Hobby Master 1/72 Northrop T-38C Talon 70-1576, 50th FTS "Strikin' Snakes", Columbus AFB, 2009

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 50th Flying Training Squadron is part of the 14th Flying Training Wing based at Columbus AFB, Mississippi. They have been conducting pilot training since 1972. Like the 49th FTS also based at Columbus, their mission is to apply advanced training to undergraduate pilots. The students put in 37 hours of simulator, 69 sorties in the T-38C comprising 96.9 hours. They learn tactics, maneuvers and tactical navigation. Upon a successful completion they earn their pilots wings.

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)