The Northrop F-5 is a family of supersonic light fighter aircraft initially designed as a privately funded project in the late s by Northrop Corporation. The design team wrapped a small, highly aerodynamic fighter around two compact and high-thrust General Electric J85 engines, focusing on performance and a low cost of maintenance. Smaller and simpler than contemporaries such as the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II , the F-5 costs less to procure and operate, making it a popular export aircraft.
Though primarily designed for a day air superiority role, the aircraft is also a capable ground-attack platform.
The F-5A entered service in the early s. During the Cold War , over were produced through for US allies. After winning the International Fighter Aircraft Competition, a program aimed at providing effective low-cost fighters to American allies, in Northrop introduced the second-generation F-5E Tiger II. This upgrade included more powerful engines, larger fuel capacity, greater wing area and improved leading-edge extensions for better turn rates, optional air-to-air refueling, and improved avionics, including air-to-air radar.
Primarily used by American allies, it remains in US service to support training exercises. It has served in a wide array of roles, being able to perform both air and ground attack duties; the type was used extensively in the Vietnam War.
More than 3, F-5s and the closely related T advanced trainer aircraft were produced in Hawthorne, California. The F-5 was also developed into a dedicated reconnaissance aircraft , the RF-5 Tigereye. The Northrop F Tigershark was an advanced variant to succeed the F-5E which was ultimately canceled when export customers did not emerge.
