T-38

The T-38 Modification Program is a critical Air Force initiative under the Aircraft Procurement appropriation, focused on sustaining and modernizing the aging fleet of T-38 trainer aircraft. The program's overarching goal is to ensure the continued viability, safety, and mission readiness of the T-38 fleet, which supports pilot training, operational test missions, and companion training for advanced platforms such as the F-22, U-2, and B-2.

With more than 497 active T-38s averaging over 50 years in age, these modifications are essential to address obsolescence, structural fatigue, and reliability concerns. The upgrades extend service life until planned retirement or divestiture.

The T-38 Avionics (Reliability & Maintainability) Program (Modification 6090) is a major component of this line item, targeting critical avionics systems that are at risk of obsolescence or failure. This includes the Terminal Avionics Replacement Program (TARP) for T-38C aircraft and the Low-cost Avionics Modification Program (LAMP) for T-38A/B variants. Objectives include replacing the Electronic Engine Display, Multi-Function Display, Video Data Transfer Unit, and Head-Up Display Camera, as well as refurbishing or replacing navigation components such as the Attitude Director Indicator and Horizontal Situation Indicator. These upgrades are necessary to prevent grounding of aircraft, maintain training capability, and mitigate safety risks that could impact readiness for associated fighter and reconnaissance platforms.

The Talon Repair, Inspection, and Maintenance (TRIM) Program (Modification 6091) addresses structural integrity and reliability across the T-38 fleet. TRIM is a depot-level effort focused on repairing or replacing critical structural components subject to time-based degradation, such as longerons, bulkheads, and stabilizer attach angles. The program is especially important for T-38A/B aircraft, which lack prior structural upgrades, and select T-38C aircraft. By correcting material deficiencies and fatigue damage, TRIM aims to prevent aircraft groundings, reduce inspection intervals, and ensure airworthiness through the fleet's planned retirement dates. The program also includes facility expansion at Randolph AFB and other locations to support increased maintenance throughput.

The Pacer Classic III modification is a service life extension effort for the T-38 fleet. This program replaces or refurbishes aging airframe components to address diminishing manufacturing sources and material shortages. The objective is to sustain fleet viability and operational safety, allowing the T-38 to remain in service as a primary trainer and companion aircraft for advanced operational units. Pacer Classic III is closely coordinated with other reliability and maintainability initiatives to maximize the effectiveness of the overall sustainment strategy.

Additional line items include Low Cost Safety Modifications and Low Cost Modifications, which provide targeted upgrades to address emergent safety issues and extend operational life at minimal cost. These modifications are designed to rapidly mitigate risks identified during fleet operations, such as canopy improvements and safety system enhancements. The program also funds the installation of ADS-B Out for T-38A/B aircraft, ensuring compliance with airspace requirements and improving situational awareness.

All modifications under the T-38 program are implemented through a combination of contractor and organic Air Force engineering and maintenance teams. Major contractors include Boeing Company for avionics and CPI Aerostructures for structural kits. The program supports full financial auditability as required by Title 10 U.S.C. Chapter 9A, Sec 240-D, and aligns with executive directives for government efficiency and cost control, as reflected in the reduction of advisory and assistance services funding in FY 2026.