The Northrop F-5 is a family of supersonic light fighter aircraft initially designed as a privately funded project in the late 1950s by Northrop Corporation. There are two main models: the original F-5A and F-5B Freedom Fighter variants, and the extensively updated F-5E and F-5F Tiger II variants. The design team wrapped a small, highly aerodynamic fighter around two compact General Electric J85 engines, focusing on performance and a low cost of maintenance. Smaller and simpler than contemporaries such as the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, the F-5 costs less to procure and operate, making it a popular export aircraft. Though primarily designed for a 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 US allies. Despite the United States Air Force (USAF) not needing a light fighter at the time, it did procure approximately 1,200 Northrop T-38 Talon trainer aircraft, which were based on Northrop's N-156 fighter design.F-5A/B Freedom FighterF-5E/F Tiger IIAn F-5E of the Swiss Air ForceGeneral informationTypeLight fighterNational originUnited StatesManufacturerNorthrop CorporationStatusIn servicePrimary usersUnited States NavyRepublic of China Air ForceRepublic of Korea Air ForceIslamic Republic of Iran Air ForceNumber builtA/B/C/D: 1,204E/F: 1,399[1]HistoryManufactured1959–1987Introduction date1964First flightF-5A: 30 July 1959F-5E: 11 August 1972Developed fromNorthrop T-38 TalonVariantsCanadair CF-5Shaped Sonic Boom DemonstrationDeveloped intoNorthrop YF-17Northrop F-20 TigersharkHESA AzarakhshHESA SaeqehHESA KowsarAfter winning the International Fighter Aircraft Competition, a program aimed at providing effective low-cost fighters to American allies, in 1972 Northrop introduced the second-generation F-5E Tiger II. This upgrade included more powerful engines, larger fuel capacity, greater wing area and improved leading-edge extensio