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T-38 Talon vs T-50 Golden Eagle

T-38 Talon vs T-50 Golden Eagle at a glance — top speed 1,381 vs 1,840 km/h, range 1,835 vs 1,851 km, max takeoff weight 5,670 vs 13,472 kg, built 1,189 vs 200 units.

Northrop T-38 Talon military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 T-38 Talon
KAI T-50 Golden Eagle military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇰🇷 T-50 Golden Eagle
Specifications
T-38 Talon T-50 Golden Eagle
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇰🇷 South Korea
Category Military Training Aircraft Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Northrop KAI
First flight 10 March 1959 20 August 2002
Year introduced 1961 2005
Number produced 1189 units 200 units
Average unit price -- $25 million
Wing area 16.0 m² 23.7 m²
Wingspan 7.7 m 9.2 m
Height 3.9 m 4.8 m
Length 14.1 m 13.0 m
Maximum speed 1381 km/h 1840 km/h
Operational range 1,835 km 1,851 km
Service ceiling 15,240 m 16,764 m
Max. takeoff weight 5,670 kg 13,472 kg
Empty weight 3,266 kg 6,441 kg
Total thrust 2 x 1,216 kgf 1 x 5,409 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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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.