The Northrop F-5 is a vastly improved version of its predecessor. It has been praised for its agility, versatility, ease of maintenance, low initial and long term operating expenses. However the aircraft is not equipped to fly in all weather conditions.
The Northrop F-5 was built with one or two seats. The two seat version has been used as a trainer in air forces around the world since 1964.
In addition to the Northrop F-5 being produced in the United States, Canada, Spain, Taiwan, South Korea, and Switzerland had licensing agreements to build it.
The Northrop F-5 was first flown on August 11, 1972. It had more powerful engines than the original model and also a wider fuselage to accommodate the engines. Avionics were vastly improved as well. By 1980 some twenty air forces around the world were flying the aircraft.
The United States Air Force used the Northrop F-5 as an aggressor that simulated enemy fighters for the training of pilots.
Production of the Northrop F-5 ended in 1987. However, updated parts, which continue to be produced, keep many operational to this date.
In mid 1992 an updated version of the Northrop F-5 took to the sky. It used a single engine that produced about 70% more power than the two engines of its predecessor. However the U.S. government had no interest in the aircraft and the project ended with just three prototypes produced.
A total of over 2,700 Northrop F-5 aircraft of all types were manufactured. Over 2,000 were exported to some 30 countries around the world.
To date about 800 Northrop F-5 aircraft continue to operate. Substantial support for the aircraft is provided by a team of companies headed by Northrop Grumman.
Northrop F-5
1. NitroPlanes Northrop F-5.
1. The Northrop F-5 from NitroPlanes is 38" long with a 24 1/2" wingspan and weighs around 1 lb. 4 oz. Included is a complete electronics package with motor.
2. The colorful Northrop F-5 for sale by Nitro Planes has a wingspan of 21" with a length of 37" and weighs a little over a pound ready to fly. Power comes from a brushless motor driving a 64 mm ducted fan.
3. Andrew Scholl with his Northrop F-5. Wingspan is 66", length 118". Power is by a Jet Cat P-120 and weight is 33 lbs.
4. The Northrop F-5 from RC International. Wingspan is 66" and length is 112". Weight is around 35 lbs.
5. The Northrop F-5 (20) Slope Soarer for sale from California Sailplanes. Its wingspan is 33", and length is 32". Construction is all EPP foam.
It is controlled by two channels for elevator and ailerons and needs minimum 7 mph winds to fly.
6. The Northrop F-5 from Parkjet plans. Wingspan is 29" and length is 48". Power comes from a electric motor geared 4.4:1 driving a pusher propeller.
The final picture on this page is of the Northrop F-5 for sale from Starmax. Wingspan is 30" and it is 51 1/2" long. It has a motor driving a 70 mm EDF and retractable landing gear. Weight is around 2 lbs.
ICARE has a Northrop F-5 with a 27 1/2" wingspan and length of 30" for sale.
You
can power the rc airplane with Mega 16/7/3 or 4 motors. It has a foam fuselage and
injected foam wings. All up weight is from 17 to 20 oz.
Electric Jet Factory has a Northrop F-5 for sale with a wingspan 31.5" with a
length 45 1/2". Power is from a Typhoon 2W motor turning a 480 Mini Fan.
Construction is a balsa and lite plywood.
Thorjet has a Northrop F-5 kit for sale with a length 66", and a 41" or 48"
wing for an O.S. .91 DF, Thorjet 90 power unit or MW 54 turbine. All up weight is between 10 and 12 lbs.
Sky
Team International Enterprise Ltd., Hong Kong, has a Northrop F-5 for sale in red or gray color schemes. Its has a wingspan of 24" and it is 38" long. It needs a motor to
drive the included 64 mm EDF unit. Weight is around 20 oz.
Amax Industrial Group China Co., makes a Northrop F-5 with a 21" wingspan. It is 37" long and weighs about 18 oz. It has a 64 mm EDF.
Dongguan Hengping Trading has a Northrop F-5 . Its wingspan is 21 1/2" and length is 35". It has a 64 mm EDF unit. Weight is about 20 oz.
Fondlick Company makes a Northrop F-5. Wingspan is 21", and length is 34". The scale model rc airplane is also available as a ARF.
PJ Faller of RC Universe needed information about powering a Northrop F-5.
At RC Groups iflytailies has a Northrop F-5.
RC Groups redtail asked about a Norfthrop F-5 recently introduced.
Mick62 built a Northrop F-5 with a 32" wingspan.
Jgreenman was thinking about buying a Northrop F-5.
At RC Universe vicman mentioned the Northrop F-5 in a posting.
Northrop F-5 Tiger II
