AIRCRAFT BRIEF
The Northrop F-5E Tiger II is a lightweight, supersonic fighter developed in the 1970s as an affordable yet capable aircraft for export to U.S. allies. Powered by two J85-GE-21 engines, it is nimble and simple to maintain. The F-5E became legendary as the 'MiG simulator' at the U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN), where its performance closely mimicked Soviet fighters. Over 1,400 were built and flown by more than 30 nations.
SPECIFICATIONS
- manufacturer
- Northrop Corporation (now Northrop Grumman)
- first Flight
- 1972
- role
- Lightweight fighter / adversary aircraft
- crew
- 1 pilot
- engines
- 2x GE J85-GE-21B (5,000 lbf each with AB)
- max Speed
- 1,741 km/h (Mach 1.64)
- range
- 2,863 km (1,545 nmi)
- ceiling
- 51,800 ft
- weight
- 11,214 kg (MTOW)