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F-5 Freedom Fighter vs T-38 Talon

F-5 Freedom Fighter vs T-38 Talon at a glance — top speed 1,700 vs 1,381 km/h, range 3,720 vs 1,835 km, max takeoff weight 11,187 vs 5,485 kg, built 1,204 vs 1,189 units.

Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-5 Freedom FighterFull specs
Northrop T-38 Talon military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 T-38 TalonFull specs
Specifications
F-5 Freedom Fighter T-38 Talon
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Northrop Northrop
First flight 30 July 1959 10 April 1959
Year introduced 1965 1961
Number produced 1204 units 1189 units
Average unit price $2 million --
Wing area 17.3 m² 16.0 m²
Wingspan 8.1 m 7.7 m
Height 4.1 m 3.9 m
Length 14.5 m 14.1 m
Maximum speed 1700 km/h 1381 km/h
Operational range 3,720 km 1,835 km
Service ceiling 15,789 m 15,240 m
Max. takeoff weight 11,187 kg 5,485 kg
Empty weight 4,349 kg 3,266 kg
Total thrust 2 x 2,268 kgf 2 x 1,746 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-5 Freedom Fighter or T-38 Talon?
The F-5 Freedom Fighter is faster with a maximum speed of 1,700 km/h compared to the T-38 Talon's 1,381 km/h, a difference of 319 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-5 Freedom Fighter or T-38 Talon?
The F-5 Freedom Fighter has a longer range at 3,720 km compared to the T-38 Talon's 1,835 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-5 Freedom Fighter or T-38 Talon?
The F-5 Freedom Fighter has a higher service ceiling at 15,789 meters (51,801 ft) compared to the T-38 Talon's 15,240 meters (50,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-5 Freedom Fighter or T-38 Talon?
The F-5 Freedom Fighter has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 11,187 kg compared to the T-38 Talon's 5,485 kg.
Which is larger, the F-5 Freedom Fighter or T-38 Talon?
The F-5 Freedom Fighter is longer at 14.4 meters compared to the T-38 Talon's 14.1 meters.
Which entered service first, the F-5 Freedom Fighter or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon entered service first in 1961, 4 years before the F-5 Freedom Fighter which entered service in 1965.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-5 Freedom Fighter or T-38 Talon?
The F-5 Freedom Fighter has been produced in greater numbers with 1,204 units compared to 1,189 units of the T-38 Talon.