A static display T-38A Talon trainer recently joined the Vance AFB, Okla., airpark thanks to funds raised by the surrounding community of Enid, Okla., base officials announced. Vance received Talon serial number 65-10325 from the Museum of Aviation at Robins AFB, Ga., and plans to repaint the aircraft in the 1990’s color scheme of Vance’s 71st Flying Training Wing, which still operates a squadron of upgraded T-38C. Vance’s airframe formerly served the Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards AFB, Calif., as a test and chase platform until it retired to Robins in 2004, according to the museum. The T-38 will join the airpark’s historical lineup of training aircraft flown by training units at Vance including a BT-13, T-6, T-28, T-33, T-41, and T-37 already on display. Vance units began flying the T-38 in 1963. The trainer went on display on Nov. 1.
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.