T-38C modifications complete

The US Air Force and Navy’s T-38C Talon aircraft have undergone modification work to install a video data transfer system (VDTS) and speed break indicator switch (SBIS). The air force announced on 30 January that the work is now complete.

Under the $50 million VDTS/SBIS programme 446 air force and ten navy T-38Cs were upgraded with the new video recording capability and new speed brake position indicator to ensure continued suitable, safe and effective operation for the fleet.

The VDTS modification was implemented as a result of a video tape recorder diminishing manufacturing source issue. The system records flight and cockpit data that is then used to debrief student pilots after training flights. 

The SBIS modification added a visual indicator of the speed brake position on the head-up display that will provide pilots the ability to check the aircraft’s speed brake position during flight. 

The T-38 is primarily used by the Air Education and Training Command to train combat-ready pilots for fighter and bomber pilot training. 

The modifications are part of work to keep the T-38 viable until at least 2034, when the next-generation Trainer-X is expected to reach full operational capability.