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Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter
Formation of three aggressor F-5E aircraft of the 527th TFTS, RAF Alconbury, U.K.,
on Jan. 15, 1983. (U.S. Air Force photo)
The improved second-generation F-5E Tiger II was also primarily used by American Cold War allies and, in limited quantities, served in US military aviation as a training and aggressor aircraft; Tiger II production amounted to 1,400 of all versions, with production ending in 1987. Many F-5s continuing in service into the 1990s and 2000s have undergone a wide variety of upgrade programs to keep pace with the changing combat environment. The F-5 was also developed into a dedicated reconnaissance version, the RF-5 Tigereye.
The F-5N/F remain in service with the United States Navy as an adversary trainer.
Type: Fighter/Attack aircraft
Crew: 1
Manufacturer: Northrop
Models: See variants
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Maiden flight: August 11, 1972
Service Delivery: N/A
Number built: E/F: 1,400+
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Specifications: F-5E Tiger II - F-5A Freedom Fighter Specs
Powerplant:
Model: General Electric J85-GE-21B
Type: Afterburning turbojet
Number: Two
Dry Thrust: 3,500 lb each
Afterburner: 5,000 lb each
Internal fuel: 677 US gal (2,563 L)
Dimensions:
Length: 47 ft 4¾ in (14.45 m)
Wing Span: 26 ft 8 in (8.13 m)
Wing Area: 186 ft² (17.28 m²)
Height: 13 ft 4½ in (4.08 m)
Airfoil:
– NACA 65A004.8 root
– NACA 64A004.8 tip
Weights:
Empty: 9,558 lb (4,349 kg)
Loaded: N/A
Max takeoff: 24,664 lb (11,187 kg)
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Performance:
Maximum speed: 1,060 mph (1,700 kph)
Combat radius: 870 mi (1,405 km)
Ferry range: 2,310 mi (3,720 km)
Service ceiling: 51,800 ft (15,800 m)
Rate of climb: 34,400 ft/min (175 m/s)
Lift-to-drag ratio: 10.0
Armament:
2×20mm Pontiac M39A2 Cannon
7,000 lb (3,200 kg) bombs on external hardpoints
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Sources:
Wikipedia: F-5 Freedom Fighter
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