Hobby Master 1:72 HA3332 F-5E Tiger II Swiss Air Force Patrouille Suisse, Switzerland |
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Scale: 1:72 |
Length: 7.75" |
Width: 4.5" |
Composition: Diecast |
SKU: HM-HA3332 |
Historical:
The Patrouille Suisse was to disband by early 2016 when the Swiss Government would retire the F-5E and procure the Gripen E. It was finally decided not to buy the Gripen E and perhaps by the end of the 2016 season replace the six F-5Es with four F/A-18Cs without special paint schemes as well as a reduced show schedule. However, with the cancellation of the Gripen, the Swiss Parliament and Air Force have decided to operate 18 F-5E so the Patrouille Suisse should fly at least through 2018. Includes decal sheet to mark as the aircraft of your choice, #J-3081 - #J-3091.
The Northrop F-5A and F-5B Freedom Fighter and the F-5E and F-5F Tiger II are part of a supersonic light fighter family, initially designed in the late 1950s by Northrop Corporation. Being smaller and simpler than contemporaries such as the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, the F-5 cost less to both procure and operate, making it a popular export aircraft. The F-5 started life as a privately funded light fighter program by Northrop in the 1950s. The design team wrapped a small, highly aerodynamic fighter around two compact and high-thrust General Electric J85 engines, focusing on performance and low cost of maintenance. Though primarily designed for the day air superiority role, the aircraft is also a capable ground-attack platform. The F-5A entered service in the early 1960s. During the Cold War, over 800 were produced through 1972 for U.S. allies. Though the USAF had no acknowledged need for a light fighter, it did procure roughly 1,200 Northrop T-38 Talon trainer aircraft, which were directly based on the F-5A.
Info: F-5E Tiger II Swiss Air Force Patrouille Suisse, Switzerland