NAVAIR

Mission

USN/USMC -- Training and adversary combat tactics. The aircraft serves in an aggressor-training role with simulation capability of current threat aircraft in fighter combat mode.

Description

The F-5N is a single seat, twin-engine, tactical fighter and attack aircraft providing simulated air-to-air combat training manufactured by Northrop Grumman Corporation. The F-5F is a dual-seat version, twin-engine aircraft. The F-5N/Fs are third-generation F-5 fighter aircraft designed for replacement of the F-5A/B/E production models. These aging aircraft have been replaced by low-flight-hour F-5N/F aircraft acquired from the Swiss Air Force surplus by the United States Navy (USN). As a tactical fighter aircraft, the F-5N accommodates a pilot only in a pressurized, heated and air conditioned cockpit and rocket-powered ejection seat while the F-5F is a two-seat combat- capable fighter. The Swiss F-5N Replacement Program replaced high-time Navy F-5Es with low-time F-5Ns allowing the USN/United States Marine Corps (USMC) to operate the F-5N aircraft to Fiscal Year (FY) 2015. These aircraft are assigned to Government facilities to Naval Air Station (NAS) Key West, Florida, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma, Arizona, and NAS Fallon, Nevada.

Specifications

F-5N

Primary Function: Adversary fighter.
Date Deployed: 2003.
Propulsion: (2) J85-GE-21C turbojet engines each producing 5,000 pounds (2,273 kg) of thrust.
Length: 47 feet 4.7 inches (14.4 meters).
Wingspan: 26 feet 8 inches (8.1 meters).
Height: 13 feet 4.25 inches (4.1 meters).
Weight: Max. gross, take-off: 24,722 pounds (11,214 kg).
Airspeed: Mach 1.64 at 36,000 feet.
Ceiling: 50,000+ feet.
Range: Max. 2,314 miles (4,286 kilometers).
Crew: One.
Prime Contractors:  Northrop Grumman & General Electric

F-5F

Primary Function: Adversary fighter.
Date Deployed: 1974.
Propulsion: (2) J85-GE-21C turbojet engines each producing 5,000 pounds (2,273 kg) of thrust.
Length: 51 feet 7 inches (15.7 meters).
Wingspan: 26 feet 8 inches (8.1 meters).
Height: 13 feet 1.75 inches (4.0 meters).
Weight: Max. gross, take-off: 24,722 pounds (11,214 kg).
Airspeed: Mach 1.56 at 36,000 feet.
Ceiling: 50,000+ feet.
Range: Max. 2,314 miles (4,286 kilometers).
Crew: Two.
Prime Contractors:  Northrop Grumman & General Electric

Program Status

Production Phase: Operational
Inventory: F-5N – 41; F-5F - 3
Initial Operational Capability Date: F-5N – 2003; F-5F 1974