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L-39 Albatros vs T-38 Talon

L-39 Albatros vs T-38 Talon at a glance — top speed 750 vs 1,381 km/h, range 1,100 vs 1,835 km, max takeoff weight 4,700 vs 5,670 kg, built 2,900 vs 1,189 units.

Aero L-39 Albatros military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇿 L-39 Albatros
Northrop T-38 Talon military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 T-38 Talon
Specifications
L-39 Albatros T-38 Talon
Origin country 🇨🇿 Czechia 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Training Aircraft Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Aero Northrop
First flight 4 November 1968 10 March 1959
Year introduced 1972 1961
Number produced 2900 units 1189 units
Average unit price $1 million --
Wing area 18.8 m² 16.0 m²
Wingspan 9.5 m 7.7 m
Height 4.8 m 3.9 m
Length 12.1 m 14.1 m
Maximum speed 750 km/h 1381 km/h
Operational range 1,100 km 1,835 km
Service ceiling 11,500 m 15,240 m
Max. takeoff weight 4,700 kg 5,670 kg
Empty weight 3,459 kg 3,266 kg
Total thrust 1 x 1,720 kgf 2 x 1,216 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the L-39 Albatros or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon is faster with a maximum speed of 1,381 km/h compared to the L-39 Albatros's 750 km/h, a difference of 631 km/h.
Which has longer range, the L-39 Albatros or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon has a longer range at 1,835 km compared to the L-39 Albatros's 1,100 km.
Which can fly higher, the L-39 Albatros or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the L-39 Albatros's 11,500 meters (37,729 ft).
Which is heavier, the L-39 Albatros or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 5,670 kg compared to the L-39 Albatros's 4,700 kg.
Which is larger, the L-39 Albatros or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon is longer at 14.1 meters compared to the L-39 Albatros's 12.1 meters.
Which entered service first, the L-39 Albatros or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon entered service first in 1961, 11 years before the L-39 Albatros which entered service in 1972.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the L-39 Albatros or T-38 Talon?
The L-39 Albatros has been produced in greater numbers with 2,900 units compared to 1,189 units of the T-38 Talon.