Northrop QT-39A Talon
Northrop · United States · first flew 1963 · reconnaissance aircraft
The QT-39A Talon is a drone conversion of the Northrop T-38 Talon supersonic jet trainer, modified with noise-suppression features for use as a low-observable target or research drone.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Twin J85 turbojets in rear fuselage |
| T — Tail | T-tail |
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Spot it by:
- T-38 Talon airframe converted to quiet unmanned drone
- Twin J85 turbojets in rear fuselage
- Noise-suppressed drone variant — no cockpit crew
Identical external profile to the T-38 Talon with its distinctive needle nose, area-ruled fuselage, and T-tail; drone status distinguishable only by remote-control equipment and absence of occupants.
Specifications
- The Northrop QT-39A Talon has a length of 14.14 m (46 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 7.7 m (25 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 1381 km/h (858 mph).
- Typical crew: 0 (unmanned).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Several T-38 airframes were converted to drone configuration under the QT designation in the 1960s; the noise-suppression modifications were part of a broader program to evaluate quiet aircraft concepts for military applications.
Variants
The QT-39A is a derivative of the standard T-38A Talon; the manned T-38 family remains the USAF's primary supersonic trainer and served as the basis for the AT-38 aggressor.
Where you'll see it
Used by the United States military as a research and target drone; not an operational combat type.
Related aircraft
- Northrop X-21A
- Northrop F-5
- Northrop F-5A Freedom Fighter
- Northrop T-38A Talon
- Lavochkin La-17
- McDonnell Douglas RF-4C Phantom II
- Lockheed D-21
- Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird
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