Difference between revisions of "F-5E (China)"

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Since AIDC received different batches of F-5E/Fs through the two decades of assembling, their airframe naming can be confusing (K, Ba, C, Pseudo-C); but in this case, this is the C structure which is totally identical to its [[F-5E|American counterpart]]. With a pair of GE J85-G-21A and a light yet surprisingly sturdy airframe, although the overall acceleration is nowhere comparable to jets at its tier, but the revised airframe did help F-5E making manoeuvres easier thanks to its above-average manoeuvrability. Those who are stalling or used up their energy will meet their miserable end very quickly.
 
Since AIDC received different batches of F-5E/Fs through the two decades of assembling, their airframe naming can be confusing (K, Ba, C, Pseudo-C); but in this case, this is the C structure which is totally identical to its [[F-5E|American counterpart]]. With a pair of GE J85-G-21A and a light yet surprisingly sturdy airframe, although the overall acceleration is nowhere comparable to jets at its tier, but the revised airframe did help F-5E making manoeuvres easier thanks to its above-average manoeuvrability. Those who are stalling or used up their energy will meet their miserable end very quickly.
  
−
While some players take it as a deliciated jet fighter against aerial targets, as a multi-role lightweight fighter, the overall payload is surprisingly high thanks to the composite materials used on its wing; bringing either lightweight bombs or devastating heavy bombs are among its options; do keep in mind that this turns F-5E into a slow bomb truck which can be shot down with relatively ease, so avoid enemies before delivering the payloads.
+
While some players take it as a dedicated jet fighter against aerial targets, as a multi-role lightweight fighter, the overall payload is surprisingly high thanks to the composite materials used on its wing; bringing either lightweight bombs or devastating heavy bombs are among its options; do keep in mind that this turns F-5E into a slow bomb truck which can be shot down with relatively ease, so avoid enemies before delivering the payloads.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
Line 63: Line 63:
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 1,018 || 740 || 463 || ~11 || ~5
+
| 1,458 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 1,018 || 470 || 463 || ~11 || ~5
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 73: Line 73:
 
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < 680 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A
+
| < 680 || < 750 || < 700 || -
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 126: Line 126:
 
! colspan="5" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
 
! colspan="5" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs) !! Lead indicator
+
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs) !! EEGS
 
|-
 
|-
 
| {{Tick}} || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}}
 
| {{Tick}} || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}}
Line 139: Line 139:
  
 
* 2 x 20 mm M39A3 cannons, nose-mounted (280 rpg = 560 total)
 
* 2 x 20 mm M39A3 cannons, nose-mounted (280 rpg = 560 total)
−
* 45 x countermeasures
+
* 10 x large calibre countermeasures
 +
* 30 x countermeasures
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
Line 150: Line 151:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! !! width="6%" | 1 !! width="6%" | 2 !! width="6%" | 3 !! width="6%" | 4 !! width="6%" | 5 !! width="6%" | 6 !! width="6%" | 7
 
! !! width="6%" | 1 !! width="6%" | 2 !! width="6%" | 3 !! width="6%" | 4 !! width="6%" | 5 !! width="6%" | 6 !! width="6%" | 7
−
| rowspan="12" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
+
| rowspan="13" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
 
|-
 
|-
 
! [[GAU-13/A (30 mm)|30 mm GAU-13/A]] cannons (353 rpg)
 
! [[GAU-13/A (30 mm)|30 mm GAU-13/A]] cannons (353 rpg)
Line 184: Line 185:
 
! [[AIM-9P Sidewinder]] missiles
 
! [[AIM-9P Sidewinder]] missiles
 
| 1 || || || || || || 1
 
| 1 || || || || || || 1
 +
|-
 +
! 150 gal drop tanks
 +
| || || 1 || 1 || 1 || ||
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 190: Line 194:
 
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
  
−
* Without load
+
* 3 x 150 gal drop tanks
 
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
 
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
 
* 1 x 30 mm GAU-13/A cannon (353 rpg)
 
