T-38 Talon vs Tu-134 Crusty

The T-38 Talon and the Tu-134 Crusty are both Military Training Aircraft, manufactured by Northrop and Tupolev respectively. Top speed is 1,381 km/h for the T-38 Talon vs 950 km/h for the Tu-134 Crusty. The T-38 Talon has an operational range of 1,835 km vs 3,000 km for the Tu-134 Crusty. The T-38 Talon operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 12,100 m for the Tu-134 Crusty. At 47,600 kg MTOW, the Tu-134 Crusty is 8.4x the T-38 Talon's 5,670 kg. The T-38 Talon has been produced in 1,189 units vs 854 for the Tu-134 Crusty. The T-38 Talon first flew 4 years before the Tu-134 Crusty (1959 vs 1963).

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 --
Soviet jet airliner, ubiquitous during the Cold War, extensively utilized for civil and military operations.
Tupolev Tu-134 Crusty Training profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³ Ex-USSR
Category Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Tupolev
First flight 29 July 1963
Year introduced 1970
Number produced 854 units
Average unit price --
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 127.3 mΒ² β—‰
Wingspan 29.0 m β—‰
Height 9.0 m β—‰
Length 37.1 m β—‰
Maximum speed 950 km/h β—‰
Operational range 3,000 km β—‰
Service ceiling 12,100 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 47,600 kg β—‰
Empty weight 27,960 kg β—‰
Total thrust 2 x 3,400 kgf β—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the T-38 Talon or Tu-134 Crusty?
The T-38 Talon is faster with a maximum speed of 1,381 km/h compared to the Tu-134 Crusty's 950 km/h, a difference of 431 km/h.
Which has longer range, the T-38 Talon or Tu-134 Crusty?
The Tu-134 Crusty has a longer range at 3,000 km compared to the T-38 Talon's 1,835 km.
Which can fly higher, the T-38 Talon or Tu-134 Crusty?
The T-38 Talon has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the Tu-134 Crusty's 12,100 meters (39,698 ft).
Which is heavier, the T-38 Talon or Tu-134 Crusty?
The Tu-134 Crusty has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 47,600 kg compared to the T-38 Talon's 5,670 kg.
Which is larger, the T-38 Talon or Tu-134 Crusty?
The Tu-134 Crusty is longer at 37.1 meters compared to the T-38 Talon's 14.1 meters.
Which entered service first, the T-38 Talon or Tu-134 Crusty?
The T-38 Talon entered service first in 1961, 9 years before the Tu-134 Crusty which entered service in 1970.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the T-38 Talon or Tu-134 Crusty?
The T-38 Talon has been produced in greater numbers with 1,189 units compared to 854 units of the Tu-134 Crusty.