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===Origins===
===Origins===
The design effort was led by Northrop vice president of engineering and aircraft designer [[Edgar Schmued]],<ref>Garrison, Peter. "White Rocket", Air and Space Magazine, September 2005.</ref> who previously at [[North American Aviation]] had been the chief designer of the successful [[P-51 Mustang]] and [[F-86 Sabre]] fighters. Schmued recruited a strong engineering team to Northrop<Ref>Wagner, Raymond. ''Mustang Designer: Edgar Schmued and the P-51''. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution Press, 2000, p. 195. ISBN 1-56098-994-7.</Ref> and assigned them the goal of reversing the trend in fighter development towards greater size and weight in order to deliver an aircraft with high performance, enhanced maneuverability, and high reliability, while still delivering a cost advantage over contemporary fighters.<ref>Stuart, William G. "Northrop F-5 Case Study in Aircraft Design", Northrop Corporation Aircraft Group, 1978, pp. 5-7.</Ref> Recognizing that expensive jet aircraft could not viably be replaced every few years, he also demanded "engineered growth potential" allowing service longevity in excess of ten years. <Ref>Wagner, p. 197.</Ref> Schmued recognized that new jet engine and aerodynamic technology were crucial to these goals, such as the compact but high thrust-to-weight ratio [[General Electric J85]] turbojet engine, and the recently discovered transonic [[area rule]] to reduce drag. The J85 engine had been developed to power McDonnell's [[ADM-20 Quail]] decoy employed upon the [[Boeing B-52 Stratofortress]].<ref name="Claws p111-4">Braybrook 1982, pp. 111–114.</ref> This engine with thrust-to-weight ratios of 6.25 to 7.5 over various versions had a notable thrust per lb. advantage over contemporaries, such as the 4.7 thrust-to-weight ratio of the [[J79]] engine used in the [[F-4 Phantom]].<ref>"Stuart, p. 21.</ref>
The design effort was led by Northrop vice president of engineering and aircraft designer [[Edgar Schmued]],<ref>Garrison, Peter. "White Rocket", Air and Space Magazine, September 2005.</ref> who previously at [[North American Aviation]] had been the chief designer of the successful [[P-51 Mustang]] and [[F-86 Sabre]] fighters. Schmued recruited a strong engineering team to Northrop<Ref>Wagner, Raymond. ''Mustang Designer: Edgar Schmued and the P-51''. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution Press, 2000, p. 195. Chapter 9 of this book is devoted to the F-5. ISBN 1-56098-994-7.</Ref> and assigned them the goal of reversing the trend in fighter development towards greater size and weight in order to deliver an aircraft with high performance, enhanced maneuverability, and high reliability, while still delivering a cost advantage over contemporary fighters.<ref>Stuart, William G. "Northrop F-5 Case Study in Aircraft Design", Northrop Corporation Aircraft Group, 1978, pp. 5-7.</Ref> Recognizing that expensive jet aircraft could not viably be replaced every few years, he also demanded "engineered growth potential" allowing service longevity in excess of ten years. <Ref>Wagner, p. 197.</Ref> Schmued recognized that new jet engine and aerodynamic technology were crucial to these goals, such as the compact but high thrust-to-weight ratio [[General Electric J85]] turbojet engine, and the recently discovered transonic [[area rule]] to reduce drag. The J85 engine had been developed to power McDonnell's [[ADM-20 Quail]] decoy employed upon the [[Boeing B-52 Stratofortress]].<ref name="Claws p111-4">Braybrook 1982, pp. 111–114.</ref> This engine with thrust-to-weight ratios of 6.25 to 7.5 over various versions had a notable thrust per lb. advantage over contemporaries, such as the 4.7 thrust-to-weight ratio of the [[J79]] engine used in the [[F-4 Phantom]].<ref>"Stuart, p. 21.</ref>


[[File:Northrop YF-5A.jpg|thumb|The first Northrop YF-5A prototype]]
[[File:Northrop YF-5A.jpg|thumb|The first Northrop YF-5A prototype]]

Revision as of 16:38, 8 September 2014

F-5A/B Freedom Fighter
F-5E/F Tiger II
A late production F-5E Tiger II for the USAF, differentiated by the longer dorsal spine
Role Fighter
National origin United States
Manufacturer Northrop Corporation
First flight F-5A: 30 July 1959
F-5E: 11 August 1972
Introduction 1962
Status In service
Primary users United States Navy
Republic of China Air Force
Republic of Korea Air Force
Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force
Produced 1959–1987
Number built A/B/C: 847[1]
E/F: 1,399[2]
Developed from Northrop T-38 Talon
Variants Canadair CF-5
Shaped Sonic Boom Demonstration
Developed into Northrop F-20 Tigershark

The Northrop F-5A/B Freedom Fighter and the F-5E/F Tiger II are part of a family of light supersonic fighter aircraft, first designed by Northrop Corporation in the late 1950s. Being smaller and simpler than contemporary aircraft such as the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, the F-5 cost significantly less both to procure and operate while maintaining high performance, making it popular on the export market. Though it was not procured in volume by the United States and thus has only a limited U.S. combat record, it was perhaps the most effective U.S. air-to-air fighter in the 1960s and early 1970s.[3][N 1] In combat its small visual and radar cross section size and consequent detection difficulty often conferred the F-5 the advantage of surprise.[5]The aircraft also has a high sortie rate, low accident rate, high maneuverability, and a combination of both 20mm cannon and heat seeking missile armament. The flying qualities of the F-5 are often highly rated, comparable to the North American F-86 Sabre and the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon.[6] Fiscally, the F-5 is reportedly unmatched among supersonic fighters, a contributing factor to its long service life.[7]

The F-5 started life as a privately funded light fighter program by Northrop in the 1950s. The design team wrapped a small, highly aerodynamic fighter around two compact and high-thrust General Electric J85 engines, focusing on performance and low cost of maintenance. Though primarily designed for the day air superiority role, the aircraft is also a capable ground-attack platform. The F-5A entered service in the early 1960s. During the Cold War, over 800 were produced through 1972 for U.S. allies. Though the USAF had no acknowledged need for a light fighter, it did procure roughly 1,200 Northrop T-38 Talon trainer aircraft, which were directly based on the F-5A.

After winning the International Fighter Aircraft competition in 1970, a program aimed at providing effective low-cost fighters to American allies, Northrop introduced the second-generation F-5E Tiger II in 1972. This upgrade included more powerful engines, higher fuel capacity, greater wing area and improved leading edge extensions for a better turn rate, optional air-to-air refueling, and improved avionics including air-to-air radar. Primarily used by American allies, it was also used in US training exercises. A total of 1,400 Tiger IIs were built before production ended in 1987. More than 3,800 F-5 and T-38 aircraft were produced in Hawthorne, California.[8]

The F-5 was also developed into a dedicated reconnaissance version, the RF-5 Tigereye. The F-5 also served as a starting point for a series of design studies which resulted in the Northrop YF-17 and the F/A-18 navalized fighter aircraft. The Northrop F-20 Tigershark was an advanced variant to succeed the F-5E which was ultimately canceled when export customers did not emerge. The F-5N/F variants are in service with the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps as an adversary trainer.[9] Approximately 500 aircraft are still in service as of 2014.[10][N 2]

