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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
   Maiden flight: August 11, 1972
Service Delivery: N/A
Number built: E/F: 1,400+
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)

   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

Sources:
Wikipedia: F-5 Freedom Fighter
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