Freedom Model Aircraft 1/48 F20A Tiger Shark USAF Fighter Kit

Recognizing a need for a newer low-cost/high performance fighter to replace the F-5A and similar types, Northrop invested its own money to develop the F-5G. The F-5G incorporated modern avionics which also allowed for radar-guided missiles to be employed as well as the AIM-9 series that have armed the earlier F-5s. The most notable difference with the F-5G was the replacement of the twin J85 engines with the F404 which powers the F/A-18 Hornet. The single F404 had far more power that both J85s combined.

The F-5G's launch customer was Taiwan, but warming relations with mainland China blocked the export of the F-5G or any other radar-missile-capable fighter from the US. The aircraft was also caught up in a political clash which favored the F-16. Even after a formal program called FX which would pit the F-16/79 against the re-branded F-20 (F-5G) Tigershark, the requirements were stacked against Northrop. While the F-20 was a far superior point defense interceptor to the F-16, its design precluded any significant carriage of air-to-ground ordnance shifting the multi-role capability in favor of the F-16. The program was cancelled with no customers in 1986.

• Choice of short or long shark-nosed radomes
• Nicely detailed cockpit
• Boarding ladder included
• Positionable canopy (canopy lift mechanism provided for open and closed)
• Detailed landing gear
• Positionable leading and trailing edge flaps
• Positionable ailerons
• Positionable stabilators
• Positionable speed brakes

The kit provides the following external stores options:

• 2 x AIM-9J/P/N Sidewinders (identified as AIM-9L in instructions)
• 2 x AIM-9L/M Sidewinders (identified as AIM-9M in instructions)
• 2 x AIM-7 Sparrow
• 2 x AIM-120B AMRAAM (identified as AIM-120C in instructions)
• 2 x 150 gallon external fuel tanks
• 1 x 275 gallon centerline fuel tank

The kit provides markings for three schemes:

• F-20A, red/white racing scheme, Paris Airshow markings, 1983
• F-20A, medium gray over light gray, 1983-1985
• F-20A, BMW Charcoal Gray, 1984-1986