Northrop’s T-38 Talon was the world’s first supersonic trainer aircraft. First flown in 1959, it has helped more than 50,000 pilots from all over the world earn their wings.The exemplary aircraft has also achieved numerous records and was flown by several renowned pilots in the 1960s, such as Navy Captain and NASA astronaut Wally Schirra and the legendary Jacqueline Cochran. The so-called ‘Speed Queen’ flew a T-38 in 1961 and set eight world records involving speed, altitude, and distance. Its success derived from the aircraft’s outstanding maneuverability, handling and excellent cockpit visibility for the two-man crew, with a sleek design and engines that allowed it to reach a top speed of 857 miles per hour and an impressive rate of climb of 33,600 feet per minute.Surprisingly, the tight design did not catch much attention at first, and had to prove itself in the eyes of the aviation industry before making a splash…