page_title: Northrop F-5
section_title: Single-seat versions
hierarchical_section_title: Northrop F-5 / Variants / Single-seat versions
caption_attribution_description: English: A formation of three U.S. Air Force aggressor Northrop F-5E Tiger II aircraft of the 527th TFTS, RAF Alconbury, U.K., on 15 January 1983.
context_page_description: The Northrop F-5 is a family of supersonic light fighter aircraft initially designed as a privately funded project in the late 1950s by Northrop Corporation. There are two main models, the original F-5A and F-5B Freedom Fighter variants and the extensively updated F-5E and F-5F Tiger II variants. 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 cost 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 1960s. During the Cold War, over 800 were produced through 1972 for U.S. allies. Though at the time the United States Air Force did not have a need for a light fighter, it did procure approximately 1,200 Northrop T-38 Talon trainer aircraft, which was based on Northrop's N-156 fighter design.
context_section_description: N-156F
  Single-seat fighter prototype. Only three aircraft were built.
  YF-5A
  The three prototypes were given the U.S. Air Force designation YF-5A.
  F-5A
  Single-seat fighter version of F-5, originally without radar, but was later equipped with AN/APQ-153 radar during upgrades.
  F-5A (G)
  Single-seat fighter version of the F-5A for the Royal Norwegian Air Force.
  XF-5A
  Designation was given to one aircraft used for static tests.
  A.9
  Designation of Spanish Air Force Northrop F-5A which served in the Ejército del Aire.
  F-5C Skoshi Tiger
  Twelve F-5A Freedom Fighters were tested by the US Air Force for four and a half months in Vietnam.
  F-5E Tiger II
  Single-seat fighter version with AN/APQ-159 replacing earlier AN/APQ-153 in F-5A.
  F-5E Tiger III
  Upgraded version of the F-5E in use by the Chilean Air Force, with EL/M-2032 radar replacing the original AN/APQ-159 and capable of firing advanced versions of the Python missile
  F-5E/F
  A single Swiss Air Force F-5E with F-5F wings. As of 2011, this aircraft was part of the Museum at Meiringen air base
  F-5G
  The temporary designation given to the Northrop F-20 Tigershark, equipped with General Electric AN/APG-67 radar.
  F-5N
  Ex-Swiss Air Force F-5Es used by the U.S. Navy as an "aggressor" aircraft, with AN/APG-69 replacing the original AN/APQ-159. Intended to replace high-time USN/USMC F-5Es in the adversary role, and see service through to 2015.
  F-5S
  Upgraded version of the F-5E in use by the Republic of Singapore Air Force, equipped with the Galileo Avionica's FIAR Grifo-F X-band radar and are capable of firing the AIM-120 AMRAAM.
  F-5TH Super Tigris
  Formerly known as the F-5T Tigris before being officially redesignated. An upgraded version of the F-5E of Royal Thai Air Force by Israel, It is equipped with EL/M-2032, tactical datalink, Sky Shield jamming pod and are capable of firing the beyond visual range air-to-air Derby (missile).
  F-5EM
  Upgraded version of the F-5E of Brazilian Air Force equipped with Italian Grifo-F radar.
  F-5TIII
  Upgraded version of the F-5E, in service with the Royal Moroccan Air Force.
  F-5E Tiger 2000
  Upgraded version of Taiwan AIDC, equipped with the GD-53 radar, capable of firing the TC-2 Sky Sword II, MIL-STD-1553B Link and GPS/INS.  Did not enter service as the ROCAF decided to immediately embark on the ultimately-successful process of acquiring additional F-16s to replace the F-5E/Fs altogether.
caption: A trio of USAF aggressor squadron F-5Es in formation
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