Northrop F-5 Tiger II

The Northrop F‑5 Tiger II, developed by Northrop Corporation in the early 1960s, is a lightweight, supersonic fighter that built on the success of the earlier F‑5 Freedom Fighter. First flown in 1966 and entering service with the United States Air Force in 1972, the aircraft was exported to more than 30 countries, becoming a mainstay of allied air forces throughout the Cold War. Powered by two General Electric J85‑20 turbo‑jets, the Tiger II delivers a maximum speed of Mach 1.6, a service ceiling above 50,000 feet, and a range suited to both air‑to‑air and ground‑attack missions. Its sleek, aerodynamically clean airframe incorporates a 42‑inch wing, leading‑edge extensions, and a reinforced fuselage that allow high maneuverability and easy maintenance. Avionics were upgraded from the original Freedom Fighter, featuring modern radar, a heads‑up display and provisions for a variety of NATO‑standard weapons, including Sidewinder missiles and a 20 mm cannon. The aircraft’s simplicity, low operating cost, and robust performance made it ideal for pilot training, close‑air support, and air‑defense roles in developing nations. The F‑5 Tiger II’s enduring legacy lies in its influence on later designs such as the F‑16 and its continued presence in civilian aerobatic teams and as a test platform for new technologies.

Northrop

Northrop F-5 Tiger II

Classification

Design & Classification