The Northrop F-5 is a family of supersonic light fighter aircraft initially designed as a privately funded project in the late 1950s by Northrop Corporation. There are two main models, the original F-5A and F-5B Freedom Fighter variants and the extensively updated F-5E and F-5F Tiger II variants. The design team wrapped a small, highly aerodynamic fighter around two compact and high-thrust General Electric J85 engines, focusing on performance and a low cost of maintenance. Smaller and simpler than contemporaries such as the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, the F-5 cost less to procure and operate, making it a popular export aircraft. Though primarily designed for a 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 at the time the United States Air Force (USAF) did not have a need for a light fighter, it did procure approximately 1,200 Northrop T-38 Talon trainer aircraft, which was based on Northrop's N-156 fighter design.

Fighter Squadron Composite 111 (VFC-111) Sun Downers is a US Navy Reserve adversary squadron based at Naval Air Station Key West, Florida (USA). Currently, it operates Northrop F-5N/F Tiger-IIs, of most of which are single-seater F-5Ns and one twin-seater F-5F, the "FrankenTiger". The Squadron is composed of experienced active duty junior officers, full-time support reservists, and selective reserves. This gives the squadron cutting edge real-world experiences, as well as leveraging off experience and retaining talented instructors that have left active service.

Info: Northrop F-5N Tiger II - USN VFC-111 Sun Downers, NAS Key West, FL, 2021