T-38 Talon vs T-50 Golden Eagle

Overview

The T-38 Talon and the T-50 Golden Eagle are both Military Training Aircraft, manufactured by Northrop and KAI respectively.

Top speed is 1,381 km/h for the T-38 Talon vs 1,840 km/h for the T-50 Golden Eagle. The T-38 Talon has an operational range of 1,835 km vs 1,851 km for the T-50 Golden Eagle. The T-50 Golden Eagle operates at altitudes up to 16,764 m compared to 15,240 m for the T-38 Talon. At 13,472 kg MTOW, the T-50 Golden Eagle is 2.4x the T-38 Talon's 5,670 kg.

The T-38 Talon has been produced in 1,189 units vs 200 for the T-50 Golden Eagle. The T-38 Talon first flew 43 years before the T-50 Golden Eagle (1959 vs 2002).

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 πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ United States
Category Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Northrop
First flight 10 March 1959
Year introduced 1961
Number produced 1189 units
Average unit price --
South Korean supersonic trainer jet, utilized since 2005 with notable deployment in Iraq and the Philippines.
KAI T-50 Golden Eagle Training profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡°πŸ‡· 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 mΒ² β—‰
Wingspan 7.7 m β—‰
Height 3.9 m β—‰
Length 14.1 m β—‰
Maximum speed 1381 km/h β—‰
Operational range 1,835 km β—‰
Service ceiling 15,240 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 5,670 kg β—‰
Empty weight 3,266 kg β—‰
Total thrust 2 x 608 kgf β—‰
Wing area 23.7 mΒ² β—‰
Wingspan 9.2 m β—‰
Height 4.8 m β—‰
Length 13.0 m β—‰
Maximum speed 1840 km/h β—‰
Operational range 1,851 km β—‰
Service ceiling 16,764 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 13,472 kg β—‰
Empty weight 6,441 kg β—‰
Total thrust 1 x 5,409 kgf β—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the T-38 Talon or T-50 Golden Eagle?
The T-50 Golden Eagle is faster with a maximum speed of 1,840 km/h compared to the T-38 Talon's 1,381 km/h, a difference of 459 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.