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- Development of the aircraft began in 1956 as a smaller and cheaper alternative to the F-4 Phantom.
- Since the United States had no need for such an aircraft in the 1960s, the F-5 became a great export item.
- Compact, light, fast, and maneuverable, the aircraft's low acquisition and operating costs attracted the attention of many countries.
- After flight tests in 1959, orders poured in. A total of 36 countries added F-5 fighters to their arsenals.
- The F-5 was actually an excellent aircraft, popular with pilots and ground personnel for its ease of maintenance. In 1970, the F-5 even won an international fighter competition.
- Over time, the machine was upgraded, with various versions being created as a trainer special, a radar reconnaissance special, or machines capable of in-flight refueling for the U.S. Navy.
- The aircraft earned the name Freedom Fighter during the defense of South Vietnam against the Viet Cong.
- Licensed production also took place in Spain, Taiwan, Switzerland and South Korea,
- The aircraft was in production for nearly 30 years, with a total of about 1,400 produced.
Technical parameters:
- dimensions: wingspan 7.9 m, length 14.45 m, height 4.08 m
- propulsion 2x GE J85-GE-13 twin-jet engines, each with a thrust of 15.5 kN
- empty weight 2 594 kg, maximum take-off weight 11 190 kg
- range 3 720 km with overhead tanks
- maximum speed 1,734 km/h
- maximum flight level 15 500 m
- climb rate 146 m/s
- armament 2x Pontiac M39A2 20 mm cannon + 3 200 kg bombs
- crew 1
From the memoirs of American pilot Charles "Charlie" Brown.:
"The F-5A was my first combat aircraft. I was nervous about it, but also excited. It was an amazing plane and I was proud to fly it. I went through many dangerous missions with him in Vietnam, but I always managed to come home safe."
Assembly instructions