Design and development

Origins

The design effort was led by Northrop vice president of engineering and aircraft designer Edgar Schmued,[11] who previously at North American Aviation had been the chief designer of the successful P-51 Mustang and F-86 Sabre fighters. Schmued recruited a strong engineering team to Northrop[12] and assigned them the goal of reversing the trend in fighter development towards greater size and weight in order to deliver an aircraft with high performance, enhanced maneuverability, and high reliability, while still delivering a cost advantage over contemporary fighters.[13] Recognizing that expensive jet aircraft could not viably be replaced every few years, he also demanded "engineered growth potential" allowing service longevity in excess of ten years. [14] Schmued recognized that new jet engine and aerodynamic technology were crucial to these goals, such as the compact but high thrust-to-weight ratio General Electric J85 turbojet engine, and the recently discovered transonic area rule to reduce drag. The J85 engine had been developed to power McDonnell's ADM-20 Quail decoy employed upon the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress.[15] This engine with thrust-to-weight ratios of 6.25 to 7.5 over various versions had a notable thrust per lb. advantage over contemporaries, such as the 4.7 thrust-to-weight ratio of the J79 engine used in the F-4 Phantom.[16]

The first Northrop YF-5A prototype

Another highly influential figure was chief engineer Welko Gasich,[17] who convinced Schmued that the engines must be located within the fuselage for maximum performance. Gasich also for the first time introduced the concept of "life cycle cost" into fighter design, which provided the foundation for the F-5's low operating cost and long service life. The low costs involved has been recognized as an important element of the aircraft's effectiveness;[N 3] defense analyst and combat aircraft architect Pierre Sprey stated in a 1982 U.S. Department of Defense report that: "Increases in cost and complexity that were unnecessary to enhance air-to-air effectiveness have decreased today's effective force size per constant dollar by factors of 25 to 75, relative to the F-86's 2000 sorties/day per billion dollars.[N 4] The only exception to this strikingly adverse trend is the F-5E, which manages to produce 500 sorties/day per billion dollars."[20] The total cost of an F-5 sortie is approximately 20% that of an F-16 sortie.[21]

The F-5 development effort was formally started in the mid-1950s by Northrop Corporation for a low-cost, low-maintenance fighter. The company designation for the first design as the N-156, intended partly to meet a U.S. Navy requirement for a jet fighter to operate from its escort carriers, which were too small to operate the Navy's existing jet fighters. That requirement disappeared when the Navy decided to withdraw the escort carriers; however Northrop continued development of the N-156, both as a two-seat advanced trainer, designated as N-156T, and a single-seat fighter, designated as N-156F.[22]

The N-156T was quickly selected by the United States Air Force as a replacement for the T-33 in July 1956. On 12 June 1959, the first prototype aircraft, which was subsequently designated as YT-38 Talon, performed its first flight. By the time production had ended in January 1972, a total of 1,158 Talons were produced.[23][24] Development of the N-156F continued at a lower priority as a private venture by Northrop; on 25 February 1958, an order for three prototypes was issued for a prospective low-cost fighter that could be supplied under the Military Assistance Program for distribution to less-developed nations. The first N-156F flew at Edwards Air Force Base on 30 July 1959, exceeding the speed of sound on its first flight.[25]

Although testing of the N-156F was successful, demonstrating unprecedented reliability and proving superior in the ground-attack role to the USAF's existing North American F-100 Super Sabres, official interest in the Northrop type waned, and by 1960 it looked as if the program was a failure. Interest revived in 1961 when the United States Army tested it, (along with the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk and Fiat G.91) for reconnaissance and close-support. Although all three types proved capable during Army testing, operating fixed-wing combat aircraft was legally the responsibility of the Air Force, which would not agree to operate the N-156 or allow the Army to operate fixed-wing combat aircraft, a situation repeated with the C-7 Caribou.[26]

VNAF F-5C Bien Hoa Air Base, 1971

In 1962, however, the Kennedy Administration revived the requirement for a low-cost export fighter, selecting the N-156F as winner of the F-X competition on 23 April 1962 subsequently becoming the "F-5A", being ordered into production in October that year.[27] It was named under the 1962 United States Tri-Service aircraft designation system, which included a re-set of the fighter number series (the General Dynamics F-111 was the highest sequentially numbered P/F-aircraft to enter service under the old number sequence).[citation needed] Northrop manufactured a total of 624 F-5As, including three YF-5A prototypes,[1] before production ended in 1972. A further 200 F-5B two-seat trainer aircraft, lacking a nose-mounted cannon but otherwise combat-capable, and 86 RF-5A reconnaissance aircraft, fitted with a four-camera nose, were also built. In addition, Canadair built 240 first generation F-5s under license, CASA in Spain built 70 more aircraft.[28]

F-5E and F-5F Tiger II

Official roll-out of first USAF F-5E Tiger-II

In 1970, Northrop won the International Fighter Aircraft (IFA) competition to replace the F-5A, with better air-to-air performance against aircraft like the Soviet MiG-21. The resultant aircraft, initially known as F-5A-21, subsequently became the F-5E. It had more powerful (5,000 lbf) General Electric J85-21 engines, and had a lengthened and enlarged fuselage, accommodating more fuel. Its wings were fitted with enlarged leading edge extensions, giving an increased wing area and improved maneuverability. The aircraft's avionics were more sophisticated, crucially including a radar (initially the Emerson Electric AN/APQ-153) (the F-5A and B had no radar). It retained the gun armament of two M39 cannon, one on either side of the nose of the F-5A. Various specific avionics fits could be accommodated at customer request, including an inertial navigation system, TACAN and ECM equipment.[29]

The first F-5E flew on 11 August 1972.[30] A two-seat combat-capable trainer, the F-5F, was offered, first flying on 25 September 1974, with a new, longer nose, which, unlike the F-5B that did not mount a gun, allowed it to retain a single M39 cannon, albeit with a reduced ammunition capacity.[31] The two-seater was equipped with the Emerson AN/APQ-157 radar, which is a derivative of the AN/APQ-153 radar, with dual control and display systems to accommodate the two-men crew, and the radar has the same range of AN/APQ-153, around 10 nmi.

Early series F-5E

A reconnaissance version, the RF-5E Tigereye, with a sensor package in the nose displacing the radar and one cannon, was also offered.

The F-5E eventually received the official name Tiger II; 792 F-5Es, 146 F-5Fs and 12 RF-5Es were eventually built by Northrop.[28] More were built under license overseas: 91 F-5Es and -Fs in Switzerland,[32] 68 by Korean Air in South Korea,[33] and 308 in Taiwan.[34] The F-5 proved to be a successful combat aircraft for U.S. allies, but had no combat service with the U.S. Air Force. The F-5E evolved into the single-engine F-5G, which was rebranded the F-20 Tigershark. It lost out on export sales to the F-16 in the 1980s.

