F-5 F-22 X-15 References Links Aviation Index Home     Northrop F-5 Family The F-5 was created as an low-cost export aircraft to provide to countries allied with the U.S. Over 1,800 aircraft were exported to allied countries, and with a price tag of only $700,000 it was a great deal. It started as the N-156 prototype which was first developed into the T-38 for USAF pilot training. It was then modified into the F-5. The first true model of the F-5 was flown on July 30, 1959, and was in use by foreign countries by 1964. The same year marks the first flight of the F-5B, which is a two-seated combat trainer model of the aircraft. Eighteen years after the F-5B flew, a new model of the F-5, redesignated the F-20 Tigershark, took its first flight. The F-20 Tigershark features a single F404 turbofan engine and an added 30mm gun pod. Although the F-20 showed great potential, it was rejected by the armed forces in favor of the F-16. The F-5 family of aircraft has also made a few Hollywood appearances as the enemy aircraft in many fighter jet movies. In Top Gun it played the role of the MiG-28, a currently nonexistent aircraft. The T-38 was adapted for use by the Air Force Thunderbirds from 1974 to 1982. Basic Specifications (F-5E): Wing Span: 26 ft 8 in Length: 47 ft 4 3/4 in Height: 13 ft 4 in Powerplant: two General Electric JA-35-GE-21 turbojet engines (4500-lb thrust). Range: 1,100 (Extended to 1,500 miles with the use of drop pods.) Maximum Speed: 1.64 Mach (1,083 mph) Service Ceiling: 51,800 ft Empty Weight: 9,723 lb Loaded Weight: 24,722 lb max takeoff Armament: Two 20mm M-39A2 cannons, two wingtip AIM-9 Sidewinder missile pylons, and 7,000 lb of mixed storage.