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Tigers in the Sky


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Just a few images of Northrop flight test operations at Edwards AFB in the 1980s...

 

F-5E, USAF s/n 71-1418, seen in 1983 with YAPS test nose boom fitted:

71-1418 northrop KEDW 19830210 26cr

 

Test missions without the nose boom in 1984:

71-1418 northrop R-2508 19840626 27rawcr

 

71-1418 northrop R-2508 19840626 36cr

 

71-1418 northrop R-2508 19840626 26cr

 

71-1418 northrop R-2508 19840626 35cr

 

71-1418 northrop R-2508 19840626 33cr

 

RF-5E, s/n 71-1420

71-1420 northrop RF-5E KEDW 19801100 29cr

I know its fuzzy, but it shows the placement of the camera aperture covers.

 

Tiger motif on the vertical tail...

71-1420 northrop RF-5E KEDW 19810900 31

 

71-1420 northrop RF-5E KEDW 19810900 30cr

 

Was it Airfix that did an RF-5E in 1/72?

RF-5E, s/n 80-0334, in Malaysian markings. Ready to take Runway 22...

80-0334 northrop M29-20 Maylaysia KEDW 19830616 16cr80-0334 northrop M29-20 Maylaysia R-2508 19830125 05cr

 

80-0334 northrop M29-20 Malaysia R-2508 19830125 10cr80-0334 northrop M29-20 Maylaysia R-2508 19830125 09cr

 

RF-5E, s/n 84-0199, with refueling probe and Saudi markings:

84-0199 northrop Saudi R-2508 19841200 20cr

 

F-5E, s/n 72-0891. Okay, this one as shown is no longer a Northrop test bird, but it retains the double tiger tail markings and F-5 operators flag panel beneath the windscreen from its test days with Northrop. Here, it is with the  425th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron, 405th Tactical Training Wing stationed at Williams AFB Arizona.

72-0891 425tfts 405ttw KIWA 19820429 15cr

 

Thanks for looking,

Sven

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14 hours ago, 72modeler said:

Sven,

 

Outstanding photos- loved the bare metal one; never seen that before, just a few in silver paint. A very capable but very under-rated fighter. Thanks for sharing them!

Mike

 

I wouldn't say it was under-rated, the 1,400 F-5E produced are an indication that the type was well appreciated. That it didn't find much use in the USAF apart from aggressor units is true, but I can understand the USAF decision in the end, as much as I love the little Northrop fighter (and the several Italeri and HB boxes in the stash are evidence of this) I'd take an F-16 over a TIger II anytime if I have the money

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8 hours ago, Giorgio N said:

 

I wouldn't say it was under-rated, the 1,400 F-5E produced are an indication that the type was well appreciated. That it didn't find much use in the USAF apart from aggressor units is true, but I can understand the USAF decision in the end, as much as I love the little Northrop fighter (and the several Italeri and HB boxes in the stash are evidence of this) I'd take an F-16 over a TIger II anytime if I have the money

G,

 

I guess what I meant to say was it was under appreciated, as the Skoshi Tiger F-5C's acquitted themselves very well, considering how few were deployed, and I realize it wasn't really intended to serve with the AF but with our NATO/foreign allies. It was, IIRC, one of the very few USAF jets that could operate from unimproved strips, and was reliable and easy to maintain. Just didn't have the radar and bells and whistles that our AF brass seemed to want on every design, but then again, I think it met the original goals of a high-performing, basic clear-air fighter/fighter-bomber pretty well. The Swiss sure seemed to be happy with theirs and they have given sterling service for many years. Take the radar out of the F-16 to level the playing field, and I think the F-5E might just have  made a very nasty opponent. (Ain't it fun to fantasize?)

Mike

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