Upgrades

The F-5E experienced numerous upgrades in its service life, with the most significant one being adopting a new planar array radar, Emerson AN/APQ-159 with a range of 20 nmi to replace the original AN/APQ-153. Similar radar upgrades were also proposed for F-5F, with the derivative of AN/APQ-159, the AN/APQ-167, to replace the AN/APQ-157, but that was cancelled. The latest radar upgrade included the Emerson AN/APG-69, which was the successor of AN/APQ-159, incorporating mapping capability. However, most nations chose not to upgrade for financial reasons, and the radar saw very little service in USAF aggressor squadrons and Swiss air force.[citation needed]

Various F-5 versions remain in service with many nations. Singapore has approximately 49 modernized and re-designated F-5S (single-seat) and F-5T (two-seat) aircraft. Upgrades include new FIAR Grifo-F X-band radar from Galileo Avionica (similar in performance to the AN/APG-69), updated cockpits with multi-function displays, and compatibility with the AIM-120 AMRAAM and Rafael Python air-to-air missiles.[35][36][37]

NASA F-5E modified for DARPA sonic boom tests

One NASA F-5E was given a modified fuselage shape for its employment in the Shaped Sonic Boom Demonstration program carried out by DARPA. It is preserved in the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum at Titusville, Florida.[38]

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) had their F-5s undergo an entensive upgrade program, resulting in the aircraft re-designated as F-5T Tigris. They are armed with Python III and IV missiles; and equipped with the Dash helmet-mounted cueing system.[citation needed]

Similar programs have been carried out in Chile and Brazil with the help of Elbit. The Chilean upgrade, called the F-5 Tiger III Plus, incorporated a new Elta EL/M-2032 radar and other improvements. The Brazilian program, re-designated as F-5M, adds a new Grifo-F radar along with several avionics and cockpit refurbishments, including the Dash helmet. The F-5M has been equipped with new weapon systems such as the Beyond Visual Range Derby missile, Python IV short-range air-to-air missile, SMKBs smart bomb,[39] and several other weapons.[40][41][42][43]

Operational history

United States

The first contract for the production F-5A was issued in 1962, the first overseas order coming from the Royal Norwegian Air Force on 28 February 1964. It entered service with the 4441st Combat Crew Training School of the USAF, which had the role of training pilots and ground crew for customer nations, on 30 April that year. At that point, it was still not intended that the aircraft be used in significant numbers by the USAF itself.[44]

A F-5B of 602d TFS at Bien Hoa, 1966

This changed with testing and limited deployment in 1965. Preliminary combat evaluation of the F-5A began at the Air Proving Ground Center, Eglin AFB, Florida, during the summer of 1965 under project Sparrow Hawk, with one airframe lost through pilot error on 24 June.[45] In October 1965, the USAF began a five-month combat evaluation of the F-5A titled Skoshi Tiger. Twelve aircraft were delivered for trials to the 4503rd Tactical Fighter Squadron, and after modification with probe and drogue aerial refueling equipment, armor and improved instruments, were redesignated as the F-5C.[46] Over the next six months, they performed combat duty in Vietnam, flying more than 2,600 sorties, both from the 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing at Bien Hoa over South Vietnam and from Da Nang Air Base where operations were flown over Laos. Nine aircraft were lost in Vietnam, seven to enemy ground fire and two to operational causes.[47][48] Although declared a success, with the aircraft generally rated as capable a ground-attack aircraft as the F-100, but suffering from a shorter range,[49] the program was considered a political gesture intended to aid the export of more F-5s than a serious consideration of the type for U.S. service.[46] From April 1966, the aircraft continued operations as 10th Fighter Commando Squadron with their number boosted to 17 aircraft. (Following Skoshi Tiger the Philippine Air Force acquired 23 F-5A and B models in 1965. These aircraft, along with remanufactured Vought F-8 Crusaders, eventually replaced the Philippine Air Force's North American F-86 Sabre in the air defense and ground attack roles.)

USAF F-5F with AIM-9J Sidewinder, AGM-65 Maverick missiles and auxiliary fuel tanks over Edwards Air Force Base, 1976

In June 1967, the 10th FCS's surviving aircraft were supplied to the air force of South Vietnam, which previously had only Cessna A-37 Dragonfly and Douglas A-1 Skyraider attack aircraft. This new VNAF squadron was titled the 522nd. The president of Vietnam had originally asked for F-4 Phantoms used by the Americans, but the VNAF flew primarily ground support as the communist forces employed no opposing aircraft over South Vietnam. When Bien Hoa was later overrun by Communist forces, several aircraft were captured and used operationally by the NVAF, in particular against Khmer Rouge. In view of the performance, agility and size of the F-5, it might have appeared to be a good match against the similar MiG-21 in air combat; however, U.S. doctrine was to use heavy, faster and longer-range aircraft like the Republic F-105 Thunderchief and McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II over North Vietnam. 41 F-5s were captured by the NVA when they defeated South Vietnam on 30 April 1975; of the captured equipment, the Soviets took delivery of a complete F-5E, along with various spare parts and support equipment;[50] aircraft would arrive in Poland and Russia for study of U.S. aviation technology,[51] while others were decommissioned and put on display at museums in Vietnam.

The F-5 was also adopted as an opposing forces (OPFOR) "aggressor" for dissimilar training role because of its small size and performance similarities to the Soviet MiG-21. In realistic trials at Nellis AFB in 1977, the F-14 reportedly scored slightly better than a 2:1 kill ratio against the simpler F-5, while the F-15 scored slightly less.[52][53][54][55] There is some contradiction of these reports, another source reports that "For the first three weeks of the test, the F-14's and F-15's were hopelessly outclassed and demoralized"; after adapting to qualities of the F-5 and implementing rule changes to artificially favor long range radar-guided missiles, "the F-14's did slightly better than breaking even with the F-5's in non-1 v 1 engagements; the F-15's got almost 2:1".[56] A 2012 Discovery Channel documentary Great Planes reported that in USAF exercises, F-5 aggressor aircraft were competitive in Within Visual Range (WVR) combat and at a small disadvantage in WVR combat against more modern, expensive American fighters.[57]

File:F-5N from VFC-111 Sundowners taxiing.jpg
A former Swiss F-5N in service with U.S. Navy aggressor squadron VFC-111

The F-5E served with the U.S. Air Force from 1975 until 1990, in the 64th Aggressor Squadron and 65th Aggressor Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, and with the 527th Aggressor Squadron at RAF Alconbury in the UK and the 26th Aggressor Squadron at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines. The U.S. Marines purchased used F-5s from the Air Force in 1989 to replace their F-21s, which served with VMFT-401 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. The U.S. Navy used the F-5E extensively at the Naval Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) when it was located at NAS Miramar, California. When TOPGUN relocated to become part of the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center at NAS Fallon, Nevada, the command divested itself of the F-5, choosing to rely on VC-13 (redesignated VFC-13 and which already used F-5s) to employ their F-5s as adversary aircraft. Former adversary squadrons such as VF-43 at NAS Oceana, VF-45 at NAS Key West, VF-126 at NAS Miramar, and VFA-127 at NAS Lemoore have also operated the F-5 along with other aircraft types in support of Dissimilar Air Combat Training (DACT).

