After 60 Years: The US Air Force Is Finally Ready To Retire The T-38 Talon
The United States Air Force has relied on the Northrop T-38 Talon for more than six decades.
The aircraft's advanced age is leading to progressively worse mechanical difficulties for both the discontinued airframe and engines.
Not only does this increase the cost and decrease the readiness of the jets, but it also slows down the production of pilots in the Air Force training pipeline.
Although the new T-7A will have lower performance, it's introducing a host of technology that promises to increase readiness and cut operating costs.
The Talon was developed in the 1950s, entering service in 1961.
Since then, more than 1,100 of the lightweight supersonic jets have been built.
It's estimated that over 75,000 USAF pilots have been trained in the T-38, as well as over 50,000 pilots from international partners around the world.
The T-38's advanced age is a reminder of the rapid pace of technological advancements in aviation.
