Hobby Master HA3327
1/72 Scale Northrop F-5E Tiger II Diecast Model
3528, 935th Fighter Regiment, VPAF

Hobby Master HA3327 – 1/72 Scale F-5F Tiger II Diecast Model.

1/72 Scale Air Power Series.

Hobby Master HA3327 is a 1/72 scale diecast model of the Northrop F-5E Tiger II. In the markings and colour scheme of  #3528, 935th Fighter Regiment, VPAF. Based at Bien Hao Air Base, during the late 1970s.

After the collapse of South Vietnam, many VPAF (Vietnam People’s Air Force) Regiments formed in the north. On May 21, 1975, the 935th Fighter Regiment established at Bien Hao Air Base equipped with ex VNAF F-5s. The unit flew its first F-5 mission on May 27, 1975, against remaining opposition. Ten F-5s of 935th Fighter Regiment moved to Noi Bai AB during February 1979 returning in April 1980. In May 1982 all F-5s were withdrawn from service with the 935th Fighter Regiment, replaced by MiG-21s.

Hobby Master HA3327 – 1/72 Scale Northrop F-5E Tiger II Diecast Model Aircraft. #3528, 935th Fighter Regiment, VPAF, during the late 1970s.

Northrop F-5A/B Freedom Fighter and F-5E/F Tiger II.

The Northrop F-5A/B Freedom Fighter and F-5E/F Tiger II are a family of American supersonic light fighters. Capable of day air superiority and ground-attack roles. Smaller and simpler than contemporaries, the F-5 cost less to purchase and operate, making it a popular export aircraft. Design started in the 1950s, privately funded by Northrop. A small, highly aerodynamic fighter powered by two compact and high-thrust General Electric J85 engines. The design used the recently discovered transonic area rule to reduce drag. The small profile of the F-5 makes visual and radar detection difficult.

The F-5A first flew on July 30, 1959, and entered service in the early 1960s. Although the US Air Force did not purchase the F-5A/B they selected the T-38 Talon to replace the T-33. The Talon was an advanced trainer based on the F-5A.

Northrop introduced the second-generation F-5E Tiger II in 1972. Able to perform both air and ground attack duties, the type saw extensive service in the Vietnam War. The F-5E underwent numerous upgrades in its service life.

More than 3,800 F-5 and T-38 advanced trainer aircraft were built. The F-5N/F variants are still in service with the US Navy and US Marine Corps as adversary aircraft.

F-5E Tiger II.

Initially known as the F-5A-21, the single-seat F-5E first flew on August 11, 1972. First entering service on April 6, 1973, with the 425th TFS. Improvements include more powerful J85-21 engines, larger fuselage, greater fuel capacity and optional air-to-air refuelling. The wings have larger leading edge extensions increasing wing area and improving maneuverability. Advanced avionics including air to air radar. Various avionics options were available. The F-5E proved a successful combat aircraft, serving in a variety of roles. Northrop built 1,400 Tiger IIs before the end of production in 1987.

Hobby Master HA3327 – 1/72 Scale Northrop F-5E Tiger II Diecast Model Aircraft. #3528, 935th Fighter Regiment, VPAF, during the late 1970s.

NASA  gave one F-5E a modified fuselage as part of the Shaped Sonic Boom Demonstration program.

F-5F Tiger II.

The F-5F, a tandem seat combat-capable trainer first flew on September 25, 1974.  A new 0.9m (3 ft) longer nose allowed the installation of a single M39 cannon.

Design.

The Northrop F-5 is a metal, semi-monocoque structure. The aircraft’s construct is mainly aluminium alloy, steel, titanium and magnesium. The cockpit is single or tandem seated depending on the variant. The wings are of a cantilever design, low mounted on the fuselage with no dihedral. The wings are of conventional skin over a spar-rib structure.

Fitted with ailerons mid-span, trailing edge flaps inboard and leading-edge maneuvering flaps. The tail unit is also of a cantilever design with a single fin and all moving tailplane. The tricycle undercarriage has a two position extendable nose unit. Used to vary the angle of attack to shorten takeoff distance. The flight control systems are hydraulic.

Powered by two General Electric J85 turbojet engines. The engine air intakes have additional inlet doors for taking off and low-speed flight. There is provision for a removable in-flight refuelling probe.

The F-5A originally did not have radar but retrofitted with an AN/APQ-153 radar during upgrades. The F-5E uses the AN/APQ-159 radar system.

Armament (F-5E).

• Two 20 mm (0.787 in) M39A2 Revolver cannons in the nose.
• Seven Hardpoints:
  • One under each wing-tip, Four under-wing, One centre under-fuselage.
  • Able to carry up to 3,200 kg (7,000 pounds) of payload.
    

    Hobby Master HA3327 – 1/72 Scale Northrop F-5E Tiger II Diecast Model Aircraft. #3528, 935th Fighter Regiment, VPAF, during the late 1970s.

• Rockets:
  • LAU-61/LAU-68 rocket pods (each with 19× /7× Hydra 70 mm rockets, respectively).
  • LAU-5003 rocket pods (each with 19× CRV7 70 mm rockets).
  • LAU-10 rocket pods (each with 4× Zuni 127 mm rockets).
  •  Matra rocket pods (each with 18× SNEB68 mm rockets).
• Missiles:
  •  AIM-9 Sidewinders or AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles.
  •  AGM-65 Maverick air-to-surface missiles.
  • AA-8 Aphid, AA-10 Alamo, AA-11 Archer and other Russian/Chinese AAMs (Iranian version.)
• Bombs:
  • Mark 80 unguided bombs,
  • CBU-24/49/52/58 cluster bomb munitions.
  • Napalm bomb canisters.
  • M129 Leaflet bomb.
  • Laser-guided bombs of Paveway family.

• Other:
  • up to three drop tanks.
    

    Hobby Master HA3327 – 1/72 Scale Northrop F-5E Tiger II Diecast Model Aircraft. #3528, 935th Fighter Regiment, VPAF, during the late 1970s.

• Avionics:
  • Emerson Electric AN/APQ-153 radar on early production F-5E.
  • Emerson Electric AN/APQ-159 radar on later production F-5E.
  • AN/AVQ-27 Laser Target Designator Set (LTDS), (F-5B and F-5F).

Performance (F-5E).

• Maximum speed: Mach 1.64, 2,009 km/h (1,248 mph).
• Cruising speed: Mach 0.8, 980 km/h (609 mph).
• Combat range: Up to 1056 km 656 mi (depending on the load carried)
• Ferry range: 2,863 km (1,779 mi) with drop tanks.
• Service ceiling: 15,800 m (51,800 ft ).

Links

• Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter/Tiger II.
• View More Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighters/Tiger II Models.

Hobby Master HA3327 – 1/72 Scale Northrop F-5E Tiger II Diecast Model Aircraft. #3528, 935th Fighter Regiment, VPAF, during the late 1970s.