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Northtrop Grumman F-5 Tiger II
This aircraft is originally based on the T-38 Talon trainer jet used by the USAF. The first version of the Tiger, the F-5A flew for the first time in 1963 before being exported around the globe, particularly to countries not under Communist influence. This fighter is easy to maintain, low in purchase and maintenance costs as well as capable of supersonic speeds.
Although the first-generation F-5s were seen a worthy competitor to the Soviet MiG-21, the USA decided that its allies required a more sophisticated but cheap fighter jet. This need resulted in the International Fighter Aircraft (IFA) program, which was under the USAF. Four firms submitted proposals as well as prototypes and in the end, Northrop, with an upgraded F-5A finally won the project. The modifications made to the F-5A resulted in a new classification for the aircraft, the F-5E Tiger II.
Despite bearing a striking resemblance to the F-5A, this new aircraft had several major differences. Its body was 38cm longer and has a wingspan that is 40.6cm longer. These changes were made to accommodate a new 671 gallon fuel tank.
The avionics were also radically improved. The F-5E came equipped with the lightweight Emerson Electric AN/APQ-159 radar with a maximum detection range of 37km. This radar is coupled with a lead-computing optical sight, which is the AN/ASG-31.
The Malaysian government ordered a total of 14 F-5E Tiger IIs in 1975. These aircraft were operated by the 12 Squadron in Butterworth AFB as fighter interceptors. Among the standard avionics that came with the aircraft included the Litton LN-33 inertial navigation system, AN/ARN-84(V) TACAN, Magnavox AN/ARC-50 UHF radios as well as the AN/APX-72 IFF/SIF. The aircraft were also equipped with tailhooks for emergency landings.
The RMAF F-5Es were armed with AIM-9 Sidewinders as well as bombs and air-to-surface missiles for interdiction and close air support missions. Fordogfighting, the aircraft were equipped with two built-in M39A2 20mm cannons with 280 rounds of ammunition. These guns were mounted on each side of the nose.
For pilot training purposes, the RMAF also acquired 4 F-5F two-seaters. These planes were rather similar except that they had only one cannon.
The RMAF was also the first country in the world to purchase the RF-5E Tigereye reconnaissance aircraft. This modified F0Ee had a radically modified nose, which increased space for equipment by up to nine times. The nose was fitted with a KS-97B camera. Although smaller and less costly, the Tigereye offered the same reconnaissance capabilities as the RF-4E. Apart from recon missions, the Tigereye retained all the other combat capabilities of the F-5E. The RMAF has had 2 RF-5Es in operation since 1983 serving under the 11 Squadron.
From its induction into the RMAF, the Tiger II was widely used in strike missions against communist terrorist camps. These missions were jointly conducted with the Tebuan, with Alouttes acting as FACs. Since then, the RMAF has acquired several more Tiger IIs as attrition spares as well as replacements for those lost in operation. This aircraft has had a reputation among RMAF pilots for having a steep learning curve, though many would vouch for it as being a great plane to fly. It has also proven to be very cheap and easy to maintain. In joint exercises, pilots of other aircraft have found the Tiger II to be quite hard to locate with radar from a long distance as well as to track visually because of its small size. It has also quite agile for a plane of its class. Despite all these, the RMAF Tiger IIs are stuck in aging airframes with outdated radars and avionics. In view of this, the MoD has awarded a local firm, Langkawi R&D (LARDAC) Sdn. Bhd a contract to upgrade the RMAF’s fleet of F-5Es. Initally, a single F-5F will be upgraded as a demonstrator. If it meets the criteria of the MoD, another RM480 million will be provided to upgrade the entire fleet. Among the features of the upgrade will include a new Italian-made Griffo radar as well as new avionics (glass cockpit,GPS navigation etc.). The life of the airframes will also be extended for at least another 10 years.

Crew : 1
Length : 14.68m
Height : 4.06m
Wingspan : 8.13m
Max. Takeoff Weight : 11,214kg
Ceiling : 15,540m
Max. Speed : Mach 1.63
Operational Range : 222km

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