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F-5 Tiger Northrop
F-5A Freedom Fighter
F-5E Tiger II
F-20 Tigershark
Light Tactical Fighter

DESCRIPTION:
Northrop began its light fighter project in 1953 that led to a company-financed supersonic trainer called the N-156F Freedom Fighter. Though not purchased by the US military, the government supported the sale of 879 F-5A's to 21 friendly nations. Another 320 aircraft were built under license in foreign countries. The F-5E Tiger II appeared in the early 1970s with more powerful engines, greater fuel capacity, and aerodynamic improvements. Over 1,400 of the Tigers were sold, including some purchased by the US Navy and Air Force for use in the Top Gun and Aggressor programs to simulate enemy aircraft and tactics.
A further development of the F-5 was the F-20 Tigershark, similar in performance to the F-16. However, the Tigershark failed to attract a buyer in the competitive fighter market of the late 1980s. Nonetheless, some 2,700 F-5 aircraft were built for the US and 30 other nations by the time production ceased in 1987. Perhaps the most well-known variant of the F-5 is the related T-38 Talon two-seat advanced trainer used by the US Air Force and NASA.
Data below for F-5E
Last modified 19 September 2009

HISTORY:

First Flight (F-5A) 30 July 1959
(RF-5A) May 1968
(F-5E) 11 August 1972
(RF-5E) 29 January 1979
(F-5F) 25 September 1974

Service Entry (F-5E) April 1973

CREW: one: pilot

ESTIMATED COST: (T-38) $756,000

AIRFOIL SECTIONS:

Wing Root NACA 65A004.8

Wing Tip NACA 64A004.8

DIMENSIONS:

Length 47.38 ft (14.45 m)

Wingspan 28.67 ft (8.13 m)

Height 13.25 ft (4.06 m)

Wing Area 186 ft² (17.2 m²)

Canard Area

not applicable

WEIGHTS:

Empty 9,723 lb (4,410 kg)

Normal Takeoff unknown

Max Takeoff 24,722 lb (11,214 kg)

Fuel Capacity internal: 2,541 L
external: unknown

Max Payload

(F-5) 7,000 lb (3,175 kg)
(F-20) 8,000 lb (3,630 kg)

PROPULSION:

Powerplant two General Electric J85-21A afterburning turbojets

Thrust 10,000 lb (44.48 kN)

PERFORMANCE:

Max Level Speed at altitude: 1,085 mph (1,745 km/h) at 36,000 ft (10,975 m), Mach 1.64
at sea level: unknown

Initial Climb Rate 34,500 ft (10,500 m) / min

Service Ceiling 51,800 ft (15,790 m)

Range typical: 240 nm (445 km)
ferry: 1,545 nm (2,865 km)

g-Limits unknown

ARMAMENT:

Gun two 20-mm M39A2 cannons (280 rds ea)

Stations five external hardpoints and two wingtip rails

Air-to-Air Missile AIM-9 Sidewinder

Air-to-Surface Missile AGM-65 Maverick

Bomb Mk 82/83/84 GP, BLU-107 Durandal, CBU-52 cluster

Other ECM pods, rocket pods

KNOWN VARIANTS:

F-5A Production one-seat Freedom Fighter; 1,200 built

CF-5A Freedom Fighter license built by Canadair in Canada, also equipped for reconnaissance duties; 89 built

NF-5A Freedom Fighter license built by Canadair for the Netherlands and Venezuela, also fitted with reconnaissance equipment; 75 built

RF-5A Reconnaissance model based on the F-5A; 89 built

SRF-5A Reconnaissance model license built by CASA for Spain; 17 built

F-5B Two-seat trainer

F-5E Tiger II, intended to fulfill a need for a lightweight, low-cost fighter to be exported to US allies, included modifications to improve manueverability and STOL performance, increased fuel capacity, and improved fire-control; about 1,400 built

RF-5E TigerEye reconnaissance model with more advanced cameras and infrared scanners in an enlarged nose, purchased by Malaysia and Saudi Arabia; at least 12 built

F-5F Two-seat combat-capable trainer with a lengthened fuselage

F-5G or F-20 Tigershark, advanced F-5 with one F404 turbofan engine, increased payload, and much improved avionics; 3 prototypes built but did not enter production

