Hello,

Up until now, I thought that all F-5Es had the so called "shark nose" as seen on the Swiss F-5's. Now I am not so sure. I have seen some USAF and USN Aggressor F-5Es that were referred to as having the "shark nose" modification (we bought these specific planes from Switzerland).

Does anyone have insight into this F-5E with and without the shark nose and how to recognize the difference?

Thanks in advance,

I would say that besides the physical difference of the nose cone being symetrical and the flattened one of the "shark" , the other noticable difference would be the added leading edge extensions on the side of the fuse. These mods were all part of the Improved handling quality package. Kind of like buying a mustang then getting Saleen to make it better.

Billy

Hi Billy,

Thanks for the pic, I just pulled out my Warbird Tech book on the F-5 and there is was, same as you said, in addition to the flattened nose it has the larger LEXs.

What do you think of this FeiBao nose? Look "shark like" to you? Now I just need to track down those Aggressor F-5Es we got from the Swiss.

I got mixed feelings about some of these ARFs but I am going to China is a couple of weeks (if the doctor clears me) and I might go to the factory and look one of these over.

EDIT: try to ignore that awful tiger paint scheme!

Oh yeah! They definatley went for the shark model. It even has the LEX's. That model looks good ( minus the bee paint scheme). I would check out the VFC-12 web site. I saw a couple there in browns, blues and even a dark grey camo scheme. I guess the F-5 is the closest thing we have that looks or flys like a Mig-21.

Billy

All F-5E's had the LEX on them. That was part of the E model upgrades from Northrop.

True, but the modified ones where enlarged for better performance.

hope may help somehow:

http://saf21.info/homepage/home.htm

http://saf21.info/aircraft/dataf5.htm

i know that in one recent released movie : "speed and angels", you see the F5E shark nose.. http://www.speedandangels.com/

Matt
This F5 is local (on loan from NAM)so If you want any other shots ,let me know .
Semper Fi
Joe
located a Northrop book(1976 printing) which I will photo copy & poat will the E/F Tiger II info

Hi Joe,

I might take you up on it, although the scheme I am looking for is a bit different.

I have this Kinzey book coming, once I get a copy of the scheme I want I will forward it to you to see what you think. Thanks again,

Hi Alesso,

Thanks for the links. These are the F-5s I am looking for, they are sometimes referred to as F-5E and sometimes F-5N. But in any case they came from the Swiss!

Regards,

Matt
here's the book I have. Its everything that Northrop built
Semper Fi

Matt
Hope these help
Joe

The round nose versions had the high end radar up front,
hence the round nose for better radar return.
The "shark nose" aided in turning as the angle of attack changed it "lifted" .

plenty of color schemes to go see here...

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_57...tm.htm#5792496

Hi Joe,

Can you see if that local F-5 is BuNo 761546 from VMFT-401? (Semper Fi BTW!)

I think your museum bird is painted to match this one, if not and it is the real bird they really let this one get out of shape since 2005!

If I am right, this bird in the picture was former Swiss J-3021, now with VMFT-401.

Thanks again,

Matt

make the short 5 hour drive to Yuma amigo. When you want some close ups, let me know and I'll try to put you in touch with a buddy out there.

cheers

Buck

Hi Buck,

OK if I pull the trigger on this project I will take you up on it.

I am trying to decide between a Airworld F-5 at 1/5 scale (too big but very scale and $$) and the FeiBao at 1/6th (not sure how scale it is).

BTW those boys from -401 sure love to paint these planes. Seems like they repaint them every year!


Thanks again,

gotta keep the good guys guessing