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F-5E Tiger II vs T-38 Talon

F-5E Tiger II vs T-38 Talon at a glance — top speed 1,700 vs 1,381 km/h, range 3,723 vs 1,835 km, max takeoff weight 11,187 vs 5,485 kg, built 1,399 vs 1,189 units.

Northrop F-5E Tiger II combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-5E Tiger IIFull specs
Northrop T-38 Talon military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 T-38 TalonFull specs
Specifications
F-5E Tiger II T-38 Talon
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Northrop Northrop
First flight 11 August 1972 10 April 1959
Year introduced 1973 1961
Number produced 1399 units 1189 units
Average unit price $2.1 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 3,723 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-5E Tiger II or T-38 Talon?
The F-5E Tiger II 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-5E Tiger II or T-38 Talon?
The F-5E Tiger II has a longer range at 3,723 km compared to the T-38 Talon's 1,835 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-5E Tiger II or T-38 Talon?
The F-5E Tiger II 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-5E Tiger II or T-38 Talon?
The F-5E Tiger II 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-5E Tiger II or T-38 Talon?
The F-5E Tiger II is longer at 14.4 meters compared to the T-38 Talon's 14.1 meters.
Which entered service first, the F-5E Tiger II or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon entered service first in 1961, 12 years before the F-5E Tiger II which entered service in 1973.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-5E Tiger II or T-38 Talon?
The F-5E Tiger II has been produced in greater numbers with 1,399 units compared to 1,189 units of the T-38 Talon.