F-5/T-38 & A-37/T-37 Comparisons

[Warbird Kid]

Hey All,

Aside from the obvious like no guns, no pylons, and an extra seat, were there any other differences to that of the F-5 and the T-38? Also the A-37 and the T-37? Thanks in advance guys!

Chris

[Randy Haskin]

The F-5 and T-38 are physically substantially different aircraft. They both originated from the same prototype aircraft, but are somewhere between being fraternal twins and identical twins (I believe the FAA considers them different type ratings, but can issue types for both based on experience in one of them based on their similarity in systems and flying performance).

The physical areas of difference are the nose, intakes, wing, and "boat-tail".

Nose: The F-5 has a flat platypus-type nose with a radar, and a cockpit that sits further aft than the T-38; The T-38 has a rounded nose (no radar) and cockpits that sit further forward (the F-5 cockpit is about the same location as the rear cockpit in a T-38).

Intakes: F-5s have larger squared-off intakes with a splitter plate; T-38s have either the small round/angled intakes (on the non-PMP jets) or large oval-shaped intakes (NASA and PMP jets).

Wing: F-5s have leading edge root extensions, and slats (T-38s have neither). F-5s have wingtip missile rails with a wing spar that goes all the way out to the tip; T-38s have spars that stop about 18" short of the wingtip and no missile rails. The F-5 wing also has bigger wheel wells, as the F-5 has larger wheels/tires with an antiskid brake stack when compared to the T-38.

Boat-tail: F-5s have slatted vents for the compressor bleed valves, T-38s have an open oval-shaped port (the F-5 has bigger engines, and thus a different bleed valve configuration). F-5s have brake chutes at the base of the tail; T-38s do not. F-5s have a tailhook under the boat-tail, T-38s do not.

There are numerous other minor differences, too.

[HogDriver44]

There were/are quite a few differences in both sets of airplanes.

Obviously, you can read online histories of the airplanes to get an idea of some of the variants of each, but in general, here are some of the big differences, off the top of my head:

F-5:
Heavier-duty landing gear, wheels, and tires than the T-38
Leading-edge slats vs. no slats on T-38
Less flap travel than T-38
Extending nose gear to shorten takeoff roll
Aux air inlet doors
Different-shaped inlets
Landing lights on fuselage belly rather than under nose
Larger speedbrake surface area
Tailhook
Drag chute
Tip tanks on some configurations
Radar in some configurations/models
F-5 engines produce ~400 lbs more thrust than T-38 engines
Various systems differences
HUD
Weapons system/pylons/wiring

Also, note that the noses of the A/B model "Freedom Fighter" and E/F model "Tiger II" are quite different looking, mostly due to the radar in the later versions.

A-37:
Powered by J-85s vs. J-69s (MUCH more thrust!)
Mini-gun & panel-mounted gunsight
Stronger wings and landing gear
External pylons, and plumbed for external fuel
Air refueling capability
Armor in cockpit
Some systems differences
Avionics differences

Sorry this is not comprehensive, and I'm sure some others will fill in the gaps, but it's a start.

[Warbird Kid]

Thank you Buck and Randy!!! This helps alot!