T-38 Talon vs T-50 Golden Eagle

American supersonic jet trainer, active during the Cold War, deployed extensively for NASA astronaut training missions.
Picture of T-38 Talon
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
South Korean supersonic trainer jet, utilized since 2005 with notable deployment in Iraq and the Philippines.
Picture of T-50 Golden Eagle
Origin country 🇰🇷 South Korea
Category Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer KAI
First flight 20 August 2002
Year introduced 2005
Number produced 200 units
Average unit price $25 million
Wing area 16.0 m²
Wingspan 7.7 m â—‰
Height 3.9 m â—‰
Length 14.1 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1381 km/h
Operational range 1,835 km â—‰
Service ceiling 15,240 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 5,670 kg â—‰
Empty weight 3,266 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 1,216 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Northrop T-38 Talon
Wing area -- m²
Wingspan 9.2 m â—‰
Height 4.8 m â—‰
Length 13.0 m â—‰
Maximum speed -- km/h
Operational range 1,851 km â—‰
Service ceiling 16,764 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 13,472 kg â—‰
Empty weight 6,441 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 5,409 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of KAI T-50 Golden Eagle

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the T-38 Talon or T-50 Golden Eagle?
The T-38 Talon is faster with a maximum speed of 1,381 km/h compared to the T-50 Golden Eagle's 0 km/h, a difference of 1,381 km/h.
Which has longer range, the T-38 Talon or T-50 Golden Eagle?
The T-50 Golden Eagle has a longer range at 1,851 km compared to the T-38 Talon's 1,835 km.
Which can fly higher, the T-38 Talon or T-50 Golden Eagle?
The T-50 Golden Eagle has a higher service ceiling at 16,764 meters (55,000 ft) compared to the T-38 Talon's 15,240 meters (50,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the T-38 Talon or T-50 Golden Eagle?
The T-50 Golden Eagle has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 13,472 kg compared to the T-38 Talon's 5,670 kg.
Which is larger, the T-38 Talon or T-50 Golden Eagle?
The T-38 Talon is longer at 14.1 meters compared to the T-50 Golden Eagle's 13.0 meters.
Which entered service first, the T-38 Talon or T-50 Golden Eagle?
The T-38 Talon entered service first in 1961, 44 years before the T-50 Golden Eagle which entered service in 2005.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the T-38 Talon or T-50 Golden Eagle?
The T-38 Talon has been produced in greater numbers with 1,189 units compared to 200 units of the T-50 Golden Eagle.