In the mid-1950s, the USAF required a jet trainer with higher
performance than the T-33
to better prepare student pilots for the latest tactical
aircraft that were then coming into service. The aircraft chosen
was the T-38A which offered high performance with low
maintenance and operating costs. The T-38A became the USAF's
first supersonic trainer. The T-38A prototype first flew on 10
April, 1959, and production continued until 1972. A total of
1,189 T-38As were built. Some were later modified into AT-38Bs
with external armament for weapons training purposes.
Jacqueline Cochran set eight performance records in the fall
of 1961 flying a production T-38A and in February 1962 a T-38A
set four international time-to-climb records. The USAF
Thunderbirds used T-38As from 1974 to 1982 because of their
economic operation and high performance. Other users of the
T-38A include the U.S. Navy in their Top Gun combat simulation
program and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(NASA).
T-38 Talon
Premier Series. 1/32nd scale. 10.5" wingspan x
17.5" long.
No. AFK5D-PR. Only $164.95
T-38
Talon
Standard Trainer
Standard Series. 1/48th scale.
5.5" wingspan x 11.25" long
No. AFK5D-S1. Only $79.95
T-38
Talon
Thunderbirds
Standard Series. 1/48th scale.
5.5" wingspan x 11.25" long
No. AFK5D-S2. Only $79.95
T-38
Talon
Holloman Agressor
Standard Series. 1/48th scale.
5.5" wingspan x 11.25" long
No. AFK5D-S3. Only $79.95
The T-38 is flown by the astronauts.
See NASA T-38