The U.S. Navy F-5 fleet continues to be modernized with 36 low-hour F-5E/Fs purchased from Switzerland in 2006. These were updated as F-5N/Fs with modernized avionics and other improved systems. Currently, the only U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps units flying the F-5 are VFC-13 at NAS Fallon, Nevada, VFC-111 at NAS Key West, Florida, and VMFT-401 at MCAS Yuma, Arizona.[9] Currently, VFC-111 operates 18 Northrop F-5N/F Tiger-IIs. 17 of these are single-seater F-5Ns and the last is a twin-seater F-5F "FrankenTiger", the product of grafting the older front-half fuselage of an F-5F into the back-half fuselage of a newer low-hours F-5E acquired from the Swiss Air Force. A total of three "FrankenTigers" were made.[58]

According to the FAA, there are 18 privately owned F-5s in the U.S., including Canadair CF-5Ds.[59][60]

Brazil

A Brazilian Air Force F-5EM in flight, 2011

In October 1974, the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) ordered 36 F-5E and 6 F-5B aircraft from Northrop for $72 million. The first three aircraft arrived on 12 March 1975.[61] In 1988, FAB acquired 22 F-5E and four F-5EF second-hand USAF "agressor" fighters. A total of 15 of these aircraft were part of the initial batch of 30 aircraft produced by Northrop.[62] In 1990, FAB retired all remaining five F-5Bs; later, they were sent to Brazilian museums around the country.[63]

In 2001, Elbit Systems and Embraer started work on a $230 million Brazilian F-5 modernization program, performed over an eight-year period, upgrading 46 F-5E/F aircraft, re-designated as F-5EM and F-5FM. The modernization centered on several areas: new electronic warfare systems, the Grifo F radar, an air-to-air refueling system, INS/GPS-based navigation, support for new weapons, targeting and self-defense systems, HOTAS, LCD displays, helmet-mounted displays (HMDs), Radar Warning Receiver, encrypted communications, cockpit compatibility for night vision goggles, On-Board Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS) and various new onboard computer upgrades. One important capability is the secure communication with R-99 airborne early warning platforms and ground stations.[64]

Externally, the new aircraft features a larger nose cone that accommodates the larger radar equipment. The first F-5EM was handed over on 21 September 2005.[65] On 7 July 2003, four Rafael Litening III targeting pods were ordered at a cost of USD 13 million,[66] to be used on F-5M together with three Rafael Sky Shield jamming pods ordered in 5 July 2006 at a cost of USD 42 million.[67]

In 2009, FAB bought eight single-seat and three twin-seat F-5F used aircraft from Jordan in a US$21 million deal. These aircraft were built between 1975 and 1980.[68] On 14 April 2011, a contract of $153 million was signed with Embraer and Elbit to modernize the additional F-5s bought from Jordan, and to supply one more flight simulator as a continuation of the contract signed in 2000. These F-5s will receive the same configuration as those from the initial 46 F-5s currently completing the upgrade process. The first delivery of this second batch of upgraded jet fighters is scheduled for 2013 and they are to be withdrawn in 2030.[69][70]

Ethiopia

Ethiopia received 10 F-5As and two F-5Bs from the U.S. starting in 1966. In addition to these, Ethiopia had a training squadron equipped with at least eight Lockheed T-33 Shooting Stars. In 1970, Iran transferred at least three F-5As and Bs to Ethiopia. In 1975, another agreement was reached with the U.S. to deliver a number of military aircraft, including 14 F-5Es and three F-5Fs; later in the same year eight F-5Es were transferred while the others were embargoed and delivered to a USAF aggressor Squadron due to the changed political situation. The U.S. also withdrew its personnel and cut diplomatic relations. Ethiopian officers contracted a number of Israelis to maintain American equipment.[71]

The Ethiopian F-5 fighters saw combat action against Somali forces during the Ogaden War (1977–1978). The main Somali fighter aircraft was the MiG-21MF delivered in the 1970s, supported by Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17s delivered in the 1960s by the Soviet Union. Ethiopian F-5E aircraft were used to gain air superiority because they could use the AIM-9B air to air missile, while the F-5As were kept for air interdiction and air strike. During this period Ethiopian F-5Es went on training against Ethiopian F-5As and F-86 Sabres (simulating Somali MiG-21s and MiG-17s).[71]

On 17 July 1977, two F-5s flown by Israeli pilots were on combat air patrol near Harer, when four Somali MiG-21MFs were detected nearby. In the engagement, two MiG-21s were shot down while the other two had a midair collision while avoiding an AIM-9B missile. The better-trained F-5 pilots swiftly gained air superiority over the Somali Air Force, shooting down a number of aircraft, while other Somali aircraft were lost to air defense and to incidents. However at least three F-5s were shot down by air defense forces during attacks against supply bases in western Somalia.[71]

Iran

F-5A Freedom Fighters of Imperial Iranian Air Force 1978.
An F-5E of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force

The Imperial Iranian Air Force (IIAF) received extensive U.S. equipment in the 1960s and 1970s. Iran received its first 11 F-5As and two F-5Bs in February 1965 which were then declared operational in June 1965. Ultimately, Iran received 104 F-5As and 23 F-5Bs by 1972. From January 1974 with the first squadron of 28 F-5Fs, Iran received a total of 166 F-5E/Fs and 15 additional RF-5As with deliveries ending in 1976. While receiving the F-5E and F, Iran began to sell its F-5A and B inventory to other countries, including Ethiopia, Turkey, Greece and South Vietnam; by 1976, many had been sold, except for several F-5Bs retained for training purposes.[citation needed] F-5s, were also used by the IIAF's aerobatic display team, the Golden Crown.

After the Iranian revolution in 1979, the new Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) was partially successful at keeping Western fighters in service during the war with Iraq in the 1980s and the simple F-5 had a good service readiness until late in the war. Initially Iran took spare parts from foreign sources, later it was able to have its new aircraft industry keep the aircraft flying.[72]

During the Iran-Iraq War, IRIAF F-5s were heavily involved, flying air-to-air and air-to-ground sorties. Iranian F-5s took part in many air combats with Iraqi MiG-21, Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23, Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25, Su-20/22, Mirage F-1 and Super Etendards scoring many victories but also suffering many losses. The exact combat record is not known with many differing claims from Iraqi, Iranian, Western, and Russian sources. Also many of the IRIAF's confirmed air-to-air kills were attributed to the Revolutionary Guards for political reasons. There are reports that an IRIAF F-5E, piloted by Major Yadollah Javadpour, shot down a MiG-25 on 6 August 1983.[73][74] Russian sources state that the first confirmed kill of a MiG-25 occurred in 1985.[75]

From a general standpoint, during the first years of service, Iranian F-5 fighter aircraft had the advantage in missile technology, using advanced versions of the IR seeking Sidewinder, later lost with deliveries of new missiles and fighters to Iraq.[76]

Iran currently produces an indigenous aircraft titled, "Saegeh", which is built on the same platform as the F-5, and probably armed with Russian-made or Chinese-made munitions such as AA-10 Alamo, AA-11 Archer or C-802.[citation needed]

Kenya

Starting on 16 October 2011 during Operation Linda Nchi, Kenyan Air Force F-5s are supporting the Kenyan forces fighting in Somalia against Al Shabab Islamists bombing targets inside Somalia and spearheading the ground forces.[77]

Mexico

Mexican Air Force F-5 Tiger flying over the Popocatepetl volcano.

In 1982, the Mexican Air Force received 12 F-5E/F after the purchase of 24 IAI Kfir C.1 was blocked by the U.S., because the Kfir used the American-produced J79 engine. These fighters accompanied the Lockheed T-33 and de Havilland Vampire Mk.I (received much earlier), two of the first combat jet aircraft in Mexico. The subsonic T-33 and the Vampire were developed in the 1940s. The F-5 gave Mexico its first supersonic platform and saw the formation of Air Squadron 401. On 16 September 1995, after more than 30 military parade flights without incidents, an F-5E collided in mid-air with three Lockheed T-33s during the military parade for the Independence of Mexico. A total of 10 deaths occurred. Since then, for safety, flyovers in Mexico have been smaller in participation. In 2007, the F-5 had its 25th anniversary in Mexican Air Force service. Mexico is looking to replace its ageing F-5s by 2015 and replace the T-33s it retired in 2007.[78]

Norway

Norwegian Air Force RF-5A

The Royal Norwegian Air Force received 108 Freedom Fighters: 16 RF-5A, 78 F-5A and 14 F-5B. The first 64 were received as military aid. They were in use by several squadrons, the first and last being 336 Squadron receiving the first aircraft in February 1966 (formal handing-over ceremony a month later), and deactivating in August 2000. Three aircraft were kept flying until 2007, serving with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace for tests in the "Eye of the Tiger"-programme, developing a new seeker head for Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile. The aircraft received under military aid were handed off to Greece and Turkey. Of the aircraft bought by the Norwegian Government, nine were used in exchange with U.S. authorities for submarines of the Kobben class.[79] In October 2011 five F-5s were given to aircraft maintenance schools around the country; including Skedsmo, Sola, Bodø and Bardufoss high schools, and the University of Agder's aerospace engineer program. The remaining 10 are being stored at Moss Airport, Rygge.[80] Three survivors are exhibited at the Norwegian Armed Forces Aircraft Collection, two at Norsk Luftfartsmuseum in Bodø and one at Flyhistorisk Museum, Sola, near Stavanger.

