Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA33012
Northrop NF-5A Freedom Fighter Diecast Model
RNLAF, K-3031, Cambrai-Epinoy AB, France, Cambrai Airshow 1978 | |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Northrop NF-5A Freedom Fighter | | 7.75" | | 4.5" |
PLEASE NOTE: This item is not currently in stock and has a planned arrival date of April 2026.- Orders may not ship until complete. If you wish to receive in-stock items prior to pre-ordered items, you must place separate orders.
- Arrival dates are subject to change. Consider them to be estimates as manufacturers frequently revise them.
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At the 1978 Meeting Aerien de Cambrai, the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) made a strong impression with its Northrop NF-5A Freedom Fighters from 314 Squadron, based at Eindhoven Air Base. The Dutch detachment typically brought four to six aircraft, including one specially prepared for the solo display and others for formation flights. The NF-5As, painted in the RNLAF's distinctive two-tone green and brown camouflage, demonstrated tight formation flying, rapid rolls, and high-performance climbs that highlighted the jet's agility. The Dutch solo display pilot performed a precise, energetic routine emphasizing the NF-5's thrust-to-weight advantage and control responsiveness, drawing enthusiastic applause from spectators.
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 2003-2025 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 2003-2025 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 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
