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]

FMI: www.af.mil