Canadair NF-5A Freedom Fighter (x7)

The Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter began life as a privately funded light fighter project intended to produce a high performance, low-cost and low maintenance light fighter with a secondary ground attack role. The type was first selected during 1956 as the US Air Force’s next advanced jet trainer to replace the T-33 and was designated the T-38 Talon. The F-5A was operated by a number of nations and was also license built in Canada and Spain. Whilst the F-5A saw very limited USAF service, the much-improved F-5E Tiger II saw significant service and is still used today by the US Navy/Marine Corps as an aggressor combat trainer. 

The Turkish Air Force first took delivery of the F-5A and two-seat F-5B Freedom Fighter during December 1965 as part of the US military assistance program for NATO allies. During the mid to late 1980s, the Turkish F-5A fleets were bolstered by the transfer of previously retired aircraft from the Norwegian and the Republic of China Air Forces. A final batch of Canadian-built NF-5A and NF-5B Freedom Fighters was transferred free of charge from the Royal Netherlands Air Force between 1989 and 1991. The NF-5A now equips their national display team, the Turkish Stars. 

The last appearance by the Turkish Stars at an Air Tattoo was RIAT08, and we are very pleased to announce that the team will be returning to the skies above RAF Fairford this summer. 

Photo Credit: Aviation Photocrew