Philippines

Philippine Air Force F-5A at Clark Air Base. c.1982

The Philippine Air Force acquired 37 F-5A/B from 1965 to 1998.[81] The F-5A/Bs were used by the Blue Diamonds Aerobatic team, underwent an upgrade which equipped it with surplus AN/APQ-153 radars with significant overhaul at the end of the 1970s to stretch their service life another 15 years. In 2005, the Philippines decommissioned its remaining F-5A/B fleet, including those received from Taiwan and South Korea.[82]

Republic of Korea (South Korea)

The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) purchased F-5A/Bs in 1965 and purchased F-5Es in August 1974. KF-5 variants were built by Korean Air under license between 1982 and 1986. A total of 214 F-5s were procured.

The ROKAF currently operates 170 F-5E/Fs and KF-5E/Fs. The F-5E/Fs and KF-5E/Fs are to be replaced by FA-50s and F-X Phase 3.

Singapore

A Maverick-armed F-5S Tiger-II of Republic of Singapore Air Force on static display at Paya Lebar Air Base.

The F-5 earned a reputation for a jet that was hard to discern in the air and when one finally saw it, it was often after a missile or guns kill had already been called.

Singapore's former Chief of Air Force and F-5 pilot, Major General Ng Chee Khern.[36]

Singapore is an important operator of the F-5E/F variant, first ordering the aircraft in 1976 during a massive expansion of the city-state's armed forces; delivery of this first batch of 18 F-5Es and three F-5Fs was completed by late February 1979, equipping the newly formed-up No. 144 Black Kite Squadron at Tengah Air Base. At the end of 1979, an order was placed for six more F-5Es, which were delivered by 1981. In 1982, an order for three more F-5Fs was placed, these were forward delivered in September 1983 to RAF Leuchars in Scotland where they were taken over by pilots of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).[36] In 1983, the type took over the duties of airborne interception from the Royal Australian Air Force's Mirage IIIOs detachment (rotated between No. 3 & No. 75 Squadron RAAF) stationed at Tengah.[83]

Another order for six more F-5Es was placed in 1985, these were delivered the same year and would go on to equip the newly formed-up No. 149 Shikra Squadron at Tengah. The following year, the RSAF placed an order for its final batch of three F-5Fs and five F-5Es, these were delivered in December 1987 and July 1989, respectively. In a bid to modernize their air force, the Royal Jordanian Air Force put up seven F-5Es for sale in 1994, these were later acquired by Singapore.[36]

From 1990 to 1991, using jigs and toolings purchased from Northrop, Singapore Aircraft Industries (SAI, now ST Aerospace) converted eight existing F-5Es into RF-5E Tigereye variant. Subsequently, these were used to requipped No. 141 Merlin Squadron, which had traded in their older Hawker Hunter FR.74S for the newer Tigereyes in 1992 and was by then based at Paya Lebar Air Base, after the 144 Squadron had relocated there in 1986. By June 1993, all three squadrons had been relocated to the base, thus consolidating Singapore's F-5E/F operations at Paya Lebar.[36]

In 1991, SAI was awarded a contract as the prime contractor to modernize all RSAF F-5E/Fs (including the 7 ex-Jordanian F-5Es); Elbit Systems was the sub-contractor responsible for systems integration. Upgrades include a new X band multi-mode radar (the Italian FIAR Grifo-F,[35][37] with Beyond-visual-range missile and Look-down/shoot-down capabilities), a revamped cockpit with new MIL-STD-1553R databuses, GEC/Ferranti 4510 Head-up display/weapons delivery system, two BAE Systems MED-2067 Multi-function displays, Litton LN-93 inertial navigation system (similar to the ST Aerospace A-4SU Super Skyhawk) and Hands On Throttle-And-Stick controls (HOTAS) to reduce pilot workload. Reportedly, the Elisra SPS2000 radar warning receiver and countermeasure system was also installed.[84] Additionally, the starboard M-39 20mm cannon mounted in the nose was removed to make way for additional avionics (the sole cannon on the two-seaters was removed because of this), and to improve maneuverability, upgraded aircraft received larger leading edge root extensions (LERX). The process began in March 1996 and was completed by 2001, receiving the new designation of F-5S/T. In 1998, the eight RF-5Es also received the upgrades (except for the radar) and were redesignated as RF-5S.[36] Each F-5S/T upgraded reportedly cost SGD$6 million.[85]

By end of 2009, the type had accumulated more than 170,000 hours of flight time in Singapore service with only two F-5Es being lost in separate accidents (in 1984 and 1991, respectively).[36] As of June 2011, only 141 and 144 Squadron are left operating the RF-5S and F-5S/T, as 149 Squadron has since formally transitioned to the McDonnell Douglas F-15SG Strike Eagles on 5 April 2010.[86]

Republic of China (Taiwan)

ROCAF F-5F at Songshan Air Force Base 2011

The Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) received its first batch of seven F-5As and two F-5Bs under the U.S. Military Assistance Program in 1965. By 1971, the ROCAF was operating 72 F-5As and 11 F-5Bs.[87] During 1972, the U.S. borrowed 48 ROCAF F-5As to lend to the South Vietnam Air Force before the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Vietnam. By 1973, most of those loaned F-5As were not in flying condition, thus the U.S. opted to return 20 F-5As to Taiwan by drawing nine F-5As from U.S. reserves while repairing a further 11 from South Vietnam. These were sent to Taiwan to make necessary repairs, with gave 28 F-5Es issued to Taiwan by May 1975 in return.[88] By 1973, Taiwan's AIDC started local production of a first batch of 100 F-5Es in Taiwan, the first of six Peace Tiger production batches. By end of 1986 when the production line closed after completing Peace Tiger 6, the AIDC had produced 242 F-5Es and 66 F-5Fs. Taiwan was the largest operator of the type at one time, having 336 F-5E/Fs in inventory.[89] The last batch of AIDC F-5E/Fs featured the F-20's shark nose.[90]

With the introduction of 150 F-16s, 60 Mirage 2000-5s and 130 F-CK-1s in mid-to-late-1990s, the F-5E/F series became second line fighters in ROCAF service and mostly are now withdrawn from service as squadrons converted to new fighters entering ROCAF service. Seven low airframe hours F-5Es were sent to ST Aerospace to convert them to RF-5E standard to fulfill a reconnaissance role previously undertaken by the retiring Lockheed RF-104G in ROCAF service.[91] As of 2009, only about 40 ROCAF F-5E/Fs still remain in service in training roles with about 90–100 F-5E/Fs held in reserve. The other retired F-5E/F are either scrapped, or used as decoys painted in colors representing the main front line F-16, Mirage 2000-5 or F-CK-1 fighters, and deployed around major air bases.[92]

