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F-5 Tiger II Fighter Jet

F-5 Tiger II Fighter Jet

Manufacturer: Northrop Grumman
Category: Fighter Jets
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Generation 3rd
Maximum Speed Mach 1.6
No. of Engines 2
Radar Range ~37 miles (60 km)

Full Specifications

General Information

Name	F-5 Tiger II
Manufacturer	Northrop Corporation
Country of Origin	United States
Type / Role	Light multirole fighter
Generation	3rd
Status	In service / Modernized variants
First Flight	July 31, 1959
Introduction / In Service Since	1964
Number Built	~2,200+
Operators	U.S., Switzerland, Brazil, Thailand, Iran, South Korea, others

Dimensions & Structure

Length	47 ft 4 in (14.45 m)
Wingspan	26 ft 8 in (8.13 m)
Height	13 ft 4 in (4.08 m)
Wing Area	186 sq ft (17.3 m²)
Empty Weight	9,560 lb (4,340 kg)
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	24,675 lb (11,190 kg)
Internal Weapons Bay	None
External Hardpoints	7

Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 1.6
Range	1,400 km
Combat Radius	550 km
Service Ceiling	51,800 ft (15,800 m)
Rate of Climb	34,400 ft/min (175 m/s)
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio	0.7
G Limits	+7.3 / -3.0

Powerplant

Engine Type	GE J85-GE-21 turbojets
No. of Engines	2
Thrust (each)	5,000 lbf (22.2 kN)
Thrust Vectoring	No
Fuel Capacity	~600 gal internal (2,270 L)

Armament

Gun	2× 20mm M39A2 cannons
Missiles (Air-to-Air)	AIM-9 Sidewinder
Missiles (Air-to-Ground)	AGM-65 Maverick (modernized)
Bombs	Mk 82, Mk 83, cluster bombs
Hardpoints	7
Payload Capacity	7,000 lb (3,200 kg)

Avionics & Systems

Radar	Emerson APQ-153 / APQ-159
Radar Range	60 km
Electronic Warfare (EW) System	Basic RWR, flare/chaff
Targeting System	Optical/laser pods (modernized)
Helmet Display	Optional (upgrade)
Navigation	INS/GPS (upgrade)
Autopilot / AI Assistance	No
Communication	UHF/VHF secure radios

Stealth & Technology

Radar Cross Section (RCS)	~3–5 m²
Stealth Features	None
Infrared Signature Reduction	No
Sensor Fusion	No
Networking Capabilities	Limited (export upgrades)

Variants

Special Export Versions

F-5TH (Thailand), F-5S/T (Singapore)

Operational History

Major Conflicts / Deployments	Vietnam War, Iran-Iraq War, African regional conflicts
Notable Operators	U.S., Iran, Brazil, South Korea, Switzerland
Combat Proven?	Yes
Mission Types	Air defense, ground attack, aggressor training

Cost & Program

Unit Cost	Approx. $2.1 million (1970s USD)
Development Cost	~$120 million (program)
Program Name	Northrop F-5 Program
Funding Countries	United States, export partners

Additional Information

Upgrades Planned	AESA radar retrofits, digital avionics
Future Replacement	FA-50, Gripen C/D, M-346FA
Export Restrictions	Low
Notable Achievements	Over 50 years of global service
Competitors	MiG-21, Mirage III, JF-17

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Firepower 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10
Reliability & Maintenance 8 / 10

PROS

Proven combat reliability
Low operating and maintenance costs
Highly maneuverable and pilot-friendly
Widely exported with strong parts availability
Upgradeable avionics and radar systems

CONS

Limited range and payload
Outdated electronic warfare systems
No stealth or radar cross-section reduction
Lacks modern data link integration
Unsuitable for high-intensity 21st-century warfare

Northrop F-5 Tiger II: Agile Light Fighter with Global Legacy

The F-5 Tiger II Fighter Jet stands as one of the most successful light fighter designs in aviation history. Developed by the United States’ Northrop Corporation during the Cold War, the F-5 was designed for affordability, simplicity, and reliability — offering allied nations a supersonic combat platform without the high costs of heavier fighters. Entering service in the late 1960s, the F-5 remains operational today in over 20 air forces, reflecting its enduring adaptability.

Design and Capabilities

Powered by two General Electric J85-GE-21 turbojet engines, the F-5 Tiger II achieves speeds up to Mach 1.6 (1,700 km/h). Its compact airframe, high thrust-to-weight ratio, and straightforward avionics make it a nimble and easy-to-maintain fighter, ideal for both training and frontline duties. With a combat radius of about 550 km and a maximum range of 1,400 km, it is optimized for short to medium-range missions.

Armament and Avionics

The F-5 Tiger II Fighter Jet carries two 20mm M39A2 cannons, along with up to 7,000 lb (3,200 kg) of external ordnance across seven hardpoints, including AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, unguided rockets, and bombs. Modernized versions—like the F-5EM and F-5TH—feature upgraded radar, digital cockpits, and precision-guided munitions compatibility.

Operational Use

Used by the U.S. Air Force, Navy Aggressor Squadrons, and dozens of allied nations, the F-5 has served in conflicts from Vietnam to the Iran-Iraq War. Despite its age, the platform remains relevant through continuous upgrades and training applications.

Variants

Field	Example
F-5A/B Freedom Fighter	Original model
F-5E/F Tiger II	Upgraded engines and avionics
F-5N/F	U.S. Navy Aggressor variant
F-5EM/FM	Brazilian modernized version
Special Export Versions	F-5TH (Thailand), F-5S/T (Singapore)

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