NORTHROP F-5B FREEDOM FIGHTER

The F-5 was developed in conjunction with the T-38 Talon trainer as a private venture of the Northrop company. The U.S. Government selected it in 1962 for production as an export fighter for countries participating in the Military Assistance Program. The F-5 was built in two main versions; the F-5A was a single seat fighter while the F-5B was a two-seat trainer that was also capable of combat operations. The F-5 first flew in 1959 and was used by the U.S. Air Force to train foreign pilots starting in 1964. A total of 18 countries flew the F-5 and they were also license built in Canada and Spain.