The first T-38C Talon destined for operations in the 12th Flying
Training Wing touched down at Randolph AFB Jan. 21 at 10:06
a.m. There were no brass bands or flag-carrying marchers to
greet the new arrival. In fact, the small cluster of people waiting
on the ramp gave no hint of the importance of the event. But this
was a red-letter day for the future of flight training at
Randolph.
"This is a great day for the 560th Flying Training Squadron. ...
We've anticipated this for quite some time now and are excited to
get under way," said Col. Margaret Woodward, 12th Operations Group
commander.
The tail number of Randolph's newest airplane, 67-921, shows
that it originally rolled off the Northrop Aircraft Company's
assembly line in 1967. The Boeing Aircraft Company did the newest
modifications to turn the aircraft into the advanced trainer that
it has become.
"The modifications that make the T-38A into a C model are
extensive on the inside,” said Lt. Col. Chris Loeppke,
commander of the 420th Flight Test Flight, the Air Force Reserve
unit that delivers military aircraft to and from the contractors.
“But from the outside, the only obvious sign is a small black
hump on the nose that houses the antenna for the new radar
systems.
"The cockpit is an
amazing array of new, high-technology equipment and radios,
including a large glass cockpit display," Colonel Loeppke said.
"This computer-driven display screen can present information from
various sources, ranging from engine and flight performance to
navigation based on (Global Positioning System) data. The system
can also display and record data related to the training lesson in
progress. Above the instrument panel is a new heads-up display
device capable of showing the same kind of information a fighter
pilot sees in a combat aircraft during a dog fight."
The newly modified T-38 is equipped for teaching not only the
basics of high-speed flight, but also the introduction to air
combat and weapons delivery, and from flying on the deck to high
altitude, he said.
"Even the stick in the pilot's hand is different now, with new
switches to give the pilot control of the new instrument suite,"
Colonel Loeppke said.
The 560th FTS, where the new Randolph T-38Cs will be assigned,
is expected to complete conversion to the new model by August, said
Lt. Col. Steven Perenchio, 560th FTS assistant operations officer.
As the C models arrive, the A models will be released from the
squadron for their conversion.
"The 560th FTS, with these aircraft, will ensure the vitality of
America's combat pilot training pipeline for years to come,"
Colonel Woodward said.
Air Education and Training Command previously received T-38Cs at
Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Columbus AFB, Miss., and Vance AFB,
Okla. [ANN Thanks Bob Hieronymus, 12th Flying Training Wing Public
Affairs]