T-38 Two-seat trainer; 1,114 built for USAF

KNOWN COMBAT RECORD: Vietnam War (South Vietnam, 1965-1975)
Ogaden War (Ethiopia, 1977-1978)
North-South Yemen conflict (Taiwan, 1979-1985)
Polisario conflict (Morocco, 1979-1991)
Iran-Iraq War (Iran, 1980-1988)
Iraq - Operation Desert Storm (Saudi Arabia, 1991)

KNOWN OPERATORS: Austria, Östereichische Luftstreitkräfte (Austrian Air Force)
Bahrain, Bahrain Amiri (Royal Bahraini Air Force)
Botswana (Botswana Defence Force Air Arm)
Brazil, Força Aérea Brasileira (Brazilian Air Force)
Canada (Canadian Armed Forces, Air Command)
Chile, Fuerza Aérea de Chile (Chilean Air Force)
Ethiopia, Ye Ityopya Ayer Hayl (Ethiopian Air Force)
Greece, Elliniki Polimiki Aeroporia (Hellenic Air Force)
Honduras, Fuerza Aérea Hondureña (Honduran Air Force)
Indonesia, Tentara Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Udara (Indonesian Air Force)
Iran (Imperial Iranian Air Force)
Iran (Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force)
Jordan, Al Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Malakiya al-Urduniya (Royal Jordanian Air Force)
Kenya (Kenya Air Force)
Libya, Al Quwwat al Jawwiya al Jamahiriya al Arabia al Libyya (Libyan Air Force)
Malaysia, Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia (Royal Malaysian Air Force)
Mexico, Fuerza Aérea Mexicana (Mexican Air Force)
Morocco, Al Quwwat al Jawiyya al Malakiya Marakishiya (Royal Moroccan Air Force)
Netherlands, Koninklijke Luchmacht (Royal Netherlands Air Force)
Norway, Kongelige Norske Luftforsvaret (Royal Norwegian Air Force)
Pakistan, Pakistan Fiza'ya (Pakistani Air Force)
Paraguay, Fuerza Aérea Paraguaya (Paraguay Air Force)
Philippines, Hukbong Himpapawid ng Pilipinas (Philippine Air Force)
Saudi Arabia, Al Quwwat al Jawwiya al Malakiya as Sa'udiya (Royal Saudi Air Force)
Singapore (Republic of Singapore Air Force)
South Korea, Han-guk Kong Goon (Republic of Korea Air Force)
Spain, Ejército del Aire Española (Spanish Air Force)
Sudan, Silakh al Jawwiya As'Sudaniya (Sudanese Air Force)
Switzerland, Schweizer Luftwaffe (Swiss Air Force)
Taiwan, Chung-Kuo Kung Chuan (Republic of China Air Force)
Thailand, Kongtap Agard Thai (Royal Thai Air Force)
Tunisia, Al Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Jamahiriyah At'Tunisia (Republic of Tunisia Air Force)
Turkey, Türk Hava Kuvvetleri (Turkish Air Force)
United States (US Air Force)
United States (US Marine Corps)
United States (US Navy)
Venezuela, Fuerza Aérea Venezolana (Venezuelan Air Force)
Vietnam, Khong Quan Nhan Dan Viet Nam (Vietnam People's Army Air Force)
Yemen, Al Quwwat al Jawwiya al Yemeniya (Unified Yemen Air Force)

3-VIEW SCHEMATIC:

F-5 Tiger II

SOURCES:

Bishop, Chris, ed. The Encyclopedia of Modern Military Weapons: The Comprehensive Guide to Over 1,000 Weapon Systems from 1945 to the Present Day. NY: Barnes & Noble, 1999, p. 247, 300.

Bonds, Ray, ed. The Modern US War Machine: An Encyclopedia of American Military Equipment and Strategy. NY: Military Press, 1987, p. 206-207.

Donald, David, ed. The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft. NY: Barnes & Noble, 1997, p. 708, 712.

Gunston, Bill and Spick, Mike. Modern Air Combat: The Aircraft, Tactics and Weapons Employed in Aerial Combat Today. NY: Crescent Books, 1983, p. 140-141.

Munro, Bob and Chant, Christopher. Jane's Combat Aircraft. Glasgow: Harper Collins Publishers, 1995, p. 186-187.

