The F-5’s journey began in the 1954, with Northrop’s vision of a supersonic fighter that was cost-effective, easy to maintain, and could operate from short runways.
Despite initial skepticism from the U.S. Air Force, which favored more advanced fighters, the F-5A Freedom Fighter emerged, ultimately finding its niche through the overseas market. This allowed America’s NATO and SEATO allies to acquire a high-quality warplane at a reasonable cost.
On November 20, 1970, the Northrop entry was declared the winner of the IFA (International Fighter Aircraft) to be the F-5A/Bs successor. The emphasis was on the air-superiority role for nations faced with threats from opponents operating the late-generation MiG-21s. An order was placed for five development and 325 production aircraft. In January of 1971 it was reclassified as F-5Ej The aircraft came to be known as “Tiger II”.
Because of F-5s characteristics, which were similar to the MiG-21, was used as “aggressor” aircraft, equipped the FWS and VF-126 at NAS Miramar, plus VF-43 at NAS Oceana. All three units later disposed of their Tiger IIs in favor of the General Dynamics F-16N. These tiger IIs were passed on to VF-95 at NAS Key West and VFA-127 at NAS Fallon.
During FY 1996, VFC-13 moved from NAS Miramar, CA, to NAS Fallon, NV, and transitioned from 12 F/A-18 to 25 F-5 aircraft. This transition to the F-5 adversary aircraft will provide Active and Reserve Navy pilots with air-to-air combat training at significant savings to the taxpayer. Recent estimates show that the F-5 can be operated at one third of what it costs to operate an F/A-18.
In December 1970, Northrop Grumman began development and production on the F-5A-21, an aircraft design that emphasized maneuverability rather than high speed and was officially reclassified as the F-5E. The F-5N/Fs are third-generation F-5 fighter aircraft designed for replacement of the F-5A/B/E production models. These aging aircraft will be replaced by low-houred F-5N/F acquired from the Swiss Air Force surplus by United States Navy (USN).
Relevant articles:
– F-5E Tiger II, Pacific Coast Air Museum
– F-5 Tigershark, Military.com
– F-5 Tiger Fighter Jet, Northrop Grumman