F5A-144-6-Bullpup-inner(2)

The F-5A is a small, lightweight, low cost, easy-to-maintain supersonic fighter, well suited to the needs of friendly foreign countries that didn’t need, couldn’t afford, and couldn’t maintain the bigger, more complex fighters in the U.S. inventory.  Development was begun by Northrop in the mid-1950’s but for a time took back seat to the development of the related T-38 trainer.  Countries receiving the F-5A under MAP included Iran, South Korea, the Philippines, Turkey, Greece, and the Republic of China.  Norway, Spain, and Canada made direct purchases of the airplane.  The airplane was also modified by the U.S. Air Force and evaluated in Vietnam with those airplanes dubbed “Skoshi Tigers”.  Following more than eight years of production, the last F-5A was delivered in June, 1972, with 636 being built.

This 1/144 scale model kit of the F-5A consists of 32 parts, and was designed to give the builder multiple options.  The model includes two sets of landing gear for displaying the model gears down in either the compressed or extended position.  Alternatively, gear doors are provided so the model may be displayed in-flight with gears up.  The model also includes canopy parts, so that the canopy can be displayed either up or down.  Detailing of the cockpit will make this an attractive option for many modelers.  Flaps, ailerons and the rudder are all provided as separate parts, and can be assembled in the configuration of the modeler’s choice.   A cockpit access ladder is also included. 

The model kit includes the following payload items, sold individually: AGM-12 Bullpup missiles (for the inner and outer pylons), AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, BLU-1 Napalm tanks (for the inner and outer pylons), a 6-bomb cluster, wingtip fuel tanks, and a center fuel tank.  These items can be individually selected for the configuration desired by the modeler (e.g., with Sidewinder and Bullpup missiles, or with wingtip tanks and anti-personnel napalm tanks, as flown by the  Skoshi Tigers).