Paul Nann's Military Aviation Photo Gallery

US Air Force T-38 Fact Sheet

US Navy F-5 Fact Sheet

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	Northrop F-5A Freedom Fighter F-5E Tiger II F-20 Tigershark Light Tactical Fighter

DESCRIPTION: Northrop began its light fighter project in 1953 that led to a company-financed supersonic trainer called the N-156F Freedom Fighter. Though not purchased by the US military, the government supported the sale of 879 F-5A's to 21 friendly nations. Another 320 aircraft were built under license in foreign countries. The F-5E Tiger II appeared in the early 1970s with more powerful engines, greater fuel capacity, and aerodynamic improvements. Over 1,400 of the Tigers were sold, including some purchased by the US Navy and Air Force for use in the Top Gun and Aggressor programs to simulate enemy aircraft and tactics. A further development of the F-5 was the F-20 Tigershark, similar in performance to the F-16. However, the Tigershark failed to attract a buyer in the competitive fighter market of the late 1980s. Nonetheless, some 2,700 F-5 aircraft were built for the US and 30 other nations by the time production ceased in 1987. Perhaps the most well-known variant of the F-5 is the related T-38 Talon two-seat advanced trainer used by the US Air Force and NASA. Data below for F-5E Last modified 19 September 2009
HISTORY:
First Flight	(F-5A) 30 July 1959 (RF-5A) May 1968 (F-5E) 11 August 1972 (RF-5E) 29 January 1979 (F-5F) 25 September 1974
Service Entry	(F-5E) April 1973
CREW:	one: pilot
ESTIMATED COST:	(T-38) $756,000
AIRFOIL SECTIONS:
Wing Root	NACA 65A004.8
Wing Tip	NACA 64A004.8
DIMENSIONS:
Length	47.38 ft (14.45 m)
Wingspan	28.67 ft (8.13 m)
Height	13.25 ft (4.06 m)
Wing Area	186 ft² (17.2 m²)
Canard Area	not applicable
WEIGHTS:
Empty	9,723 lb (4,410 kg)
Normal Takeoff	unknown
Max Takeoff	24,722 lb (11,214 kg)
Fuel Capacity	internal: 2,541 L external: unknown
Max Payload	(F-5) 7,000 lb (3,175 kg) (F-20) 8,000 lb (3,630 kg)
PROPULSION:
Powerplant	two General Electric J85-21A afterburning turbojets
Thrust	10,000 lb (44.48 kN)
PERFORMANCE:
Max Level Speed	at altitude: 1,085 mph (1,745 km/h) at 36,000 ft (10,975 m), Mach 1.64 at sea level: unknown
Initial Climb Rate	34,500 ft (10,500 m) / min
Service Ceiling	51,800 ft (15,790 m)
Range	typical: 240 nm (445 km) ferry: 1,545 nm (2,865 km)
g-Limits	unknown
ARMAMENT:
Gun	two 20-mm M39A2 cannons (280 rds ea)
Stations	five external hardpoints and two wingtip rails
Air-to-Air Missile	AIM-9 Sidewinder
Air-to-Surface Missile	AGM-65 Maverick
Bomb	Mk 82/83/84 GP, BLU-107 Durandal, CBU-52 cluster
Other	ECM pods, rocket pods
KNOWN VARIANTS:
F-5A	Production one-seat Freedom Fighter; 1,200 built
CF-5A	Freedom Fighter license built by Canadair in Canada, also equipped for reconnaissance duties; 89 built
NF-5A	Freedom Fighter license built by Canadair for the Netherlands and Venezuela, also fitted with reconnaissance equipment; 75 built
RF-5A	Reconnaissance model based on the F-5A; 89 built
SRF-5A	Reconnaissance model license built by CASA for Spain; 17 built
F-5B	Two-seat trainer
F-5E	Tiger II, intended to fulfill a need for a lightweight, low-cost fighter to be exported to US allies, included modifications to improve manueverability and STOL performance, increased fuel capacity, and improved fire-control; about 1,400 built
RF-5E	TigerEye reconnaissance model with more advanced cameras and infrared scanners in an enlarged nose, purchased by Malaysia and Saudi Arabia; at least 12 built
F-5F	Two-seat combat-capable trainer with a lengthened fuselage
