Tigers in the Sky

[Old Viper Tester]

 

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:

 

Test missions without the nose boom in 1984:

 

 

 

 

 

RF-5E, s/n 71-1420

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

 

Tiger motif on the vertical tail...

 

 

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...

 

 

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

 

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.

 

Thanks for looking,

Sven

[Beard]

1 hour ago, Old Viper Tester said:

 

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

 

Yes, it was: https://www.scalemates.com/kits/135729-airfix-03057-northrop-rf-5e-tiger-eye

 

Very interesting photographs, by the way.

 

[72modeler]

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

[Giorgio N]

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

[72modeler]

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

[F-32]