Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA33018
Northrop NF-5B Freedom Fighter Diecast Model
RNLAF 313 Sqn, K4001, Twenthe AB, Netherlands, 1970s | |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Northrop NF-5B Freedom Fighter | | 7.75" | | 4.5" |
PLEASE NOTE: This item is not currently in stock and has a planned arrival date of March 2027.- 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.
- Credit Cards are not billed until time of shipment. PayPal payment (not recommended) is required at time of order.
The Royal Netherlands Air Force operated the two seat NF-5B Freedom Fighter as a trainer and tactical fighter from 1969 until the early 1990s. The Netherlands ordered 30 NF-5Bs from Canadair, numbered K-4001 through K-4030, alongside 75 single seat NF-5As. The NF-5B was used primarily for conversion and operational training, particularly with 313 Squadron at Twenthe, although 314, 315, and 316 Squadrons also operated the type. Despite its training role, the NF-5B retained useful combat capability. The lightweight, agile aircraft prepared generations of Dutch fighter pilots before the NF-5 fleet was replaced by the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
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.
