 performance envelope including High service ceiling exceptional rate of climb and supersonic speed make it suitable for radar calibration its acrobatic qualities make the t38 Talon well suited for teaching unusual flight attitude recovery procedures to Pilots of Airline and other Transport Aircraft the t38 up-to-date avionics Century series performance and fighter characteristics are ideal for pilot proficiency and instrument training use of the t38 will allow Pilots to maintain their proficiency without increasing the flight requirements of more expensive operational tactical aircraft several growth options can be added to extend the t38 mission capability Inlet lip and windshield anti-icing off increased weather capability an inflight refueling receptacle or probe allows extended range and addition of various Centerline pods provides a capability for high-speed utility duties such as Towing targets transporting equipment and dropping traff to increase performance higher thrust engines such as the j85 D13 or -15 can be installed all spares and required support equipment are supplied by an established Logistics system set up by the Air Force to support the more than 600 t-38s operating from 18 bases throughout the continental United States the Talon's outstanding record of high performance exceptional safety Simplicity maintainability and operating economy are sound reasons for current off-the-shelf procurement coupled with the available growth options the t38 can now meet an Ever widening spectrum of mission requirements