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T-38 Talon vs T-39 Sabreliner

T-38 Talon vs T-39 Sabreliner at a glance — top speed 1,381 vs 885 km/h, range 1,835 vs 4,020 km, max takeoff weight 5,670 vs 8,056 kg, built 1,189 vs 200 units.

Northrop T-38 Talon military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 T-38 Talon
North American T-39 Sabreliner military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 T-39 Sabreliner
Specifications
T-38 Talon T-39 Sabreliner
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Training Aircraft Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Northrop North American
First flight 10 March 1959 16 September 1958
Year introduced 1961 1962
Number produced 1189 units 200 units
Average unit price -- --
Wing area 16.0 m² 31.8 m²
Wingspan 7.7 m 13.6 m
Height 3.9 m 4.9 m
Length 14.1 m 13.4 m
Maximum speed 1381 km/h 885 km/h
Operational range 1,835 km 4,020 km
Service ceiling 15,240 m 12,192 m
Max. takeoff weight 5,670 kg 8,056 kg
Empty weight 3,266 kg 4,199 kg
Total thrust 2 x 1,216 kgf 2 x 1,361 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the T-38 Talon or T-39 Sabreliner?
The T-38 Talon is faster with a maximum speed of 1,381 km/h compared to the T-39 Sabreliner's 885 km/h, a difference of 496 km/h.
Which has longer range, the T-38 Talon or T-39 Sabreliner?
The T-39 Sabreliner has a longer range at 4,020 km compared to the T-38 Talon's 1,835 km.
Which can fly higher, the T-38 Talon or T-39 Sabreliner?
The T-38 Talon has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the T-39 Sabreliner's 12,192 meters (40,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the T-38 Talon or T-39 Sabreliner?
The T-39 Sabreliner has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 8,056 kg compared to the T-38 Talon's 5,670 kg.
Which is larger, the T-38 Talon or T-39 Sabreliner?
The T-38 Talon is longer at 14.1 meters compared to the T-39 Sabreliner's 13.4 meters.
Which entered service first, the T-38 Talon or T-39 Sabreliner?
The T-38 Talon entered service first in 1961, 1 years before the T-39 Sabreliner which entered service in 1962.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the T-38 Talon or T-39 Sabreliner?
The T-38 Talon has been produced in greater numbers with 1,189 units compared to 200 units of the T-39 Sabreliner.