The 1st Fighter Wing has grown its stable at Langley AFB, Va., by welcoming the first of seven T-38 Talon trainer aircraft. Transferred from Holloman AFB, N.M., this first T-38 forms the basis of Langley’s new Talon Adversary Air Program, which aims to provide cost-effective aggressor platforms to square off against the wing’s F-22s in training exercises. “This T-38 program is a very economical solution to a difficult problem,” said Lt. Col. Derek Wyler, adversary program leader. With fewer fourth generation fighters available in USAF’s inventory, there was an increased emphasis on finding a suitable aggressor, making the Talon’s arrival on April 1 a relief. “The T-38 is small, nimble, and difficult to find in the air,” said 1st FW Commander Col. Matt Molloy. He added, “This [air]plane will punish a Raptor pilot’s mistakes if they make them.” The remaining six T-38s will arrive in the coming months. (Langley report by A1C Jason Brown)
The Air Force is spending heavily on F-22 improvements through the end of the decade, suggesting it may not retire the jet in 2030 as it previously planned. New sensors, fuel tanks, communications, and electronic warfare systems are among the upgrades that comprise the package.