Taiwan AIDC's TIGER 2000

Taiwan also tried to upgrade the F-5E/F fleet with AIDC's Tiger 2000/2001 program. The first flight took place on 24 July 2002. The program would replace the F-5E/F's radar with F-CK-1's GD-53 radar and allow the fighter to carry a single TC-2 BVRAAM on the centerline. But lack of interest from the Taiwan/ROC Air Force eventually killed the program. The only prototype is on display in AIDC in Central Taiwan.[93][94]

The only air combat actions ROCAF F-5E/F pilots saw, were not over Taiwan, but in North Yemen. In 1979, a flareup between North and South Yemen prompted the U.S. to sell 14 F-5E/Fs to North Yemen to boost its air defense. Since no one in North Yemen knew how to fly the F-5E/F (only MiG-15s were operational at the time), U.S. and Saudi Arabia arranged to have 80+ ROCAF F-5E pilots plus ground crew and anti-air defense units sent to North Yemen as part of North Yemen Air Force's 115th Squadron at Sana‘a operating initially just six F-5E/Fs and then from April 1979 to May 1990, added eight more. The ROCAF piloted F-5E/F scored a few kills in a few air battles, but the ground early warning radar crews and anti-air units also suffered from air attacks from South Yemen, the aircraft being piloted by Soviet crews.[95]

Switzerland

The Swiss Air Force operates a total of more than 50 F-5E and F-5F aircraft. They were chosen chiefly because of their excellent performance, suitability for the unique Swiss Air Force mission, and their relatively low maintenance cost per flight hour. It had been expected these aircraft would be replaced by the Saab JAS 39 Gripen, but in a May 2014 referendum the Swiss public decided against the Gripen purchase.[96] For the foreseeable future Switzerland will continue to operate its F-5 fleet.

Vietnam

A F-5E at Museum of Ho Chi Minh Campaign, Vietnam. This jet flown by South Vietnamese pilot Nguyen Thanh Trung bombed the South Vietnam's president palace and then landed in the North Vietnam controlled area on 8 April 1975.

When South Vietnam was overrun by NVA forces on 30 April 1975, approximately 877 aircraft were captured by the communists. Of that number, 41 were F-5s. In November of that year the Soviets were offered the opportunity to "take their pick" from the captured U.S. equipment. The Russians quickly loaded one complete F-5E, along with two complete spare engines, any and all spare parts, and all ground support equipment onto a waiting Russian cargo ship.[97] Several of the F-5s left over from the Vietnam war were sent to Poland and Russia, for advanced study of US aviation technology, while others were decommissioned and put on display at museums in Vietnam. The 935th fighter Regiment of the VPAF 372nd air division was the only unit in the world flying both MIG-21 and F-5 Fighters. Eventually, the lack of spare parts grounded all the aircraft captured.[citation needed]

Other operators

Morocco used 28 F-5A/B and 2 RF-5A in the Polisario War over Western Sahara. In the 1980s, they received 24 F-5E/F, fighting against the Polisario Front. Threats faced included multiple SA-6 anti-aircraft systems, and several F-5s were lost during the conflict.[98] Starting in 1990 they received 12 F-5 E/F from an ex-US aggressor, a total of 24 F-5Es having been upgraded to the F-5TIII standard.

Saudi Arabia deployed aircraft during the Gulf War, the F-5Es flew close air support and aerial interdiction missions against Iraqi units in Kuwait. One RSAF F-5E was lost to ground fire on 13 February 1991, the pilot was killed.[99]

The Hellenic Air Force was the first European air force to receive the Freedom Fighter.[citation needed] A total of 114 F-5As (including four ex-Iranian machines), 34 RF-5As, and 20 F-5Bs were supplied to Greece.

AeroGroup, a private commercial company in the US, operates the CF-5B as a fighter lead-in aircraft for training and for other support services. There were 17 aircraft originally purchased from the Canadian Government with U.S. State Department approval and then imported into the USA in 2006.[100][101][102]

Variants

Single-seat versions

RTAF F-5 and USAF F-15 in the background
A trio of USAF aggressor squadron F-5E in formation.
N-156F
Single-seat fighter prototype. Only three aircraft were built.
YF-5A
The three prototypes were given the U.S. Air Force designation YF-5A.
F-5A
Single-seat fighter version of F-5, originally without radar, but was later equipped with AN/APQ-153 radar during upgrades.
F-5A (G)
Single-seat fighter version of the F-5A for the Royal Norwegian Air Force.
XF-5A
This designation was given to one aircraft used for static tests.
A.9
Designation of Spanish Air Force Northrop F-5A which served in the Ejército del Aire
F-5C Skoshi Tiger
12 F-5A Freedom Fighters were tested by the US Air Force for four and a half months in Vietnam.
F-5E Tiger II
Single-seat fighter version with AN/APQ-159 replacing earlier AN/APQ-153 in F-5A.
F-5E Tiger III
Upgraded version of the F-5E in use by the Chilean Air Force, with EL/M-2032 radar replacing the original AN/APQ-159.
F-5E/F
A single Swiss Air Force F-5E with F-5F Wings. Currently (2011), this aircraft is part of the Museum at Meiringen air base
F-5G
The temporary designation given to the Northrop F-20 Tigershark, armed with General Electric AN/APG-67 radar.
F-5N
Ex-Swiss Air Force F-5Es used by the U.S. Navy as "aggressor" aircraft, with AN/APG-69 replacing the original AN/APQ-159. Intended to replace high-time USN/USMC F-5Es in the adversary role, and see service through to 2015.[9]
F-5S
Upgraded version of the F-5E in use by the Republic of Singapore Air Force, equipped with the Galileo Avionica's FIAR Grifo-F X-band radar and are capable of firing the AIM-120 AMRAAM.[35][36][37]
F-5T Tigris
Upgraded version of the F-5E of Royal Thai Air Force by Israel, also armed with EL/M-2032.
F-5EM
Upgraded version of the F-5E of Brazilian Air Force armed with Italian Grifo-F radar.
F-5TIII
Upgraded version of the F-5E, in service with the Royal Moroccan Air Force.
F-5E Tiger 2000
Upgraded version of Taiwan AIDC, equipped with the GD-53 radar, capable of firing the TC-2 Sky Sword II, MIL-STD-1553B Link and GPS/INS

Reconnaissance versions

RF-5A
Single-seat reconnaissance version of the F-5A fighter. Approximately 120 were built.[103]
RF-5A (G)
Single-seat reconnaissance version of the F-5A fighter for the Royal Norwegian Air Force.
RF-5E Tigereye
Single-seat reconnaissance version of the F-5E fighter. The RF-5E Tigereye was exported to Saudi Arabia and Malaysia.
RF-5E Tigergazer
Seven upgraded single-seat reconnaissance version of the F-5E for Taiwan by ST Aerospace.[36]
RF-5S Tigereye
Single-seat reconnaissance version of the F-5S for the Republic of Singapore Air Force.[36]
AR-9
Spanish reconnaissance aircraft
B.TKh.18
Thai designation of the RF-5A

Two-seat versions

Chilean F-5F Tiger II just after delivery in 1977
A Spanish F-5M Freedom Fighter at Dijon Air Base.
AE.9
Spanish designation of the Northrop F-5B.
F-5-21
Temporarily designation given to the YF-5B.
YF-5B
One F-5B was fitted with a 5,000 lbf (2,268 kgf) General Electric J85-GE-21 engine, and used as a prototype for the F-5E Tiger II.
F-5B
Two-seat fighter version for the Republic of Korea Air Force, armed with AN/APQ-157 radar.
F-5B(G)
Two-seat trainer version of the F-5B for the Royal Norwegian Air Force.
F-5B M
Two-seat trainer version in use by the Spanish Air Force for air combat training.
F-5D
Unbuilt trainer version.
F-5F Tiger II
Two-seat trainer version of F-5E Tiger II, AN/APQ-167 radar tested, intended to replace AN/APQ-157, but not carried out.
F-5F Tiger III
Upgraded trainer version of the F-5F in use by the Chilean Air Force.
F-5T
Upgraded F-5F in use by the Republic of Singapore Air Force.[36]
F-5FM
Upgraded trainer version of the F-5F for the Brazilian Air Force.

