What Is The F-5 Tiger II?
The F-5 Tiger II. Compact supersonic fighter offering high agility, easy maintenance, and aggressive dogfighting performance.
United States
Origin
Light fighter
Role
Mach 1.63
Top speed
15,800 m
Service ceiling
F-5 Tiger II Specifications
The Northrop F-5 Tiger II is a lightweight supersonic fighter renowned for low operating costs, agile dogfighting traits, and high readiness. Driven by dual General Electric J85 turbojets pushing Mach 1.63, it features wing leading-edge extensions and twin 20mm cannons for air combat.
Performance
Top speed
Mach 1.63 (1,080 mph)
Service ceiling
51,800 ft (15,800 m)
Combat radius
195 nmi (360 km)
Rate of climb
34,500 ft/min (175 m/s)
Airframe
Crew
1
Length
47 ft 4 in (14.45 m)
Wingspan
26 ft 8 in (8.13 m)
Empty weight
9,558 lbs (4,335 kg)
Engine
2x General Electric J85-GE-21A afterburning turbojets
Service
First flight
30 July 1959
Unit cost
$2.1 million
Operators
United States, Taiwan, South Korea, Switzerland, Brazil, Iran
What Weapons Does The F-5 Tiger II Carry?
The F-5 Tiger II carries twin internal 20mm M39A2 cannons and seven hardpoints carrying 7,000 lbs of weapons, including AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, AGM-65 Mavericks, and unguided bomb packs.
Weapon
Category
Loadout
Range
M39A2
Category
20 mm Cannon
Loadout
2 internal cannon (280 rounds each)
Range
1,800 metres (effective)
AIM-9 Sidewinder
Category
Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile
Loadout
Up to 2 missiles
Range
18 km (11 miles)
AGM-65 Maverick
Category
Air-to-Surface Missile
Loadout
Up to 2 missiles
Range
27 km (17 miles)
Mark 82
Category
General-Purpose Bomb
Loadout
Up to 6 bombs
Range
Gravity released
LAU-68 Rocket Pod
Category
70 mm Unguided Rockets
Loadout
Up to 4 pods
Range
3 km (1.9 miles)
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
How Fast Is The F-5 Tiger II?
The F-5E Tiger II reaches Mach 1.6, around 1,060 mph. It is small, light and has a high thrust-to-weight ratio for its generation, which makes it genuinely agile – the reason it has been used for decades by the US Navy and Air Force as an aggressor aircraft simulating Soviet fighters.
How Was The F-5 Tiger II Developed?
Northrop developed the F-5 as a private venture, targeting allied nations that needed a supersonic fighter they could afford to buy and maintain. The N-156F prototype flew on 30 July 1959. The US government adopted it for the Military Assistance Program, and more than 2,600 were built including the T-38 Talon trainer derivative.
Has The F-5 Tiger II Seen Combat?
F-5s flew with South Vietnam, and Iranian F-5s saw heavy use in the Iran-Iraq War, claiming multiple kills. Ethiopian F-5s fought Somali MiG-21s in 1977. Its combat record is respectable given it was designed as an affordable export aircraft rather than a front-line fighter.
Who Operates The F-5 Tiger II?
More than thirty air forces have flown the F-5, including Switzerland, Brazil, South Korea, Taiwan, Turkey and Iran. Upgraded examples remain in service, and the US Navy continues to operate F-5N aircraft for adversary training.
F-5 Tiger II FAQs
Common questions about the F-5 Tiger II, its capabilities and whether civilians can fly it.
Can I fly in the F-5 Tiger II as a civilian?
No, the F-5 Tiger II is not available for civilian passenger flights. Jetify offers flights in ex-military aircraft that have been demilitarised and placed on a civil register, such as the L-39 Albatros, Hawker Hunter and MiG-15 Fagot, across 7 aircraft types from 11 airfields in 7 countries.
Can I take the controls of the F-5 Tiger II?
No, you cannot take the controls of the F-5 Tiger II, because it is not available for civilian passenger flights. On the aircraft Jetify does operate, such as the L-39 Albatros, most allow you to take the controls in level flight and gentle turns once your pilot is satisfied you are comfortable.
How much does a flight in the F-5 Tiger II cost?
The F-5 Tiger II is not available for civilian passenger flights, so there is no price for a flight in one. Jetify flights in jets such as the L-39 Albatros start from around £2,500, $3,300 or €2,900, while the MiG-15 Fagot, Aermacchi S.211 and Lockheed T-33 start from around £2,800 ($3,800, €3,400). The Hawker Hunter, the fastest aircraft currently bookable, starts from around £6,400, $8,500 or €7,600. Every price is per person and includes ground school, flight suit, helmet and pre-flight medical screening.
Is there a weight or height limit for a jet flight instead of the F-5 Tiger II?
The F-5 Tiger II is not available for civilian passenger flights, but all jet flight experiences enforce strict height and weight limits set by ejection seat clearances, cockpit dimensions and harness fit. Height is typically 5ft 2in (157 cm) to 6ft 4in (193 cm), and weight is generally capped at 16 st 7 lb to 18 st 12 lb (105 kg to 120 kg) depending on the aircraft. You also need normal cardiovascular health, with no heart conditions, severe high blood pressure or recent surgery.
How much G-force would I feel on a jet flight instead of the F-5 Tiger II?
The F-5 Tiger II is not available for civilian passenger flights, but on a civilian jet experience aerobatic profiles typically reach four to eight positive G in sustained turns and around minus four negative G. You learn the anti-G straining manoeuvre in ground school, which keeps you conscious under load. Supersonic and high-altitude profiles are physically far easier, and what happens in the air is agreed with your pilot and can be adjusted at any point.
How far in advance should I book a jet flight instead of the F-5 Tiger II?
The F-5 Tiger II is not available for civilian passenger flights, but you should book a real ex-military jet experience, such as the L-39 Albatros, 2 to 4 months in advance because of limited aircraft availability, maintenance schedules and airspace clearances. For weekend slots in peak summer months, allow 6 months. Simulator experiences generally need 2 to 3 weeks’ notice for standard weekend bookings.
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