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L-159 ALCA vs T-38 Talon

L-159 ALCA vs T-38 Talon at a glance — top speed 936 vs 1,381 km/h, range 1,570 vs 1,835 km, max takeoff weight 8,000 vs 5,670 kg, built 72 vs 1,189 units.

Aero L-159 ALCA military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇿 L-159 ALCA
Northrop T-38 Talon military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 T-38 Talon
Specifications
L-159 ALCA T-38 Talon
Origin country 🇨🇿 Czechia 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Training Aircraft Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Aero Northrop
First flight 2 August 1997 10 March 1959
Year introduced 2000 1961
Number produced 72 units 1189 units
Average unit price $9 million --
Wing area 18.8 m² 16.0 m²
Wingspan 9.5 m 7.7 m
Height 4.9 m 3.9 m
Length 12.7 m 14.1 m
Maximum speed 936 km/h 1381 km/h
Operational range 1,570 km 1,835 km
Service ceiling 13,200 m 15,240 m
Max. takeoff weight 8,000 kg 5,670 kg
Empty weight 4,350 kg 3,266 kg
Total thrust 1 x 2,871 kgf 2 x 1,216 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the L-159 ALCA or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon is faster with a maximum speed of 1,381 km/h compared to the L-159 ALCA's 936 km/h, a difference of 445 km/h.
Which has longer range, the L-159 ALCA or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon has a longer range at 1,835 km compared to the L-159 ALCA's 1,570 km.
Which can fly higher, the L-159 ALCA or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the L-159 ALCA's 13,200 meters (43,307 ft).
Which is heavier, the L-159 ALCA or T-38 Talon?
The L-159 ALCA has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 8,000 kg compared to the T-38 Talon's 5,670 kg.
Which is larger, the L-159 ALCA or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon is longer at 14.1 meters compared to the L-159 ALCA's 12.7 meters.
Which entered service first, the L-159 ALCA or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon entered service first in 1961, 39 years before the L-159 ALCA which entered service in 2000.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the L-159 ALCA or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon has been produced in greater numbers with 1,189 units compared to 72 units of the L-159 ALCA.