Foreign variants

A Canadian CF-116

Licensed versions

CF-5
Fighter versions for the Canadian Forces Air Command built under license by Canadair. Its Canadian designation is CF-116.
NF-5A
Single-seat fighter version of the CF-5A for the Royal Netherlands Air Force; 75 built.
NF-5B
Two-seat training version of the CF-5D for the Royal Netherlands Air force; 30 built.
SF-5A
Single-seat fighter version of the F-5A for the Spanish Air Force; built under licence in Spain by CASA.
SRF-5A
Single-seat reconnaissance version of the RF-5A for the Spanish Air force; built under license in Spain By CASA.
SF-5B
Two-seat training version of the F-5B for the Spanish Air Force. Built under license in Spain by CASA.
VF-5A
Single-seat version of the CF-5A for the Venezuelan Air Force. This designation was given to some Canadair CF-116s which were sold to the Venezuelan Air Force.
VF-5D
Two-seat training version of the CF-5D for the Venezuelan Air Force.
KF-5E
F-5E built in South Korea for Republic of Korea Air Force. First introduction: September 1982; 48 built.
KF-5F
F-5F built in South Korea for Republic of Korea Air Force. First introduction: September 1982; 20 built.
Chung Cheng
F-5E/F built in Taiwan for Republic of China Air Force by AIDC. First introduction: 30 October 1974, one day before the late President Chiang Kai Shek's 88th birthday, and was thus christened "Chung Cheng",[citation needed] an alias of President Chiang; 308 built.

Unlicensed versions

Iranian Azarakhsh
An Iranian Saeqeh
Azarakhsh
F-5E built in Iran with unknown modifications and a mid wing.[104]
Sa'eqeh
F-5E modified in Iran with canted, twin vertical stabilizers.

Derivatives

F-20 Tigershark

Main article: F-20 Tigershark

In comparison to later fighters, the improved F-5E had some weaknesses; these included marginal acceleration, rearward visibility, and fuel fraction, and a lack of Beyond Visual Range (BVR) weapons once such radar guided missiles became reliable during the 1980s.[21] The F-5G, later renamed the F-20 Tigershark, aimed to correct these weaknesses while maintaining a small size and low cost to produce a competitive fighter. Compared to the F-5E, it had 60% more power, a higher climb rate and acceleration, better cockpit visibility, more modern radar and BVR capability, and competitive performance with fourth generation fighters. Like the F-5, it had better cost effectiveness as it had the minimum necessary features relative to its competition to perform its air superiority mission. As an example, in the 1960s and early 1970s, the F-5's lack of BVR missiles was not a significant disadvantage as the kill rate of such missiles was approximately 8% to 10%,[105] and the performance and loss of surprise (radar warning to the enemy) cost of carrying them was not practically justified. By the early 1980s, the American AIM-7 Sparrow radar-guided missile in its "M" version was realistically exceeding a 60% kill rate, and was integrated onto the F-20. Brigadier General Chuck Yeager, test pilot and the first man to break the sound barrier, referred to the F-20 as "the finest fighter".[106] Despite its performance and cost effectiveness, the F-20 lost out for foreign sales against the similarly capable, more expensive F-16, which was being procured in large numbers by the U.S. Air Force and was viewed as having greater support.[107]

Northrop YF-17

Main article: Northrop YF-17

The Northrop YF-17's aircraft's main design elements date from the F-5 based internal Northrop project N-300. The N-300 featured a longer fuselage, small leading-edge root extensions (LERX), and more powerful GE15-J1A1 turbojets. The wing was moved higher on the fuselage to increase ordnance flexibility. The N-300 further evolved into the P-530 Cobra. The P-530's wing planform and nose section was similar to the F-5, with a trapezoidal shape formed by a sweep of 20° at the quarter-chord line, and an unswept trailing edge, but was over double the area. While the YF-17 lost its bid for the USAF lightweight fighter, it would be developed into the larger McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet.

Operators

Northrop F-5 Tiger operators (former operators in red)
Chile Air Force Northrop F-5E Tigre III
Jordanian F-5 Tiger II aircraft (1987)
Kenya Air Force F-5E Tiger II and an USAF C-5 Galaxy in the background
Royal Moroccan Air Force F-5E Tiger III during an aerial refueling mission in African Lion 2009
F-5F of Royal Saudi Air Force taking off
 Austria
 Bahrain
 Botswana
 Brazil
 Canada
 Chile
  • Chilean Air Force: Chile purchased 15 F-5Es and 3 F-5Fs in the 1970s, these being upgraded to Tiger III standard from 1993. A story about the purchase of Honduran F-5E/F for the Chilean Air Force is frequently cited but has proven to be baseless since the Honduran Air Force still operates this type.[113] 16 F-5Es were replaced in 2009 by 16 F-16 Fighting Falcon MLU T5.[114] A total of 10 F-5s remain operational as of 2009.[115] In March 2013, the Uruguayan Air Force initiated talks for procuring 12 surplus F-5 Tiger III aircraft from Chile for $80 million.[116]
 Ethiopia
 Greece
  • Hellenic Air Force received the first 55 F-5A's in 1965. In 1975, 10 aircraft were bought from Iran and later, another 10 followed from Jordan. In 1986, 9 aircraft were granted from Norway and in 1991, 10 NF-5A's were granted by Holland. During 1967 and 1968 this type of aircraft was used by the 3rd Hellenic Aerobatic Team "New Hellenic Flame". The last NF-5A's were retired in 2002.[117]
 Honduras
  • Honduran Air Force The United States delivered ten F-5E and two F-5Fs starting in 1987 as replacements of Dassault Super Mystére, which were reassigned to air strike as they were in their last years of service. The F-5 were refurbished former United States Air Force aircraft.
 Indonesia
  • Indonesian Air Force: Upgraded in Belgium in the middle to late 1990s. All 16 F-5E/Fs have been retired since late 2005 but are in reserve in case of future use.
 Iran
 Jordan
 Kenya
  • Kenya Air Force: In July 2008, it was reported that Kenya will spend 1.5 billion KSh to buy 15 former Jordanian Air Force F-5s, 13 F-5E and two F-5F upgraded with Rockwell Collins avionics[118] (plus training and spare parts).They will be added or eventually replace the current F-5 fleet[119]
 Republic of Korea
 Libya
  • Royal Libyan Air Force to 1969. 10 F-5s. May have been sold to Turkey after 1969.
 Mexico
 Morocco
 Malaysia
  • Royal Malaysian Air Force uses 4 F-5F as trainer aircraft while another 16 of its Northrop F-5E Tiger IIs were upgraded for reconnaissance purposes.
 Netherlands
  • Royal Netherlands Air Force (former operator), received 75 [Canadair built] NF-5A (Single-seat fighter version) and 30 NF-5B (Two-seat training version) between 7 October 1969 and 20 March 1972. After the aircraft were phased out and replaced by the modern F-16 Fighting Falcon, the aircraft were initially stored at Gilze-Rijen Air Base and Woensdrecht Air Base, until finally 60 aircraft were sold to Turkey, 11 to Greece and 7 to Venezuela. Several of the remaining aircraft can be found in aviation museums and technical schools.
    • No. 313 Squadron; Twente Air Base (transitioned to F-16 in 1987)
    • No. 314 Squadron; Eindhoven Air Base (transitioned to F-16 in 1990)
    • No. 315 Squadron, Operation Conversion Unit (OCU); Twente Air Base (transitioned to F-16 in 1986)
    • No. 316 Squadron; Gilze-Rijen Air Base (transitioned to F-16 in 1991)
    • Field Technic Training Unit NF-5 (1971–1984); Twente Air Base
 Norway
 Philippines
F-5 of the Philippine Air Force.
  • Philippine Air Force received 19 F-5A (single seat) and three F-5B (two seat) aircraft in 1965–1967. In 1989, the PAF received three ex-Taiwanese F-5A and one F-5B.[122] In the 1990s, at least eight ex-South Korean F-5A and two Jordanian F-5A were acquired. All F-5 upgrades were abandoned in 2008.[citation needed] The Philippines decommissioned its F-5A/B fleet in 2005.[82]
 Saudi Arabia
An F-5S belonging to 144 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force prepares for takeoff
 Singapore
 South Vietnam
  • Vietnam Air Force received fleet of 158 former US, Korean, Iranian and Chinese F-5A Freedom Fighters, 10 RF-5A and eight F-5B trainers, USA also provided newer F-5E Tiger IIs, most of F-5s were evacuated to Thailand in 1975, but many were captured by People's Army.
 Spain
 Sudan
  • Sudanese Air Force: 10 F-5Es and two F-5F were delivered in 1978, One of the F-5Fs was sold to Jordan. further two F-5s defected to Sudan from Ethiopia during the Ogaden crisis.[32]
F-5E Tiger II of the Patrouille Suisse aerobatics team arrives for the 2014 Royal International Air Tattoo, Fairford, England. The '50' marking commemorates the team's 50 years of flying (1964-2014).

