Northrop F-5B Freedom Fighter

The F-5 was developed in conjunction with the T-38 Talon trainer as a private venture of the Northrop company.  The U.S. Government selected it in 1962 for production as an export fighter for countries participating in the Military Assistance Program.  The F-5 was built in two main versions; the F-5A was a single seat fighter while the F-5B was a two-seat trainer that was also capable of combat operations.  The F-5 first flew in 1959 and was used by the U.S. Air Force to train foreign pilots starting in 1964.  A total of 18 countries flew the F-5 and they were also license built in Canada and Spain. 

Service History:

Built by Northrop Aircraft, Palmdale, California and delivered to the U.S. Air Force on November 10, 1972.

November 1972          To 58^th Tactical Fighter Training Wing, Williams AFB, Arizona.

August 1979                To 405^th Tactical Training Wing, Williams AFB, Arizona.

May 1984                    Designated as a ground training airframe (GF-5B.)

July 1984                    To the Inter-American Air Force Academy, Albrook AFB, Panama.

October 1989              To Homestead AFB, Florida.

May 2001                    Loaned to Pima Air & Space Museum by the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

Manufacturer
Northrop

Markings
58^th Tactical Fighter Training Wing, Williams AFB, Arizona, 1972

Designation
F-5B

Serial Number
72-0441