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. In 1970 the U.S. Air Force issued a request for proposals for a replacement for the F-5A and B. The competition was won by Northrop with an upgraded version of the F-5. The new version featured upgraded avionics, more powerful engines, a longer fuselage and larger wings all of which gave the plane a significantly improved performance. The single seat version was designated F-5E and the two-seat version was the F-5F. They also received the new name Tiger II. The F-5E and F were widely exported and several countries continue to use them. The U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marines have all used the F-5E and F-5F as Aggressor aircraft teaching military pilots the fundamentals of air-to-air combat.
Wingspan | |
Length | |
Height | |
Weight | |
Maximum Speed | |
Service Ceiling | |
Range | |
Engines | |
Crew |