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T-38 Talon vs Zlin Z 43

T-38 Talon vs Zlin Z 43 at a glance — top speed 1,381 vs 235 km/h, range 1,835 vs 610 km, max takeoff weight 5,670 vs 1,350 kg, built 1,189 vs 144 units.

Northrop T-38 Talon military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 T-38 Talon
Zlin Z 43 military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇿 Zlin Z 43
Specifications
T-38 Talon Zlin Z 43
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇨🇿 Czechia
Category Military Training Aircraft Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Northrop Zlin
First flight 10 March 1959 10 December 1968
Year introduced 1961 1972
Number produced 1189 units 144 units
Average unit price -- $100K
Wing area 16.0 m² 14.5 m²
Wingspan 7.7 m 9.8 m
Height 3.9 m 2.9 m
Length 14.1 m 7.8 m
Maximum speed 1381 km/h 235 km/h
Operational range 1,835 km 610 km
Service ceiling 15,240 m 3,800 m
Max. takeoff weight 5,670 kg 1,350 kg
Empty weight 3,266 kg 730 kg
Total thrust 2 x 1,216 kgf 1 x 160 kW
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the T-38 Talon or Zlin Z 43?
The T-38 Talon is faster with a maximum speed of 1,381 km/h compared to the Zlin Z 43's 235 km/h, a difference of 1,146 km/h.
Which has longer range, the T-38 Talon or Zlin Z 43?
The T-38 Talon has a longer range at 1,835 km compared to the Zlin Z 43's 610 km.
Which can fly higher, the T-38 Talon or Zlin Z 43?
The T-38 Talon has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the Zlin Z 43's 3,800 meters (12,467 ft).
Which is heavier, the T-38 Talon or Zlin Z 43?
The T-38 Talon has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 5,670 kg compared to the Zlin Z 43's 1,350 kg.
Which is larger, the T-38 Talon or Zlin Z 43?
The T-38 Talon is longer at 14.1 meters compared to the Zlin Z 43's 7.8 meters.
Which entered service first, the T-38 Talon or Zlin Z 43?
The T-38 Talon entered service first in 1961, 11 years before the Zlin Z 43 which entered service in 1972.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the T-38 Talon or Zlin Z 43?
The T-38 Talon has been produced in greater numbers with 1,189 units compared to 144 units of the Zlin Z 43.