Northrop F-5E Tiger II
935th Fighter Regiment, Vietnam People’s Air Force (VPAF)
1/72 Scale Diecast Model
Hobby Master HA3327

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

Hobby Master HA3327 diecast model replicates in 1/72 scale the Northrop F-5E Tiger II. In the markings and colour scheme of  #3528, 935th Fighter Regiment, Vietnam People’s Air Force (VPAF), based at Bien Hao Air Base, during the late 1970s.

After the collapse of South Vietnam, the 935th Fighter Regiment established at Bien Hao Air Base equipped with ex-Republic of Vietnam Air Force (RVNAF) F-5s. The unit flew its first F-5 mission on May 27, 1975, against remaining opposition. All F-5s were withdrawn from service with the 935th Fighter Regiment, in May 1982, replaced by MiG-21s.

Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter/Tiger II

The Northrop F-5A/B Freedom Fighter and F-5E/F Tiger II are a family of American supersonic lightweight fighters, capable of day air superiority and ground-attack missions. The first flight took place on July 30, 1959, and entered service in April 1964, with the 4441st Combat Crew Training School, United States Air Force (USAF). Privately funded by Northrop, work on the design started in the 1950s. Smaller and less complicated than contemporary fighters, with lower purchase and operating costs, made it a success in the export market. The first use in combat occurred during the Vietnam War with both the USAF and the Republic of Vietnam Air Force (RVAF).

1/72 scale diecast model Northrop F-5E Tiger II, 935th Fighter Regiment, VPAF

The USAF did not purchase the F-5A/B, but selected the T-38 Talon, an advanced trainer based on the F-5A, to replace the Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star. The F-5E/F became favoured by the US military as an “aggressor” in Dissimilar Air Combat Training (DACT) due to its similarities to the MiG-21 and serves in this role with the US Air Force from 1975 until 1990, the US Navy and the US Marines Corps.

F-5 E/F Tiger II

The improved single-seat F-5E Tiger II first flew on August 11, 1972, and enter service on April 6, 1973, with the 425th TFS. The F-5F, tandem seat combat-capable trainer, first flight occurred on September 25, 1974. The RF-5E Tigereye was a reconnaissance variant. The F-5E differed from the earlier model with more powerful engines, longer wider fuselage, higher fuel capacity and optional air refuelling probe. Enlarged leading edge extensions increasing wing area, improving maneuverability. The undercarriage nose unit length could be adjusted, varying the angle of attack to shorten takeoff run. The avionics were more advanced and included air to air radar. The F-5A initially did not have radar but were retrofitted. Various avionic packages were available to meet customer requirements.

Northrop built 1,400 Tiger IIs before production ended in 1987. Canada, Spain, South Korea and Taiwan manufactured the F-5 under licence.

F-5E Tiger II Specifications

General

• Crew: pilot
• Length: 14.45 m (47 ft 4¾ in)
• Wingspan: 8.13 m (26 ft 8 in)
• Height: 4.08 m (13 ft 4½ in)
• Empty weight: 4,349 kg (9,558 lb)
• Engines: two General Electric J85-GE-21B afterburning turbojet.

Armament

• Guns: two 20 mm (0.787 in) M39A2 Revolver cannons mounted internally in the nose
• Hardpoints: seven external hard-points able to carry up to 3,200 kg (7,000 pounds) of payload. One under each wingtip, two under each wing and one under fuselage on centre-line
• Ordnance: air to air missiles, air to ground missiles. Bombs include laser-guided, unguided, napalm and cluster. Rocket launchers for unguided rockets
• Other: up to three drop tanks.

Performance

1/72 scale diecast model of the Northrop F-5E Tiger II

• Maximum speed: 1,741 km/h (1,081 mph), Mach 1.64 at 11000m (36,090 ft)
• Cruising speed: 850 km/h (528 mph), Mach 0.8 at 11000m (36,090 ft)
• Combat range: Up to 1056 km 656 mi (depending on the load carried)
• Ferry range: 2,863 km (1,779 mi) with drop tanks
• MTOW: 11,214 kg (24,722 lb)
• Service ceiling: 15,800 m (51,800 ft ).