Description
Northrop T-38A Wing Trailing-Edge/Aileron-Control Structural Bracket Assembly, P/N 37W32100-12
Item Overview
This U.S. Air Force aircraft component is a Northrop structural bracket assembly associated with the wing trailing-edge and aileron-control system of the T-38A Talon. The complete assembly is marked 37W32100-12 and is officially cataloged as a Bracket, Structural Component, Aircraft. It is an inert airframe component intended for collecting, restoration, study, or display.
Identification and Features
The assembly and its related parts carry Northrop drawing numbers from the same wing and flight-control family. The original Federal Stock Number was later converted to the 13-digit National Stock Number shown below. Loose 37W32119-5 and 37W32119-7 plates are fitting or alignment shims used when installing and positioning the assembly.
- Official nomenclature: Bracket, Structural Component, Aircraft
- Assembly part number: 37W32100-12
- Original FSN: 1560-388-8681
- Later NSN: 1560-00-388-8681
- Shim numbers: 37W32119-5 and 37W32119-7
- Related component: Aileron-control collar 37W32115-1
- Aircraft application: Northrop T-38A Talon
- Location family: Wing trailing-edge and aileron-control structure
- Status: Inert aircraft structural hardware
Function and Installation
This heavy bracket provided a rigid mounting, pivot, or alignment point within the T-38A wing and aileron-control installation. The related shims allowed maintenance crews to obtain the required fit and alignment during assembly. The drawing-number relationships strongly support the trailing-edge and aileron-control application, although the available catalog records do not show the complete illustrated installation. This part is not a hydraulic pump, electric motor, landing-gear jack, or complete flight-control actuator.
T-38A Flight-Control System
The T-38 uses hydraulically powered flight controls. Its ailerons are hinged surfaces near the trailing edges of the wings that move the aircraft into a left or right roll. Two independent hydraulic systems power the ailerons, rudder, and other control surfaces. Structural brackets and carefully fitted shims helped hold the control hardware in alignment while the aircraft experienced changing air loads during flight.
Historical Background
Northrop developed the T-38 during the 1950s as an advanced supersonic trainer for the U.S. Air Force. The first Talon flew in 1959, and deliveries began in 1961. Its twin-engine design, high performance, and responsive controls prepared generations of pilots for fighter and bomber aircraft. The original T-38A later formed the basis for upgraded trainers and specialized versions used for weapons instruction, test support, and adversary training.
History of Use
T-38 aircraft became a major part of U.S. Air Force pilot training during the Cold War and remained in training service for decades. Student pilots used the aircraft to learn formation flying, high-speed handling, instrument flight, and advanced maneuvers. The T-38 was a training aircraft rather than a front-line combat type, so this bracket should not be described as combat-used without documented history from the individual part.
Condition
This is a military-surplus aircraft component that may show scratches, finish wear, oxidation, storage residue, staining, worn markings, or other signs of age and handling. The appearance and markings of available assemblies and shims may vary. Included parts are limited to what is pictured or specifically stated in the listing. Please check the pictures for the general condition of the item.
Ideal For
This unusual Northrop component is well suited for collections and displays covering USAF training aircraft, Cold War aviation, aircraft flight controls, and military airframe construction.
- T-38 Talon restoration projects
- USAF training-aircraft collections
- Northrop aviation displays
- Flight-control system exhibits
- Cold War aircraft collections
- Airframe engineering study
Approx length 12", Approx width 10", Approx height 8", Approx weight 12lbs.
Pictures are stock images of our inventory. Unless otherwise noted, you will not be receiving the exact item shown in the pictures. The pictures are representative of the item’s general condition. The item you receive might be slightly better, or worse, condition than was shown in the pictures.
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