* 1 x 30 mm GAU-13/A cannon (353 rpg)
Line 206: Line 210:
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
Like its tech tree predecessor and its American counterpart, F-5E was designed to be a lightweight and inexpensive option for countries with tight budgets. This version of ROCAF's F-5E is identical to US ones with new avionics and engines to retain its combat capability against possible enemies. While this might sound good at first glance, players have to consider for a major problem- the waves of SARH/ARH capable jets at 11.0; you will either face waves of [[AIM-7E-2 Sparrow|Sparrows]] or even worse, waves of [[AIM-54A Phoenix|Phoenixes]] from [[F-14A Early|F-14A]]; for lightweight jets exactly like F-5E, facing such missiles alongside their carriers will be the ultimate nightmare to deal with. Players have to survive the first wave of head-on attacks at the first place in order to take revenge on enemy targets. Although only a pair of AIM-9P and M39A2 cannons are available for air-to-air missions, if used at the right moment ie. a careless or slow enemy, 2 missiles are more than enough to score some hits. If it has to join a dogfight, the high ammo count at its tier can give trigger-happy players more opportunity to shoot down enemy aircraft, even multiple targets if aimed properly. But do note that a pair J85-GE-21A still aren't something with high thrust, any severe energy loss gives players very little chance to even regain the speed, making it easier to be shot at.
+
Like its tech tree predecessor and its American counterpart, F-5E was designed to be a lightweight and inexpensive option for countries with tight budgets. This version of ROCAF's F-5E is identical to US ones with new avionics and engines to retain its combat capability against possible enemies. While this might sound good at first glance, players have to consider for a major problem- the waves of SARH/ARH capable jets at 11.0; you will either face waves of [[AIM-7E-2 Sparrow|Sparrows]] or even worse, waves of [[AIM-54A Phoenix|Phoenixes]] from [[F-14A Early|F-14A]]; for lightweight jets exactly like F-5E, facing such missiles alongside their carriers will be the ultimate nightmare to deal with. Players have to survive the first wave of head-on attacks at the first place in order to take revenge on enemy targets. Although only a pair of AIM-9P and M39A2 cannons are available for air-to-air missions, if used at the right moment ie. a careless or slow enemy, 2 missiles are more than enough to score some hits. If it has to join a dogfight, the high ammo count at its tier can give trigger-happy players more opportunity to shoot down enemy aircraft, even multiple targets if aimed properly. But do note that a pair J85-GE-21A still aren't something with high thrust, any severe energy loss gives players very little chance to even regain the speed, making it easier to be shot at.
  
−
If CAS is your cup of tea, F-5E has a great variety of ordnance ranging from napalm bombs, general purpose bombs, Zuni rockets, as well as 2 pairs of AGM-65B. It can be said that F-5E is the long-awaited CAS aircraft for the Chinese tech tree ''<small>(note: PLAAF only had AGMs in service after the introduction of Su-30MKK Flanker-H in early 2000s)</small>'' . For a less risky approach, use the Mavericks to take out MBTs or menacing SPAAGs, its explosive content and penetration is more than enough to take out any unnoticed ground targets. Since Mavericks used IR/TV tracker in this case, some players sought it as a surprise way to shoot down hovering helicopters from safe distance and altitude. While bombs and rocket pods are available as well, due to the lack of equipment, F-5E still doesn't have any form of ballistic computer. Players should enter the battlefield below 600 m and at around 700 km/h then dive upon the target at 30°, then drop the payloads and pullup for a run; while rockets requires higher altitude for the dive, so use them with extreme caution and practice the trajectory for precise hits. Napalm can also be useful in some way for the nature that it could burn plants and open-top vehicles, but its aesthetic use is much greater than its practical use, i.e. blinding TVD modules on vehicles or equipment with its extreme heat.
+
If CAS is your cup of tea, F-5E has a great variety of ordnance ranging from napalm bombs, general purpose bombs, Zuni rockets, as well as 2 pairs of AGM-65B. It can be said that F-5E has been one of the most-selected CAS aircraft for the Chinese tech tree until the introduction of [[Q-5L]] with LGBs or JH-7A with a pair of [[Kh-29T|Kh-29Ts]] ''<small>(editor's note: the lack of PLAAF jet with ATGM has been continued for 2 years until Kings of Battle on December 2023)</small>''. For a less risky approach, use the Mavericks to take out MBTs or menacing SPAAGs, its explosive content and penetration is more than enough to take out any unnoticed ground targets. Since Mavericks used IR/TV tracker in this case, some players sought it as a surprise way to shoot down hovering helicopters from safe distance and altitude. While bombs and rocket pods are available as well, while the HUD provides a gun ballistic computer, this is not the case for A2G weapons. Players should enter the battlefield below 600 m and at around 700 km/h then dive upon the target at 30°, then drop the payloads and pullup for a run; while rockets requires higher altitude for the dive, so use them with extreme caution and practice the trajectory for precise hits. Napalm can also be useful in some way for the nature that it could burn plants and open-top vehicles, but its aesthetic use is much greater than its practical use, i.e. blinding TVD modules on vehicles or equipment with its extreme heat.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 224: Line 228:
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* No ballistic computer of any form
+
* Only gun ballistic computer is available, not for rockets/bombs
−
* Low top speed at its rank
+
* Low top speed at its rank and lacks the thrust to escape from danger
 
* The only A2A option is the pair of guns and two AIM-9Ps at most
 
* The only A2A option is the pair of guns and two AIM-9Ps at most
 
* Small countermeasures capacity, less than the F-5A
 
* Small countermeasures capacity, less than the F-5A

Latest revision as of 17:02, 27 September 2024

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
This page is about the jet fighter F-5E (China). For other versions, see F-5 (Family).
␗F-5E
f-5e_aidc.png
GarageImage F-5E (China).jpg
␗F-5E
China flag.png China
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
11.3 11.0 11.3
Class:
Research:175 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:950 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The ␗AIDC F-5E(commonly referred as the F-5E老虎II式戰機) represented the few remaining F-5E in ROCAF service since 1980s as part of their plan to enhance the combat capabilities against the growing PLAAF. Before the plans to introduce the F-4 series failed as the result of a better Sino (Mainland China)- US relationship, the Nationalist government signed contracts with Northrop to assemble the F-5E/F on Taiwan Island in 1973 to replace the some of the previous F-86F/F-100 fleet under their Project Tiger Peace (虎安計劃). After 6 batches of these aircraft were assembled and the plans to upgrade them perished by early 2000s, they have been one of the cornerstone of ROCAF until 2020s when 2 fatal incidents accelerated their decommission from the remaining fighter wing of ROCAF where their performance is hopeless against the now-modernized PLAAF, as well as the inferior ejection systems that costed 4 lives in these 2 incidents; the remaining (R)F-5E are waiting for the new T-BE-5A Brave Eagle AJT to replace them by mid-2020s.

Introduced in Update "Danger Zone" alongside with its American counterpart, the F-5E series in ROCAF service were mostly assembled by the local institute/company of AIDC (aka 漢翔) as the alternative for ROCAF's perished dream of a fleet of F-4Es and strengthening their military force: this variant of F-5E has the same capabilities of the original US built-ones, with hard hitting AAMs/AGMs as well as a variety of loadouts from rocket pods up to 2,000 lb bombs, making the F-5E the saviour of the ground forces as a retaliation against both ground and aerial targets who pose a threat to the team. Although it is not as dominant in air combat as the PLAAF J-7E, the F-5E's ability to carry four AGM-65 Maverick missiles makes it a uniquely valuable aircraft in the Chinese tech tree for precision standoff CAS.

General info

Flight performance

Arrestor gear
Accelerates braking by grabbing the brake cable on the deck of the aircraft carrier
Air brakes
Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps
Drogue parachute
Reduces braking distance when landing on any runway
Max speed
at 11 582 m1 778 km/h
Turn time26 s
Max altitude15 240 m
Engine2 х General Electric J85-GE-21A
TypeJet
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight24 t

Since AIDC received different batches of F-5E/Fs through the two decades of assembling, their airframe naming can be confusing (K, Ba, C, Pseudo-C); but in this case, this is the C structure which is totally identical to its American counterpart. With a pair of GE J85-G-21A and a light yet surprisingly sturdy airframe, although the overall acceleration is nowhere comparable to jets at its tier, but the revised airframe did help F-5E making manoeuvres easier thanks to its above-average manoeuvrability. Those who are stalling or used up their energy will meet their miserable end very quickly.

While some players take it as a dedicated jet fighter against aerial targets, as a multi-role lightweight fighter, the overall payload is surprisingly high thanks to the composite materials used on its wing; bringing either lightweight bombs or devastating heavy bombs are among its options; do keep in mind that this turns F-5E into a slow bomb truck which can be shot down with relatively ease, so avoid enemies before delivering the payloads.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 11,582 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 1,756 1,746 15240 26.2 27.2 129.9 115.5 850
Upgraded 1,822 1,777 25.8 26.0 171.6 149.1

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
1,458 482 1,018 470 463 ~11 ~5
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 680 < 750 < 700 -

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Basic mass Wing loading (full fuel)
General Electric J85-GE-21A 2 4,825 kg 395 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Gross
Weight
Weight (each) Type 11m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 38m fuel
303 kg Afterburning axial-flow turbojet 5,423 kg 5,861 kg 6,379 kg 6,820 kg 9,582 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
Condition 100% WEP 11m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 38m fuel MGW
Stationary 1,480 kgf 2,220 kgf 0.82 0.76 0.70 0.65 0.46
Optimal 1,575 kgf
(1,458 km/h) 		3,011 kgf
(1,458 km/h) 		1.11 1.03 0.94 0.88 0.62

Survivability and armour

Flares/Chaff
Aircraft countermeasures to distract IR and radar-guided missiles and also AA radar
Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear482 km/h

A common misconception of lightweight aircraft is its protection. While F-5E is known to be tough in top rank battles that sometimes it takes 2 missiles to send it back to hanger, the whole jet has no extra protection, meaning that any projectiles that shoot through the thin skin of the airframe is more than enough to take the pilot out with ease.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 934 → 4 048 Sl icon.png
RB9 162 → 12 643 Sl icon.png
SB8 871 → 12 241 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications296 000 Rp icon.png
452 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost3 000 Ge icon.png
Crew training270 000 Sl icon.png
Experts950 000 Sl icon.png
Aces3 200 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 210 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
100 / 330 / 600 % Sl icon.png
244 / 244 / 244 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods booster.png
New boosters
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
540 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
680 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
540 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
680 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
t_160_belt_pack
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow right 0.png
Mods weapon.png
t_160_new_gun
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk82
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods napalm fire bomb.png
BLU-1
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods gunpods.png
Gun pod GPU-5/A.
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
LAU-3/A
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
M117
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
Flares/Chaff
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
GAU_13A_belt_pack
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
540 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon block rocket large.png
LAU-10/A
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
540 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk83
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
540 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
GAU_13A_new_gun
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
680 Ge icon.png
40px
AGM-65B
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
680 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk84
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
680 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Ballistic Computer
CCIP (Guns) CCIP (Rockets) CCIP (Bombs) CCRP (Bombs) EEGS
Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon RedXCross.png Icon RedXCross.png Icon RedXCross.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png

Offensive armament

Main article: M39A3 (20 mm)

The F-5E (China) is armed with:

  • 2 x 20 mm M39A3 cannons, nose-mounted (280 rpg = 560 total)
  • 10 x large calibre countermeasures
  • 30 x countermeasures

Suspended armament

The F-5E (China) can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Hardpoints F-5E (China).png
30 mm GAU-13/A cannons (353 rpg) 1
500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs 1 1 1 1 1
500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs 1 1 1 1 1
750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs 1 1 1 1 1
1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs 1 1 1
2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs 1
BLU-1 incendiary bombs 1 1 1 1 1
FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets 19 19 19 19
Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets 4 4
AGM-65B missiles 1 1 1 1
AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles 1 1
150 gal drop tanks 1 1 1
Default weapon presets
  • 3 x 150 gal drop tanks
  • 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
  • 1 x 30 mm GAU-13/A cannon (353 rpg)
  • 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
  • 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,500 lb total)
  • 5 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (2,500 lb total)
  • 5 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (3,750 lb total)
  • 5 x BLU-1 incendiary bombs
  • 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (3,000 lb total)
  • 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb (2,000 lb total)
  • 4 x AGM-65B missiles

Usage in battles

Like its tech tree predecessor and its American counterpart, F-5E was designed to be a lightweight and inexpensive option for countries with tight budgets. This version of ROCAF's F-5E is identical to US ones with new avionics and engines to retain its combat capability against possible enemies. While this might sound good at first glance, players have to consider for a major problem- the waves of SARH/ARH capable jets at 11.0; you will either face waves of Sparrows or even worse, waves of Phoenixes from F-14A; for lightweight jets exactly like F-5E, facing such missiles alongside their carriers will be the ultimate nightmare to deal with. Players have to survive the first wave of head-on attacks at the first place in order to take revenge on enemy targets. Although only a pair of AIM-9P and M39A2 cannons are available for air-to-air missions, if used at the right moment ie. a careless or slow enemy, 2 missiles are more than enough to score some hits. If it has to join a dogfight, the high ammo count at its tier can give trigger-happy players more opportunity to shoot down enemy aircraft, even multiple targets if aimed properly. But do note that a pair J85-GE-21A still aren't something with high thrust, any severe energy loss gives players very little chance to even regain the speed, making it easier to be shot at.

