United States Air Force Academy in El Paso County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Northrop T-38A
Talon
| | Serial Number 59-1602 | |
Photographed by Craig Baker, August 23, 2024
1. Northrop T-38A Marker
The T-38 is the USAF advanced jet pilot trainer capable of supersonic speeds. The Talon first flew in 1959. More than 1,100 were delivered to the Air Force between 1961 and 1972 when production ended.
The Thunderbirds demonstration team flew T-38s from 1974 through 1982. A tragic crash involving the demonstration team in 1982 marked the last use of the T-38 by the Thunderbirds. This aircraft is painted in the Thunderbirds' paint scheme in remembrance of that accident.
This aircraft is on loan from the Department of the Air Force Heritage Program.
Thunderbird Airmanship Overlook
The Thunderbird Airmanship Overlook at your United States Air Force Academy is a tribute to the world's foremost aerial demonstration team -- "The Thunderbirds." It was created to remind the young men and women of the Air Force Cadet Wing of the pride, professionalism, discipline, dedication and teamwork that a career in the world's finest air force demands!
Dedicated 1 June 1982
United States Air Force Academy
Topics.
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Location. 38° 58.169′ N, 104° 49.722′ W. Marker is in United States Air Force Academy, Colorado, in El Paso County. It is on South Gate Boulevard 1.4 miles north of the South Gate, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: S Gate Blvd, USAF Academy CO 80840, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Colorado’s Front Range and in Pikes Peak Region. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, the Rocky Mountains, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Comancherνa.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Fairchild-Republic A-10A (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); United States Air Force Academy (approx. 1.2 miles away);
Photographed by Craig Baker, August 23, 2024
2. Thunderbird Airmanship Overlook
Another marker is no longer nearby. The United States Air Force Academy (was approx. 1.2 miles away but has been permanently removed).
More about this marker. This location provides a view of Davis Airfield, the USAF Academy Flight Training Center.
Regarding Northrop T-38A. On January 18, 1982, four Thunderbird T-38s were practicing a diamond formation loop, north of Las Vegas. While the aircraft were diving towards the ground at over 400 MPH, the controls jammed on the lead plane, and all four impacted the ground almost simultaneously.
Photographed by Craig Baker, August 23, 2024
3. Northrop T-38A and Markers
Photographed by Craig Baker, August 23, 2024
4. Northrop T-38A
Photographed by Craig Baker, August 23, 2024
5. Northrop T-38A
Airfield control tower in the distance.
Photographed by Craig Baker, August 23, 2024
6. Northrup T-38A
Credits. This page was last revised on September 11, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 25, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 454 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 25, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
