Model J85

Flight Training

Flight TrainingThe modernized J85-5 engine responds to the United States Air Force's ambitious requirement to improve critical pilot training every day.

Safe, reliable J85 power is vital in allowing student pilots to learn supersonic techniques, aerobatics, formation flying, night flying and cross-country navigation. More than 60,000 pilots have earned their wings in the GE-powered T-38, including all U.S. fighter and bomber pilots.

The J85-powered T-38 Talon first flew in 1959 and more than 1,100 were delivered to the Air Force between 1961 and 1972 when production ended.

Currently, the United States Air Force operates a fleet of more than 500 T-38 aircraft powered by GE J85-5 engines on a variety of missions including:

  • Advanced flight students fly the T-38A in aerobatics, formation, night, instrument and cross-country navigation training.
  • Test pilots and flight test engineers are trained in T-38A's at the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Air Force Materiel Command uses the T-38A to test experimental equipment such as electrical and weapon systems.
  • Pilots from most North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries train in the T-38A at Sheppard AFB, Texas, through the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program.
  • The National Aeronautics and Space Administration uses T-38A aircraft as trainers for astronauts and as observers and chase planes on programs such as the space shuttle.
  • Air Education and Training Command uses a modified version, the AT-38B, to prepare pilots for fighter aircraft such as the F-15, F-16 and A-10. The AT-38B has a gun sight and practice bomb dispenser.