Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA33009
Northrop F-5A Freedom Fighter Diecast Model
VNAF 522nd FS, #65-10524, Bien Hoa AB, Vietnam, 1971 | |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Northrop F-5A Freedom Fighter | | 7.75" | | 4.5" |
In 1971, the VNAF 522nd Fighter Squadron operated the Northrop F-5A Freedom Fighter from Bien Hoa Air Base. As one of South Vietnam's premier jet-equipped units, the 522nd FS carried out close air support and interdiction missions against enemy supply lines and troop concentrations. The F-5A's speed, reliability, and ease of maintenance made it well-suited for the fast-paced operational tempo. Pilots of the 522nd praised the aircraft's handling and versatility, often flying multiple sorties daily. The squadron played a key role in bolstering South Vietnam's airpower during a period of Vietnamization and increasing responsibility for national defense.
Designed partly to meet a US Navy requirement for a low-cost, low-maintenance fighter to operate from Escort Carriers, the F-5 first flew on July 30, 1959. Development of the F-5 continued even after the Navy withdrew its Escort Carriers, and the aircraft eventually evolved into the light, supersonic "Freedom Fighter," serving US allies during the Cold War and as a supersonic trainer in the US. The second-generation F-5 ("Tiger II") also served US allies, but because it was small and maneuverable like a MiG it was also used by the US military as a training and "aggressor" aircraft, acting as the opposing force during military wargames. © Copyright 2003-2026 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Hobby Master's 1:72 scale F-5 Tiger II is a sleek and fast looking model that uses a clever mix of metal and plastic components with near-seamless construction. The solid metal wing has sharp-edged plastic leading edge root extensions appropriate to the variant being modeled. The removable canopy provides a clear view of the cockpit's interior features such as the pad-printed front and side mounted instrument panels. Landing gear and doors have been included as one piece sub-assemblies that allow for quick and easy configuration for ground display. The series covers both fighter variants with optional ordnance configurations (see photos) and the long nose reconnaissance variant.
© Copyright 2003-2026 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft.
Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2026 The Flying Mule, Inc.
