L-29 Delfin vs T-38 Talon

The L-29 Delfin and the T-38 Talon are both Military Training Aircraft, manufactured by Aero and Northrop respectively. The T-38 Talon reaches 1,381 km/h — 2.1x the L-29 Delfin's 655 km/h. The L-29 Delfin has an operational range of 894 km vs 1,835 km for the T-38 Talon. The T-38 Talon operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 11,500 m for the L-29 Delfin. The L-29 Delfin has been produced in 3,665 units vs 1,189 for the T-38 Talon.

Czechoslovakian jet trainer, utilized extensively during the Cold War, and exported broadly to Warsaw Pact and other nations.
Aero L-29 Delfin Training profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇿 Czechia
Category Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Aero
First flight 5 April 1959
Year introduced 1961
Number produced 3665 units
Average unit price $0.2 million
American supersonic jet trainer, active during the Cold War, deployed extensively for NASA astronaut training missions.
Northrop T-38 Talon Training profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Northrop
First flight 10 March 1959
Year introduced 1961
Number produced 1189 units
Average unit price $-- million
Wing area 20.0 m²
Wingspan 10.3 m
Height 3.1 m
Length 10.8 m
Maximum speed 655 km/h
Operational range 894 km
Service ceiling 11,500 m
Max. takeoff weight 3,540 kg
Empty weight 2,280 kg
Total thrust 1 x 890 kgf
Wing area 16.0 m²
Wingspan 7.7 m
Height 3.9 m
Length 14.1 m
Maximum speed 1381 km/h
Operational range 1,835 km
Service ceiling 15,240 m
Max. takeoff weight 5,670 kg
Empty weight 3,266 kg
Total thrust 2 x 1,216 kgf

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the L-29 Delfin or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon is faster with a maximum speed of 1,381 km/h compared to the L-29 Delfin's 655 km/h, a difference of 726 km/h.
Which has longer range, the L-29 Delfin or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon has a longer range at 1,835 km compared to the L-29 Delfin's 894 km.
Which can fly higher, the L-29 Delfin or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the L-29 Delfin's 11,500 meters (37,729 ft).
Which is heavier, the L-29 Delfin or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 5,670 kg compared to the L-29 Delfin's 3,540 kg.
Which is larger, the L-29 Delfin or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon is longer at 14.1 meters compared to the L-29 Delfin's 10.8 meters.
Which entered service first, the L-29 Delfin or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon entered service first in 1961, 0 years before the L-29 Delfin which entered service in 1961.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the L-29 Delfin or T-38 Talon?
The L-29 Delfin has been produced in greater numbers with 3,665 units compared to 1,189 units of the T-38 Talon.