Canadair
CF-5 Freedom Fighter
The Canadair CF‑5 Freedom Fighter is a Canadian‑built version of the Northrop F‑5 Light Fighter, produced from 1965 to 1972 under licence for the Royal Canadian Air Force and export customers. Derived from the original F‑5E design, the CF‑5 incorporated Canadian avionics, a more powerful General Electric J85‑15A engine delivering 5,000 lbf thrust, and reinforced airframe structures to meet NATO standards. First flown on 23 May 1966, the aircraft entered service in 1969, serving as a supersonic trainer, tactical light attack platform, and air‑defence interceptor.
Key features include a compact twin‑engine layout, a lightweight all‑metal airframe, a bubble canopy for excellent visibility, and a versatile weapons bay capable of carrying rockets, bombs, and air‑to‑air missiles. Its low operating cost, high maneuverability, and simple maintenance made it attractive to several air forces, including those of Sweden, Turkey, and Argentina, where it saw combat during the Falklands conflict.
The CF‑5’s significance lies in its role as a bridge between basic jet trainers and modern front‑line fighters, demonstrating that a modestly sized aircraft could deliver reliable supersonic performance and multirole capability. Its legacy endures in training curricula and as a testament to Canadian aerospace engineering during the Cold War era.
Key features include a compact twin‑engine layout, a lightweight all‑metal airframe, a bubble canopy for excellent visibility, and a versatile weapons bay capable of carrying rockets, bombs, and air‑to‑air missiles. Its low operating cost, high maneuverability, and simple maintenance made it attractive to several air forces, including those of Sweden, Turkey, and Argentina, where it saw combat during the Falklands conflict.
The CF‑5’s significance lies in its role as a bridge between basic jet trainers and modern front‑line fighters, demonstrating that a modestly sized aircraft could deliver reliable supersonic performance and multirole capability. Its legacy endures in training curricula and as a testament to Canadian aerospace engineering during the Cold War era.
Classification
Production & History
- First Flight
- 1968
Design & Classification
- Primary Use
- Manufacturer
- Canadair
- Designer
- Edgar Schmued
- Operator
-
Royal Canadian Air Force
- Wikidata ID
- Q1957599