1/72 T-38A Talon NASA - Chase Plane - 1982

Hobby Master 1/72 T-38A Talon NASA Chase Plane 1982

NASA operates the Northrop T-38 Talon as a jet trainer for their astronauts as well as a "chase plane". Part of the NASA Talon fleet is based at Sheppard AFB, Ellington Field, Houston, Texas. In 1966 T-38 66-8355 was delivered to the USAF but in 1969 the aircraft was transferred to NASA Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC) and later renamed the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (JSC). With NASA 66-8355 became N923NA on September 10, 1969. On March 30, 1982 N923NA was the "chase aircraft" for the return of the shuttle Columbia.

Designed as a supersonic jet trainer to replace the T-33, the T-38 was based on the F-5 Freedom Fighter airframe and was first flown on March 10th, 1959. The pressurized tandem-seat cockpit offers excellent visibility for both student and instructor and provides a comfortable training environment. Being both lightweight and nimble, the T-38 is used extensively to prepare military pilots for high performance jet aircraft and has earned the nickname "White Rocket". The T-38 was famously flown by the USAF Thunderbirds air demonstration squadron during the 1970s and proved popular with NASA who use it as an astronaut trainer and chase-plane.

Features:
- Scale: 1/72
- Length: 7.75" width: 4.25"
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals
- Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight"
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads