TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The T-38 Talon Repair, Inspection, and Maintenance (TRIM) program, part of the Legacy Training Aircraft Division within the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Training Directorate, reached a critical milestone in October with approval of the Depot Source of Repair (DSOR).
This decision allows a portion of the program’s workload to be redirected to the U.S. Navy's Jacksonville Fleet Readiness Center Southeast and establishes contractor offloading options, or the ability to shift aircraft to different depot sites, effectively addressing capacity constraints at the organic depot.
These measures are vital to supporting the T-38 Program Office in meeting rising customer demands and ensuring the Air Force achieves its annual goal of training up to 1,500 pilots. By relieving strain on existing repair facilities, the DSOR decision also enhances flexibility and ensures readiness across the fleet.
Currently in Low-Rate Production, which is the initial phase of aircraft modification, the TRIM program is set to ramp up to over 50 aircraft inductions annually, enabling the maintenance and overhaul of 273 T-38A, B, and C models over the program’s duration. This expansion ensures the sustained availability of these critical aircraft for both training and operational needs.
By leveraging a combination of organic and offloaded repair capabilities, the program not only addresses current capacity challenges but also establishes a robust framework for long-term sustainment. These efforts are integral to maintaining mission readiness and supporting the Air Force's growing pilot production requirements.