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At
Beale, crews typically flew the SR-71 only about 3 or 4 times
a month. The T-38 "Talon" was considered the low-cost
alternative to maintaining our flying proficiency. Subsonic,
it flew and handled similar to the SR-71. The T-38 is a twin-engine,
high-altitude, supersonic jet trainer used throughout the USAF
in a variety of roles because of its design, economy of operations,
ease of maintenance, high performance and exceptional safety
record. |
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Habus
used T-38s to practice aerobatics, stalls, basic instrument flying,
and formation practice between 11,000 and 23,000 feet. The T-38s
were also used as a chase aircraft for the SR-71 whenever it got
into trouble and needed to be looked over externally. Flying the
T-38 in formation with the SR-71 was called "pace chase."
Every time the SR-71 was flying at Beale, a T-38 had to be up flying
or "cocked" on the ground, ready for immediate response
with a qualified "pace chase" crew member.
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Specifications
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Primary
Function:
Advanced
jet pilot trainer
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Prime
Contractor:
Northrop Corporation
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Power
Plant:
Two
General Electric J85-GE-5 turbojet engines with afterburners
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| Length:
46
feet, 4.5 inches |
| Height:
12 feet, 10.5 inches |
| Wingspan:
25
feet, 3 inches |
| Speed:
812 mph (Mach 1.08 at sea level) |
| Ceiling: Above
55,000 feet |
| Date
Deployed:
March 1961 |
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Return
to Support |
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