F-5A Freedom Fighter ROCAF Die-Cast Model

Delivered as part of the Military Assistance Program in 1965.

Painted in ROCAF colors, this F-5A was one of many to be delivered as part of the Military Assistance Program (MAP) from the United States during 1965. Within just a few years, 72 F-5A aircraft were in service with Taiwan. Assigned to the ROCAF 1st Tactical Fighter Wing, aircraft #61-3329 was active while newer F-5E airframes were in production. Lightweight and agile, the supersonic F-5A Freedom Fighter was an evolutionary leap toward smaller combat fighter aircraft. Hailed for excellent reliability and reasonable cost of operation, it demonstrated excellence in both ground-attack and air-to-air combat. 

Features:

• Authentic paint scheme, engraved panel lines, printed decals, antennas, and surface details.
• Deployed or retracted landing gear
• Open or closed canopy with pilot figurine
• Display stand included
• Measures 7.75”l with a 4.25” wingspan at 1:72 scale
• Officially licensed

History and Specifications:
Targeting low cost of operation and high performance, Northrop’s team was to design the F-5A around its pair of General Electric J85 engines. Though first prototypes had the engines placed under the wings, engineer Welko Gasich insisted that the turbojets were placed close inside the fuselage. Beginning to form the recognizable Freedom Fighter shape, F-5A and B models were sleek with thin wings and large tail surfaces. Fitted with several underwing pylons for ground attack and wingtip rails for air-to-air missiles, the early F-5s were well suited to mixed combat duties. Exported to several allied nations, the aircraft led to the development of the subsequent F-5E Tiger II design, which soon equipped nations such as Taiwan, Norway, Vietnam, Iran, and the Netherlands. At the end of 1972, 624 F-5A and 200 F-5B aircraft were produced by Northrop.