Lackland Air Force Base in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Northrop F-5E "Freedom Fighter"

Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024

1. Northrop F-5E "Freedom Fighter" Marker

Inscription. On 10 April 1959 Northrop test flew the N-156 prototype which was first developed into the T-38 supersonic lightweight twin-jet trainer for USAF pilot training. It was then modified into the F-5 light tactical fighter. The first true model of the F-5 "Freedom Fighter" was flowin on July 30, 1959 and deliveries to the Tactical Air Command for instructing foreign pilots began in April 1964. This F-5B two place combat trainer version first flew in February 1964 with 134 in final production. In 1966-67, a USAF squadron under the code name Skoshi Tiger flew F-5As during combat missions in southeast Asia for operational evaluation purposes. More than 2,000 F-5 aircraft have been procured by the USAF for use by Allied nations. The F-5B on display was officially assigned as a test bed for structural testing and was never completely fitted for flight operations. It is painted to represent a USAF F-5B "Tiger II" single seat fighter aircraft in operations during 1966-67.

This aerospace vehicle (s/n 73-1630) is part of the USAF Heritage Program Collection.

Erected by USAF Heritage Program Collection.

Topics. This historical

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marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • War, Vietnam. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1964.

Location. 29° 23.643′ N, 98° 37.161′ W. Marker is in Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, in Bexar County. It is on Bong Avenue south of Luke Blvd. The marker is located at the USAF Airman Heritage Museum’s Air Park which is around the parade grounds. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jbsa Lackland TX 78236, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South Texas

and in the San Antonio Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: B-66 "Destroyer" (a few steps from this marker); F-4 "Phantom II" (a few steps from this marker); Master Sgt. Samuel O. Turner (within shouting distance of this marker); B-52 "Stratofortress"

Northrop F-5E "Freedom Fighter" and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024

2. Northrop F-5E "Freedom Fighter" and Marker

(within shouting distance of this marker); HH-43 Helicopter Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); F-82E "Twin Mustang" (within shouting distance of this marker); Sergeant 1st Class Walter H. Beech (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); UC-45 "Expeditor" (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lackland Air Force Base.

More about this marker. The marker, museum and air park are located on the Lackland Air Force Base, an active U.S. military installation which is a part of the Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA). The USAF Airman Heritage Museum and Air Park are open to the public, but appropriate identification is required for access. Visit the museum’s web site for current details on visiting the museum and air park.

Also see . . .
1. Heritage Training Complex. USAF Airman Heritage Museum (Submitted on August 25, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

2. Northrop F-5. Wikipedia

The Northrop F-5 is a family of supersonic light fighter aircraft initially designed as a privately funded project in the late 1950s by Northrop Corporation. There are two main models:
Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024

3. Northrop F-5E "Freedom Fighter"
the original F-5A and F-5B Freedom Fighter variants, and the extensively updated F-5E and F-5F Tiger II variants. The design team wrapped a small, highly aerodynamic fighter around two compact and high-thrust General Electric J85 engines, focusing on performance and a low cost of maintenance. Smaller and simpler than contemporaries such as the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, the F-5 costs less to procure and operate, making it a popular export aircraft.

(Submitted on August 25, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

Northrop F-5E (Tail No. 11419) image. Click for full size.

Public Domain - US Air Force

4. Northrop F-5E (Tail No. 11419)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 26, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 236 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 25, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.