After being teased back in October, Microsoft has finally released Famous Flyer 13: The Northrop T-38A Talon. Developed by the veteran team at Blackbird Simulations (formerly Milviz), this release lands in the middle of what we might call a sudden “Talon renaissance” in Microsoft Flight Simulator.
For years, we had zero T-38s. Now, we effectively have two heavy hitters. Just a few weeks ago, Aero Dynamics released their rendition of the Talon. So, where does Famous Flyer 13 fit in?
The distinction lies in the variant and the philosophy. While Aero Dynamics leaned heavily into the modernized T-38C with its glass cockpit and complex avionics, Blackbird has gone back to the roots with the T-38A. This is the classic, steam-gauge era “white rocket” that trained a generation of astronauts and fighter pilots.
Furthermore, this release leverages Blackbird’s immense pedigree. Their T-38 for P3D/FSX was widely considered one of the best military trainers ever made for a desktop simulator. Bringing that expertise to the “Famous Flyer” price point ($14.99) creates a very aggressive value proposition!
A “white rocket” for the purists
The T-38A is all about raw flying. There are no glass displays to manage here. It’s just you, the stick, and a panel full of beautiful analog needles.
The aircraft features the iconic low-mounted swept wing and the twin General Electric J85-5A turbojets. In the simulator, this translates to a machine that demands attention. With a roll rate that can famously snap your head against the canopy and a landing speed that leaves little room for error, the T-38A is a true pilot’s airplane.
Key highlights:
- Classic Cockpit: A fully modeled tandem cockpit featuring the “A” model’s traditional analog gauge layout.
- Performance: Capable of Mach 1.3 at altitude and a climb rate of 33,600 feet per minute.
- Historic Liveries: Microsoft has included a wide array of operators, reflecting the jet’s service with the USAF, US Navy, NASA, and international air forces like Portugal, Germany, and Turkey.
Famous Flyer 13: Northrop T-38A Talon is available now in the in-sim Marketplace for just $14.99.
