Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA3390
Northrop RF-5E Tigereye Diecast Model
USAF, #71-1420 Demonstrator, Edwards AFB, CA, January 1979 | |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Northrop RF-5E Tigereye | | 7.75" | | 4.5" |
PLEASE NOTE: This item is not currently in stock and has a planned arrival date of September 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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USAF RF-5E serial 71-1420 operated at Edwards Air Force Base in January 1979 as part of flight test and evaluation activities. The RF-5E was a reconnaissance variant of the F-5E Tiger II, equipped with cameras in the nose for tactical imagery collection. At Edwards, the aircraft was used to support testing of sensors, reconnaissance systems, and operational concepts. Its small size, speed, and reliability made it well suited for evaluation work and training support. Aircraft 71-1420 contributed to refining reconnaissance techniques and equipment during a period of continued development in tactical intelligence gathering.
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.
