Page 28 - 2021-02 Courier.pub

WHATS UP?

Frequently flying overhead The Club but difficult to spot because of its
diminutive size and high speed, the Northrop T-38 “Talon” is a two-seat, twin
-engine supersonic primary jet trainer. First flown in 1959, the first production
units were delivered in 1961, and over 1180 would eventually be built. The
US Air Force is the primary user, but T-38’s were also delivered to the US
Navy and to NASA, as well as Germany, Portugal, Taiwan, and Turkey. The

US Air Force flight demonstration team, the
“Thunderbirds”, flew the type from 1974 through 1981.
Around 500 T-38s remain in service with the USAF, and
NASA still retains around 30. A very small number are
used by private operators, including two with the Boeing
Company. While they are painted in various colors
depending on mission or user, the black T-38s over our
area operate out of Beale AFB near Marysville, and are
use primarily by U-2 pilots to maintain flying proficiency.
Photos and research by John Vogel

February 2021 Page 28