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Alpha Jet vs T-38 Talon

Alpha Jet vs T-38 Talon at a glance — top speed 1,000 vs 1,381 km/h, range 2,940 vs 1,835 km, max takeoff weight 7,500 vs 5,485 kg, built 480 vs 1,189 units.

Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇩🇪🇫🇷 Alpha JetFull specs
Northrop T-38 Talon military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 T-38 TalonFull specs
Specifications
Alpha Jet T-38 Talon
Origin country 🇩🇪 Germany🇫🇷 France 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Dassault/Dornier Northrop
First flight 26 October 1973 10 April 1959
Year introduced 1979 1961
Number produced 480 units 1189 units
Average unit price $8 million --
Wing area 17.5 m² 16.0 m²
Wingspan 9.1 m 7.7 m
Height 4.2 m 3.9 m
Length 13.2 m 14.1 m
Maximum speed 1000 km/h 1381 km/h
Operational range 2,940 km 1,835 km
Service ceiling 14,630 m 15,240 m
Max. takeoff weight 7,500 kg 5,485 kg
Empty weight 3,515 kg 3,266 kg
Total thrust 2 x 1,350 kgf 2 x 1,746 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Alpha Jet or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon is faster with a maximum speed of 1,381 km/h compared to the Alpha Jet's 1,000 km/h, a difference of 381 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Alpha Jet or T-38 Talon?
The Alpha Jet has a longer range at 2,940 km compared to the T-38 Talon's 1,835 km.
Which can fly higher, the Alpha Jet or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the Alpha Jet's 14,630 meters (47,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the Alpha Jet or T-38 Talon?
The Alpha Jet has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 7,500 kg compared to the T-38 Talon's 5,485 kg.
Which is larger, the Alpha Jet or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon is longer at 14.1 meters compared to the Alpha Jet's 13.2 meters.
Which entered service first, the Alpha Jet or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon entered service first in 1961, 18 years before the Alpha Jet which entered service in 1979.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Alpha Jet or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon has been produced in greater numbers with 1,189 units compared to 480 units of the Alpha Jet.