Description
The Northrop F-5A Freedom Fighter was a light fighter which entered service in 1962. This was followed by the F-5E Tiger in 1972. The vast majority of F-5s were produced for export to US allies.
There were many versions of the F-5 and it became a ‘universal fighter’ which saw combat in Vietnam, Yemen, Morocco, Kuwait and others as well as serving in a peace-time role in many countries.
The F-5A was armed with 2 x 20mm cannon, 2 x wingtip Sidewinders and 5 x pylons for missiles, bombs, rockets, or fuel tanks - the F-5E had an upgraded weapons capacity and more powerful engines.
This example is an F-5E of the Malaysian Air Force 1985.