 Switzerland

  • Swiss Air Force: Operating 42 F-5E and 12 F-5F Tiger II.[123] The Swiss chose the F-5 because it was simpler to maintain than the F-16.[124]
 Republic of China (Taiwan)
  • Republic of China Air Force: Received 115 F-5A and B from 1965, 48 were transferred to South Vietnam before 1975. From 1973 to 1986, Taiwan produced 308 F-5E/Fs under license.[34] Later batches of locally AIDC licensed production of Tiger IIs were fitted with flare/chaff dispensers, plus handling qualities upgrades with enlarged LEX and F-20's shark nose, and radar warning receivers(RWR).[90][125]
 Thailand
A Royal Thai Air Force Northrop F-5E Tiger II
  • Royal Thai Air Force: F-5A retired. Now operates F-5B/E/F/T, F-5B/E slated for retirement in 2011–2012, to be replaced by 12-JAS 39 Gripen. The last F-5 fleet, upgraded F-5T Tigris and F-5F will continue to serve to 2015–2020.
 Tunisia
  • Tunisian Air Force : Eight F-5E and four F-5F Tiger II were delivered in 1984–1985. The TAF received five ex-USAF F-5E in 1989. 16 aircrafts still in service.
NF-5A of the Turkish Stars aerobatic team.
 Turkey
  • Turkish Air Force: More than 200 F-5A/Bs and NF-5A/Bs were bought from various countries. Between 40 and 50 of them were upgraded to F-5/2000 standard during the 2000s (decade).[126] Currently 23[127] F-5/2000 remains active which 10 F-5A and 2 F-5B belongs to Turkish Stars aerobatic display team.[128]
 Soviet Union
  • F-5Es were received from Vietnam and the Derg regime in Ethiopia for performance tests and evaluation flights. They were tested in mock combat against MiG-21 and MiG-23 aircraft, ultimately aiding in the development of the MiG-23MLD and the MiG-29.[129]
 United States
 Venezuela
 Vietnam
F-5 captured and operated by the Vietnam People's Air Force
 Yemen
  • Yemen Air Force: North Yemen Air Force's 14 F-5E/F fleet were initially piloted by ROCAF/Taiwan pilots as part of 115th Squadron at Sana‘a, from April 1979 to May 1990, to boost its air defense.

Aircraft on display

Greece

F-5A
RF-5A

Poland

F-5E

Spain

F-5BM

United States

YF-5A
F-5B
F-5E

Specifications (F-5E Tiger II)

An orthographically projected diagram of the F-5E Tiger-II
An orthographically projected diagram of the F-5E Tiger-II
M39A2 cannon in the nose of a Brazilian F-5

Data from Quest for Performance[141]

General characteristics

Performance

Armament

Avionics

Notable appearances in media

Main article: Aircraft in fiction § F-5 Freedom Fighter

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References

Notes

  1. ^ Defense analyst and combat aircraft architect Pierre Sprey defines the key factors of fighter effectiveness in order of importance as 1. Ability to surprise the enemy without being surprised, 2. On a per budget basis, ability to outnumber the enemy via lower unit cost and higher sortie rates and reliability, 3. Ability to outmaneuver the enemy, and 4. Once in position to fire by either surprise or maneuver, ability to attain reliable kills (weapon system effectiveness).[4]
  2. ^ The 492 F-5s in service as of December 2013 make it the 8th most common active fighter and attack jet, comprising approximately 3% of the total world tactical jet fleet.[10]
  3. ^ Of aircraft effectiveness, Sprey generally commented that: "The second most important effectiveness area, after ability to surprise, is the ability to outnumber the enemy. This dimension of effectiveness is also an inherent characteristic of the design of a fighter, since the design determines the procurement cost, the operating cost and the sorties per day."[18]
  4. ^ Sprey's relative figure of merit on cost is defined as available combat sorties/day per billion dollars invested in procurement, training, and maintenance over a 10 year peace time period. It is accurate so long as the period of conflict is short relative to 10 years.[19]

Citations

  1. ^ a b "Northrop F-5 Freedom Fight." National Museum of the United States Air Force. Retrieved: 14 November 2012.
  2. ^ Johnsen 2006, p. 90.
  3. ^ Sprey, Pierre. "Comparing the effectiveness of air-to-air fighters: F-86 to F-18", April 1982, pp. 143-145. This is a U.S. government report developed under contract MDA903-81-C-0312. Available at http://dnipogo.org/labyrinth/
  4. ^ Sprey, pp. 48-87.
  5. ^ Sprey, pp. 89, 145.
  6. ^ Sprey, p. 109.
  7. ^ Sprey, pp. 97, 145.
  8. ^ "Military Aircraft Update: Northrop F-5/T-38". Aviation Week & Space Technology. 175 (39). Aviation Week Intelligence Network: 89. 21 November 2013.
  9. ^ a b c d e "F-5N/F Adversary aircraft fact file." U.S. Navy. Retrieved: 15 May 2010.
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