If CAS is your cup of tea, F-5E has a great variety of ordnance ranging from napalm bombs, general purpose bombs, Zuni rockets, as well as 2 pairs of AGM-65B. It can be said that F-5E has been one of the most-selected CAS aircraft for the Chinese tech tree until the introduction of Q-5L with LGBs or JH-7A with a pair of Kh-29Ts (editor's note: the lack of PLAAF jet with ATGM has been continued for 2 years until Kings of Battle on December 2023). For a less risky approach, use the Mavericks to take out MBTs or menacing SPAAGs, its explosive content and penetration is more than enough to take out any unnoticed ground targets. Since Mavericks used IR/TV tracker in this case, some players sought it as a surprise way to shoot down hovering helicopters from safe distance and altitude. While bombs and rocket pods are available as well, while the HUD provides a gun ballistic computer, this is not the case for A2G weapons. Players should enter the battlefield below 600 m and at around 700 km/h then dive upon the target at 30°, then drop the payloads and pullup for a run; while rockets requires higher altitude for the dive, so use them with extreme caution and practice the trajectory for precise hits. Napalm can also be useful in some way for the nature that it could burn plants and open-top vehicles, but its aesthetic use is much greater than its practical use, i.e. blinding TVD modules on vehicles or equipment with its extreme heat.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Retains similar, if not better flight performance to its predecessor
  • Small size, making it difficult for enemies to land shots onto the F-5E
  • Variety of payloads ranging from bombs up to TV guided AGMs
  • Finally comes with a radar which was lacking on previous models
  • Surprisingly sturdy airframe for such a lightweight aircraft
  • M39 cannons has generous ammo count and damage against aerial targets; sometimes even ground targets with AP belts

Cons:

  • Only gun ballistic computer is available, not for rockets/bombs
  • Low top speed at its rank and lacks the thrust to escape from danger
  • The only A2A option is the pair of guns and two AIM-9Ps at most
  • Small countermeasures capacity, less than the F-5A

History

Earlier in 1968, the Nationalist Government had proposed an agreement to Northrop to produce their latest F-5E/F Tiger II domestically in Taiwan. While the batches of earlier F-5A Freedom Fighters joined ROCAF in 1965 as the replacement for the already obsolete fleet of F-86s, those 48 F-5A series were then handed over to the RVAF in 1972 while some batches of USAF's F-4 Phantoms II were transferred from US Pacific Air Force and stationed in Taiwan; the aforementioned agreement with Northrop was signed in February 1973 where AIDC received the license for building 100 F-5E/F series under "Project Tiger Peace 虎安計劃".

F-5E 5283 at 823 Park in Taichung

The overall production program could be divided into 6 separated batches and the very first F-5E assembled in Taichung (No. 5101) was then named Chung-Ching (中正, true name [名諱] of Chiang Kai-Shek [蔣介石；Kai-Shek is the courtesy name]) as his 88th birthday present. Although the first batches of 100 F-5E were delivered successfully, but later changes in Sino-American relationship (the 1979 Communique) forced the Nationalist Government to sign further agreements for new batches of F-5Es, as their proposed purchase for 48 F-4E[1] was ditched by President Carter. The upcoming batches of F-5 consists both the E/F variant and were produced until 1986 by the end of Tiger Peace VI, a total of 242 F-5E and 66 F-5F (308 in total excluding the first military aid ones from US). Although ROCAF had plans for an upgrade of F-5E with F-CK-1's avionics and missiles in early 2000s, this project failed to earn ROCAF order.

Since the heat of the first Strait Crisis has passed, the "Tigers" didn't have the chance to be involved into combat actions; but two of these jets defected to Mainland China throughout the 1980s and they were among the very last cross-strait defects. These jets were also involved in 50 crashes with 52 deaths; after the three consecutive crashes within half-a year from October 2020 (5261; engine flameout; pilot DOA) to March 2021 (5286 and 5287; mid-air collision), ROCAF decided to decommission their fleet of remaining F-5s in Taitung by 2025 , replacing them with the new T-BE5A Brave Eagle.[2]

Media

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See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the aircraft;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

References

  1. ↑ https://ahonline.drnh.gov.tw/index.php?act=Display/image/2242741c=hD5La#9fC
  2. ↑ https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2022-02-11/taiwans-brave-eagle-leaves-nest


Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (漢翔航空工業股份有限公司)
Jet Fighters 
F-5  ␗F-5E*
  *Licensed assembly of Northrop F-5E Tiger II

China jet aircraft
Fighters  J-2 · J-4 · J-6A · J-7II · J-7D · J-7E · J-8B · J-8F · J-10A · J-11 · J-11A
Strike aircraft  Q-5 early · Q-5A · Q-5L · JH-7A
Bombers  H-5
France  ␗Mirage 2000-5Ei
USA  ␗F-84G-21-RE · ␗F-84G-31-RE · ␗F-86F-30 · ␗F-86F-40 · ␗F-100A · ␗F-100F · ␗F-104A · ␗F-104G · ␗F-5A · ␗F-5E · ␗F-16A MLU
USSR  ␗MiG-9 · ␗MiG-9 (l)
North Korea  Shenyang F-5
Pakistan  A-5C · JF-17

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