GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

T-38 Talon vs T-6 Texan II

T-38 Talon vs T-6 Texan II at a glance — top speed 1,381 vs 585 km/h, range 1,835 vs 1,700 km, max takeoff weight 5,670 vs 2,858 kg, built 1,189 vs 850 units.

Northrop T-38 Talon military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 T-38 Talon
Beechcraft T-6 Texan II military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 T-6 Texan II
Specifications
T-38 Talon T-6 Texan II
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Training Aircraft Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Northrop Beechcraft
First flight 10 March 1959 23 December 1992
Year introduced 1961 2001
Number produced 1189 units 850 units
Average unit price -- $4.3 million
Wing area 16.0 m² 16.3 m²
Wingspan 7.7 m 10.2 m
Height 3.9 m 3.3 m
Length 14.1 m 10.2 m
Maximum speed 1381 km/h 585 km/h
Operational range 1,835 km 1,700 km
Service ceiling 15,240 m 9,449 m
Max. takeoff weight 5,670 kg 2,858 kg
Empty weight 3,266 kg 2,135 kg
Total thrust 2 x 1,216 kgf 1 x 932 kW
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs
Related Comparisons
Guide US Aircraft Designations
T-6 Texan II vs Pilatus PC-21 T-38 Talon vs Hawk T-38 Talon vs Beechcraft Bonanza T-38 Talon vs Beechcraft Baron T-38 Talon vs T-33 Shooting Star T-38 Talon vs Robinson R22

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the T-38 Talon or T-6 Texan II?
The T-38 Talon is faster with a maximum speed of 1,381 km/h compared to the T-6 Texan II's 585 km/h, a difference of 796 km/h.
Which has longer range, the T-38 Talon or T-6 Texan II?
The T-38 Talon has a longer range at 1,835 km compared to the T-6 Texan II's 1,700 km.
Which can fly higher, the T-38 Talon or T-6 Texan II?
The T-38 Talon has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the T-6 Texan II's 9,449 meters (31,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the T-38 Talon or T-6 Texan II?
The T-38 Talon has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 5,670 kg compared to the T-6 Texan II's 2,858 kg.
Which is larger, the T-38 Talon or T-6 Texan II?
The T-38 Talon is longer at 14.1 meters compared to the T-6 Texan II's 10.2 meters.
Which entered service first, the T-38 Talon or T-6 Texan II?
The T-38 Talon entered service first in 1961, 40 years before the T-6 Texan II which entered service in 2001.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the T-38 Talon or T-6 Texan II?
The T-38 Talon has been produced in greater numbers with 1,189 units compared to 850 units of the T-6 Texan II.