Ross Perot Jr.'s T-38 - question

67Cougar · **Posted:** Tue Jan 12, 2010 5:32 pm

Anyone got the registration number for Perot Jr.'s T-38A, the one painted like TBird #1? And/or the serial number (or was it built out of parts?).

Saw it today outside of its Alliance hangar undergoing some work. Don't get to see it outside too often.

Ztex · **Posted:** Tue Jan 12, 2010 6:35 pm

N385AF

Notice the removable reg number in the rear cockpit window....

mustangdriver · **Posted:** Tue Jan 12, 2010 7:31 pm

Wow! That is sharp

Holedigger · **Posted:** Tue Jan 12, 2010 11:17 pm

Read that it was a former NASA bird. I would guess he pulled some strings or waved some greenbacks or both. I always found the T-38 to be a pleasant looking little jet! Just looks fast! Used to watch the ones out of Randolph all the time.

RyanShort1 · **Posted:** Tue Jan 12, 2010 11:37 pm

Holedigger wrote:

Read that it was a former NASA bird. I would guess he pulled some strings or waved some greenbacks or both. I always found the T-38 to be a pleasant looking little jet! Just looks fast! Used to watch the ones out of Randolph all the time.

They're still there any time you want to drop by... :wink:

Ryan

Rogue · **Posted:** Wed Jan 13, 2010 2:42 am

Saw that bird flying over Propwash several times yesterday.

T J Johansen · **Posted:** Wed Jan 13, 2010 5:38 am

He was also involved in a deal to buy the surplus F-5 fighters we had stored in Norway. Something to do with a government contract if I'm not mistaken. Don't know if they made it to Texas though.

T J

the330thbg · **Joined:** Wed Nov 14, 2007 3:06 pm **Posts:** 2713

RyanShort1 wrote:

Holedigger wrote:

Read that it was a former NASA bird. I would guess he pulled some strings or waved some greenbacks or both. I always found the T-38 to be a pleasant looking little jet! Just looks fast! Used to watch the ones out of Randolph all the time.

They're still there any time you want to drop by... :wink:

Ryan

So Randolph just got rid of the -37's? The '38's are still flying?

Never forget the jet exhaust smell and I will never forget that specific 'whine' from the 37's flying overhead.., we moved to BOQ at Randolph for about 6 months.., but I grew up in Windcrest.

Holedigger · **Posted:** Wed Jan 13, 2010 11:42 am

I think Randolph traded in their 37's for T-6's (Texan II not the round engined kind........very confusing!!!) Saw a few of those last summer when we were out that way. From a distance, the new T-6s reminds me a bit of a P-51!

Rogue · **Posted:** Wed Jan 13, 2010 11:50 am

T J Johansen wrote:

He was also involved in a deal to buy the surplus F-5 fighters we had stored in Norway. Something to do with a government contract if I'm not mistaken. Don't know if they made it to Texas though.

T J

He was trying to base those at AFW, but the deal fell thru for some reason.

vernicator · **Joined:** Fri Apr 14, 2006 11:42 am **Posts:** 350

Two different people on airliners.net claim that this the T-38's fuselage was mated to the nose of F-5A 65-10573...but I don't see it. To state the obvious, the F-5A being a single seater but also the tip of the nose looks more like a T-38 than an F-5 to me. Can anyone confirm?

http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?cnsearch=N5383&distinct_entry=true

AirJimL2 · **Posted:** Wed Jan 13, 2010 12:18 pm

No, it actually uses the rear end of 65-10573. (The nose was used in the X-29.) Ft. Wayne Air Service built this T-38 up for Max Chapman and I think they wanted to use the higher thrust J-85s of the F-5. Also notice it has the drag chute fairing of the F-5 which isn't on the T-38.

Jim

Holedigger · **Posted:** Wed Jan 13, 2010 12:23 pm

I read that too and it had me scratching my head. That nose gear is T-38 not F-5, shape looks pretty much like 38, so I am not sure where this F-5 Nose thing is coming from. Yes, they share heritage and a lot of parts, I just don't know that they are that interchangeable without major surgery! Did see an "upgrade" package for F-5 wings to be fitted to the 38. Hmmmmm, so is it T-38 nose and wings (no strakes visible), F-5 tail? I am more confused than usual! :shock:

Ken · **Posted:** Wed Jan 13, 2010 12:50 pm

AirJimL2 wrote:

No, it actually uses the rear end of 65-10573. (The nose was used in the X-29.) Ft. Wayne Air Service built this T-38 up for Max Chapman and I think they wanted to use the higher thrust J-85s of the F-5. Also notice it has the drag chute fairing of the F-5 which isn't on the T-38.

Jim

That tail fairing is also seen on the AT-38. I suspect Randy will chime in at some point with some more current knowledge.

Holedigger · **Posted:** Wed Jan 13, 2010 12:54 pm

Or it's a TF-38-5-29 Frankenfighter! :wink:

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Ross Perot Jr.'s T-38 - question

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