T-38s modified by the propulsion modernization program have approximately 19 percent more thrust, reducing takeoff distance by 9 percent. The T-38 needs as little as 2,300 feet (695.2 meters) of runway to take off and can climb from sea level to nearly 30,000 feet (9,068 meters) in one minute. The AT-38B has a gun sight and practice bomb dispenser. The T-38C incorporates a 'glass cockpit' with integrated avionics displays, head-up display and an electronic 'no drop bomb' scoring system.

Critical aircraft components are waist high and can be easily reached by maintenance crews. Two independent hydraulic systems power the ailerons, rudder and other flight control surfaces. The T-38 has swept wings, a streamlined fuselage and tricycle landing gear with a steerable nose wheel. Air Combat Command, Air Force Materiel Command and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration also use the T-38A in various roles.

Air Education and Training Command is the primary user of the T-38 for joint specialized undergraduate pilot training.

The T-38 Talon is a twin-engine, high-altitude, supersonic jet trainer used in a variety of roles because of its design, economy of operations, ease of maintenance, high performance and exceptional safety record.

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