The story
The F-5 is a lightweight, affordable supersonic fighter exported to dozens of nations. Agile and cheap to run, it still serves as a frontline fighter and aggressor trainer simulating enemy jets.
The US Navy and Marine Corps fly F-5s as 'aggressors', painted in enemy-style camouflage to play the bad guys in dogfight training.
Quick answers
How do you identify a F-5?
Small, sharp-nosed, twin-engine. Sharply swept wings, pointed nose.
What does a F-5 sound like?
Two tiny J85 turbojets: a ripping, high-pitched shriek on takeoff, far louder than the airplane's size suggests.
How fast is the F-5?
Top speed is Mach 1.6.
How big is the F-5?
It is 48 ft 2 in long and 26 ft 8 in across the wings.
When did the F-5 first fly?
Its first flight was in 1959.
How many F-5s have been built?
2,600+ built.
What do crews call the F-5?
The Tiger.
How rare is a F-5 in Bogey?
RARE. A good day. Most spotters go weeks between sightings of something this rare. Your first F-5 catch is worth 250 points.
