Engine GE J-85, Northrop, T-38 Talon

Metal cylindrical engine

The Talon first flew in 1959. The U.S. Air Force uses the T-38 for test pilots and flight test engineers training at the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Air Force Materiel Command uses the T-38 to test experimental equipment such as electrical and weapon systems. Pilots from most North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries train in the T-38 at Sheppard AFB, Texas, through the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration uses T-38 aircraft as trainers for astronauts and as observers and chase planes on programs such as the space shuttle. The Talon was also used by Jacquiline Cochran on several record-breaking speed and altitude flights.