GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

HJT-16 Kiran vs T-38 Talon

HJT-16 Kiran vs T-38 Talon at a glance — top speed 695 vs 1,381 km/h, range 615 vs 1,835 km, max takeoff weight 4,235 vs 5,670 kg, built 190 vs 1,189 units.

HAL HJT-16 Kiran military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇮🇳 HJT-16 Kiran
Northrop T-38 Talon military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 T-38 Talon
Specifications
HJT-16 Kiran T-38 Talon
Origin country 🇮🇳 India 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Training Aircraft Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer HAL Northrop
First flight 4 September 1964 10 March 1959
Year introduced 1968 1961
Number produced 190 units 1189 units
Average unit price -- --
Wing area 19.0 m² 16.0 m²
Wingspan 10.7 m 7.7 m
Height 3.6 m 3.9 m
Length 10.6 m 14.1 m
Maximum speed 695 km/h 1381 km/h
Operational range 615 km 1,835 km
Service ceiling 9,144 m 15,240 m
Max. takeoff weight 4,235 kg 5,670 kg
Empty weight 2,560 kg 3,266 kg
Total thrust 1 x 1,134 kgf 2 x 1,216 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs
Related Comparisons
Guide US Aircraft Designations
T-38 Talon vs Hawk HJT-16 Kiran vs Beechcraft Baron HJT-16 Kiran vs T-33 Shooting Star HJT-16 Kiran vs Robinson R22 HJT-16 Kiran vs L-29 Delfin HJT-16 Kiran vs Nanchang CJ-6

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the HJT-16 Kiran or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon is faster with a maximum speed of 1,381 km/h compared to the HJT-16 Kiran's 695 km/h, a difference of 686 km/h.
Which has longer range, the HJT-16 Kiran or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon has a longer range at 1,835 km compared to the HJT-16 Kiran's 615 km.
Which can fly higher, the HJT-16 Kiran or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the HJT-16 Kiran's 9,144 meters (30,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the HJT-16 Kiran or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 5,670 kg compared to the HJT-16 Kiran's 4,235 kg.
Which is larger, the HJT-16 Kiran or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon is longer at 14.1 meters compared to the HJT-16 Kiran's 10.6 meters.
Which entered service first, the HJT-16 Kiran or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon entered service first in 1961, 7 years before the HJT-16 Kiran which entered service in 1968.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the HJT-16 Kiran or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon has been produced in greater numbers with 1,189 units compared to 190 units of the HJT-16 Kiran.