T-38 50th Anniverary

GZR_Sactargets · Post by **GZR_Sactargets** » 15 Apr 2009, 19:40

From AF Daily Report 15 APR 09
Talon Milestone: Air Force and Northrop Grumman officials marked the 50th anniversary of the first flight of the T-38 trainer aircraft during a ceremony April 10 at the headquarters of the company's aerospace sector in El Segundo, Calif. "The impact this aircraft has had on the Air Force has been profound," said Maj. Gen. Greg Feest, commander of 19th Air Force at Randolph AFB, Tex., during the ceremony, according to the company's release April 13. The Air Force expects to operate its T-38 fleet out to 2020 or beyond. Northrop won the contract in 1956 to build the T-38, the world's first supersonic trainer. Between 1959 and 1972, it manufactured 1,187 T-38s, about half of which remain in service today around the globe. "Northrop Grumman employees should be proud of the T-38; this fleet has flown 13 million flight hours, and these aircraft have flown an average of 15,000 hours each, with an exceptional safety record and a reputation for easy maintenance," said Gerard Dufresne, the company's aerospace sector vice president.

MIKE JG · Post by **MIKE JG** » 15 Apr 2009, 22:12

50 year old trainers, 50 year old bombers, 50 year old tankers......... Do we see a trend here??

davidbernard · Post by **davidbernard** » 16 Apr 2009, 04:56

It's just asking for 50 year old pilots

Firebird · Post by **Firebird** » 16 Apr 2009, 08:05

Mmmm, maybe the systems are getting so smart now that you only need an IQ of 50 to fly them?

CelticWarrior · Post by **CelticWarrior** » 16 Apr 2009, 10:47

davidbernard wrote:It's just asking for 50 year old pilots

And there's something wrong with that?

davidbernard · Post by **davidbernard** » 16 Apr 2009, 13:04

Yeah man, they suck! Haha.. no, I'm just kidding! I don't think there's anything wrong with 50 year old pilots. We'll be pleased to help them climbing those stairs on their way up to the cockpit

GZR_Sactargets · Post by **GZR_Sactargets** » 16 Apr 2009, 18:00

davidbernard wrote:Yeah man, they suck! Haha.. no, I'm just kidding! I don't think there's anything wrong with 50 year old pilots. We'll be pleased to help them climbing those stairs on their way up to the cockpit

I am not young enough to know everything. Old age brings wisdom, skill and cunning which will over come youthful impetulance.

davidbernard · Post by **davidbernard** » 16 Apr 2009, 18:53

Know exactly what you mean; I feel wiser every day

Let's get back on topic now

GZR_Sactargets · Post by **GZR_Sactargets** » 16 Apr 2009, 19:49

Thanks to Nick, we have some T-38s still in service in the Sim. There are also some good non-AI although most need some tweaking these days.
I would love to see a rebuild specifically for FSX.

MIKE JG · Post by **MIKE JG** » 16 Apr 2009, 21:55

You mean thanks to Jake and Kevin.......

GZR_Sactargets · Post by **GZR_Sactargets** » 16 Apr 2009, 23:17

MIKE JG wrote:You mean thanks to Jake and Kevin.......

OOPs I apologize, got confused with all the talented designers here.

starlifterfan · Post by **starlifterfan** » 17 Apr 2009, 02:29

Regardless of age the T-38 is one sexy aircraft. Out here on the space coast its nice to see some NASA T-38's doing tng at KCOF.

aerogator · Post by **aerogator** » 17 Apr 2009, 13:33

OOPs I apologize, got confused with all the talented designers here

That's OK. You can confuse me with Nick anytime...!

GZR_Sactargets · Post by **GZR_Sactargets** » 18 Apr 2009, 02:13

Gonna have to build a 'score-card' for who did what aircraft, scenery, etc.
It is all great work!