R22 vs T-38 Talon

The R22 and the T-38 Talon are both Military Training Aircraft, manufactured by Robinson and Northrop respectively. The T-38 Talon reaches 1,381 km/h — 7.3x the R22's 188 km/h. The R22 has an operational range of 387 km vs 1,835 km for the T-38 Talon. The T-38 Talon operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 4,267 m for the R22. At 5,670 kg MTOW, the T-38 Talon is 9.1x the R22's 621 kg. The R22 has been produced in 4,600 units vs 1,189 for the T-38 Talon. The T-38 Talon first flew 16 years before the R22 (1959 vs 1975).

R22

American light, multi-purpose helicopter, widely used for flight training, livestock mustering, and patrol from the late 20th century.
Robinson R22 Training profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Robinson
First flight 28 August 1975
Year introduced 1979
Number produced 4600 units
Average unit price $0.4 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

R22

Wing area -- m²
Wingspan 7.7 m
Height 2.5 m
Length 8.8 m
Maximum speed 188 km/h
Operational range 387 km
Service ceiling 4,267 m
Max. takeoff weight 621 kg
Empty weight 361 kg
Total thrust 1 x 93 kW
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 R22 or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon is faster with a maximum speed of 1,381 km/h compared to the R22's 188 km/h, a difference of 1,193 km/h.
Which has longer range, the R22 or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon has a longer range at 1,835 km compared to the R22's 387 km.
Which can fly higher, the R22 or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the R22's 4,267 meters (13,999 ft).
Which is heavier, the R22 or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 5,670 kg compared to the R22's 621 kg.
Which is larger, the R22 or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon is longer at 14.1 meters compared to the R22's 8.8 meters.
Which entered service first, the R22 or T-38 Talon?
The T-38 Talon entered service first in 1961, 18 years before the R22 which entered service in 1979.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the R22 or T-38 Talon?
The R22 has been produced in greater numbers with 4,600 units compared to 1,189 units of the T-38 Talon.