Ross Perot Jr.'s T-38 - question

[67Cougar]

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]

N385AF

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

[mustangdriver]

Wow! That is sharp

[Holedigger]

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]

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...

Ryan

[Rogue]

Saw that bird flying over Propwash several times yesterday.

[T J Johansen]

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]

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...

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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!

[Ken]

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]

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