The Northrop F-5 was born in the '60s to meet the needs of many
Countries belonging to NATO that required a multi-role fighter simple,
low cost and easy to maintain. In the early 70s the improved version,
called F-5E Tiger II, has been developed. It was characterized by the
adoption of the new General Electric J85 turbo-jet engines able to
provide much higher thrust and a better performance. The F-5 Tiger II
has a lengthened and enlarged fuselage, more fuel on board able to
guarantee a better operating range and an improved avionic system
suitable to fulfill the main role of air defense fighter. The main
armament is formed by two 20mm. guns, installed in the nose under the
cabin, and several hardpoints able to carry combinations of air-to-air
missiles. The F-5E was a great commercial success. It was also produced
under license in Switzerland, Taiwan and South Korea.