Northrop F-5B, "Freedom Fighter" - Lackland AFB - San Antonio, Texas - Static Aircraft Displays on Waymarking.com

Northrop F-5B, "Freedom Fighter"
Serial Number C8123

On 10 April 1959 Northrop test flew the N-156 prototype which was first developed into the T-38 supersonic lightweight twin-jet trainer for USAF pilot training.  It was then modified into the f-5 light tactical fighter.  The first true model of the F-5 "Freedom Fighter' was flown on July 30, 1959 and deliveries to the Tactical Air Command for instructing foreign pilots began in April 1964.  This F-5B two place combat trainer version first flew in February 1964 with 134 in final production.  In 1966-67, a USAF squadron under the code name Skoshi Tiger few F-5A's during combat missions in Southeast Asia for operational evaluation purposes.  More than 2,000 F-5 aircraft have been procured by the USAF for use by allied nations.  The F-5B on display was officially assigned as a test bed for structural testing and was never completely fitted for flight operations.

The aircraft on display is actually an F-5B, serial no. 08123, but painted and marked to depict a USAF F-5A "Tiger II", serial no. 31630, single sea aircraft, assigned to the 4503rd  Tactical fighter squadron, in Vietnam, during 1965.

Wing Span:  25'3"	Maximum Speed:  945 mph
Length: 47' 2"	Power Plant:  Two General Electric J85-GE-13 with afterburner turbojets
Height:  13'2"
Weight (Empty) 8,085 lbs

Information from sign in front of aircraft

Type of Aircraft: (make/model): Northrop F-5B Tail Number: (S/N): Actually 08123 Painted as 31630 Construction:: original aircraft Location (park, airport, museum, etc.): Lackland AFB inside / outside: outside Other Information:: Not listed Access restrictions: Not listed

Visit Instructions:
Photo of aircraft (required - will be interesting to see if the aircraft is ever repainted or progress if being restored)
Photo of serial number (required unless there is not one or it is a replica)
Photo(s) of any artwork on the aircraft (optional but interesting)

Tell why you are visiting this waymark along with any other interesting facts or personal experiences about the aircraft not already mentioned.

Recent Visits/Logs:

There are no logs for this waymark yet.