Northrop F-5F Tiger II

USAF 58th TFTW, 425th TFTS, no. 73-0891, Williams AFB, AZ, 1979

Hobby Master 1:72 HA3377

In 1969, the 425th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron began training Republic of Vietnam Air Force pilots on Northrop F-5C Freedom Fighters at Williams AFB in Arizona. With the Vietnam War's end in 1973, it shifted to training aircrews from nations acquiring the F-5E Tiger II. Although the USAF did not operate any F-5s at the time, the F-5E/Fs assigned to the 425th carried USAF serial numbers. The squadron played a pivotal role in training pilots from over 20 countries throughout the 1970s.

Northrop F-5F Tiger II

Designed partly to meet a US Navy requirement for a low-cost, low-maintenance fighter to operate from Escort Carriers, the F-5 first flew on July 30, 1959. Development of the F-5 continued even after the Navy withdrew its Escort Carriers, and the aircraft eventually evolved into the light, supersonic "Freedom Fighter," serving US allies during the Cold War and as a supersonic trainer in the US. The second-generation F-5 ("Tiger II") also served US allies, but because it was small and maneuverable like a MiG it was also used by the US military as a training and "aggressor" aircraft, acting as the opposing force during military wargames.

Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:

• Molded metal construction with plastic components.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
• Inscriptions and posters printed with a stamp that do not fade or fall off like decals.
• opening of awnings, revealing detailed within the cockpit.
• Extended / retracted interchangeable landing gear.
• Display stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
• Authentic detachable artillery cargoes complete with placards.