(Skill index 6)
4. Top piece.
The Northrop F-5A and F-5B Freedom Fighter and the F-5E and F-5F Tiger II are part of a supersonic light fighter family, initially designed in the late 1950s by Northrop Corporation. Being smaller and simpler than contemporaries such as the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, the F-5 cost less to both procure and operate, making it a popular export aircraft. The F-5 started life as a privately funded light fighter program by Northrop in the 1950s. The design team wrapped a small, highly aerodynamic fighter around two compact and high-thrust General Electric J85 engines, focusing on performance and low cost of maintenance. Though primarily designed for the 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 the United States Air Force (USAF) had no need for a light fighter, it did procure approximately 1,200 Northrop T-38 Talon trainer aircraft, which were directly based on the F-5A.
After winning the International Fighter Aircraft competition in 1970, a program aimed at providing effective low-cost fighters to American allies, Northrop introduced the second-generation F-5E Tiger II in 1972. This upgrade included more powerful engines, higher fuel capacity, greater wing area and improved leading edge extensions for a better turn rate, optional air-to-air refueling, and improved avionics including air-to-air radar. Primarily used by American allies, it remains in US service to support training exercises. It has served in a wide array of roles, being able to perform both air and ground attack duties; the type was used extensively in the Vietnam War. A total of 1,400 Tiger IIs were built before production ended in 1987. More than 3,800 F-5 and the closely related T-38 advanced trainer aircraft were produced in Hawthorne, California. The F-5N/F variants are in service with the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps as an adversary trainer. Approximately 500 aircraft are in service as of 2014.
The F-5 was also developed into a dedicated reconnaissance version, the RF-5 Tigereye. The F-5 also served as a starting point for a series of design studies which resulted in the Northrop YF-17 and the F/A-18 navalized fighter aircraft. The Northrop F-20 Tigershark was an advanced variant to succeed the F-5E which was ultimately canceled when export customers did not emerge.
First flight: F-5A: July 30, 1959, F-5E: August 11,1972,
Production: A/B/C(Freedom Fighter): 847, E/F(Tiger II): 1,399.
6. Final assemble.
Discovery Channel Wings- Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter.
Pay attention at: keep the symmetry of the canopy and main fuselage.
The F-5F design is a high-speed jet based with a relatively small wing. To adjust the 4D model of F-5F, it will need to know the aeronautics term called "washout". See the discussion of Washout.
The wing need to pushup (1-2 degree) along the red line shown. This is a critical adjustment to fly well of F-5F 4D model. You can experience the Washout effect before and after adjustment.
model kit paper airplane template and how to make a paper airplane
(follow video may contain depictions of violence, viewer discretion is advised.)
2. Tail wing.
Northrop F-5F Tiger II
Down Load template: Click "Down Load Template" button and print. Or copy-paste the “print-out” of 4D template on your graphic program (such as PowerPoint) and add your label. Adjust the size as needed.
Construction Photo Notes
Check discussion for construction. To see large image: Click picture.
3. Bottom piece.
1. The main frame.
4D model template of Northrop F-5F Tiger II.
5. Front fuselage.
The F-5 Freedom Fighter Documentary.