F-5G or F-20	Tigershark, advanced F-5 with one F404 turbofan engine, increased payload, and much improved avionics; 3 prototypes built but did not enter production
T-38	Two-seat trainer; 1,114 built for USAF
KNOWN COMBAT RECORD:	Vietnam War (South Vietnam, 1965-1975) Ogaden War (Ethiopia, 1977-1978) North-South Yemen conflict (Taiwan, 1979-1985) Polisario conflict (Morocco, 1979-1991) Iran-Iraq War (Iran, 1980-1988) Iraq - Operation Desert Storm (Saudi Arabia, 1991)
KNOWN OPERATORS:	Austria, Östereichische Luftstreitkräfte (Austrian Air Force) Bahrain, Bahrain Amiri (Royal Bahraini Air Force) Botswana (Botswana Defence Force Air Arm) Brazil, Força Aérea Brasileira (Brazilian Air Force) Canada (Canadian Armed Forces, Air Command) Chile, Fuerza Aérea de Chile (Chilean Air Force) Ethiopia, Ye Ityopya Ayer Hayl (Ethiopian Air Force) Greece, Elliniki Polimiki Aeroporia (Hellenic Air Force) Honduras, Fuerza Aérea Hondureña (Honduran Air Force) Indonesia, Tentara Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Udara (Indonesian Air Force) Iran (Imperial Iranian Air Force) Iran (Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force) Jordan, Al Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Malakiya al-Urduniya (Royal Jordanian Air Force) Kenya (Kenya Air Force) Libya, Al Quwwat al Jawwiya al Jamahiriya al Arabia al Libyya (Libyan Air Force) Malaysia, Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia (Royal Malaysian Air Force) Mexico, Fuerza Aérea Mexicana (Mexican Air Force) Morocco, Al Quwwat al Jawiyya al Malakiya Marakishiya (Royal Moroccan Air Force) Netherlands, Koninklijke Luchmacht (Royal Netherlands Air Force) Norway, Kongelige Norske Luftforsvaret (Royal Norwegian Air Force) Pakistan, Pakistan Fiza'ya (Pakistani Air Force) Paraguay, Fuerza Aérea Paraguaya (Paraguay Air Force) Philippines, Hukbong Himpapawid ng Pilipinas (Philippine Air Force) Saudi Arabia, Al Quwwat al Jawwiya al Malakiya as Sa'udiya (Royal Saudi Air Force) Singapore (Republic of Singapore Air Force) South Korea, Han-guk Kong Goon (Republic of Korea Air Force) Spain, Ejército del Aire Española (Spanish Air Force) Sudan, Silakh al Jawwiya As'Sudaniya (Sudanese Air Force) Switzerland, Schweizer Luftwaffe (Swiss Air Force) Taiwan, Chung-Kuo Kung Chuan (Republic of China Air Force) Thailand, Kongtap Agard Thai (Royal Thai Air Force) Tunisia, Al Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Jamahiriyah At'Tunisia (Republic of Tunisia Air Force) Turkey, Türk Hava Kuvvetleri (Turkish Air Force) United States (US Air Force) United States (US Marine Corps) United States (US Navy) Venezuela, Fuerza Aérea Venezolana (Venezuelan Air Force) Vietnam, Khong Quan Nhan Dan Viet Nam (Vietnam People's Army Air Force) Yemen, Al Quwwat al Jawwiya al Yemeniya (Unified Yemen Air Force)
3-VIEW SCHEMATIC:
SOURCES: Bishop, Chris, ed. The Encyclopedia of Modern Military Weapons: The Comprehensive Guide to Over 1,000 Weapon Systems from 1945 to the Present Day. NY: Barnes & Noble, 1999, p. 247, 300. Bonds, Ray, ed. The Modern US War Machine: An Encyclopedia of American Military Equipment and Strategy. NY: Military Press, 1987, p. 206-207. Donald, David, ed. The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft. NY: Barnes & Noble, 1997, p. 708, 712. Gunston, Bill and Spick, Mike. Modern Air Combat: The Aircraft, Tactics and Weapons Employed in Aerial Combat Today. NY: Crescent Books, 1983, p. 140-141. Munro, Bob and Chant, Christopher. Jane's Combat Aircraft. Glasgow: Harper Collins Publishers, 1995, p. 186-187. Paul Nann's Military Aviation Photo Gallery US Air Force T-38 Fact Sheet US Navy F-5 Fact Sheet