Difference between revisions of "F-5E (China)"
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Danger Zone"]]. | The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Danger Zone"]]. | ||
− | A licensed CKD built | + | A licensed CKD built from Northrop's F-5E series by the AIDC (aka 漢翔) as the alternative for ROCAF's perished dream of a fleet of F-4Es and strengthening their defense capability: this variant of F-5E has the same capabilities of the original US built-ones, with hard hitting AAMs/AGMs as well as varieties of payload from rocket pods up to 2,000 lb bombs, making F-5E the saviour of the ground forces as a retaliation against both ground and aerial targets who pose a threat to the team. |
== General info == | == General info == | ||
Line 19: | Line 19: | ||
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}} | {{Specs-Avia-Flight}} | ||
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' --> | <!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' --> | ||
− | Since AIDC received different batches of F-5E/Fs through the | + | 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 tens of lightweight bombs or a few 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 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 tens of lightweight bombs or a few 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 37: | Line 37: | ||
|- | |- | ||
! Upgraded | ! Upgraded | ||
− | | | + | | 1,822 || 1,777 || 25.8 || 26.0 || 171.6 || 149.1 |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
Line 48: | Line 48: | ||
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute | ! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | | ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ <!-- ✓ --> |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
Line 63: | Line 63: | ||
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! - | ! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! - | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || | + | | {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 1,018 || 740 || 463 || ~11 || ~5 |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
Line 73: | Line 73: | ||
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator | ! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | < | + | | < 680 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
Line 81: | Line 81: | ||
|- | |- | ||
! colspan="3" | Engine | ! colspan="3" | Engine | ||
− | ! colspan=" | + | ! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass |
|- | |- | ||
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number | ! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number | ||
− | ! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan=" | + | ! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel) |
|- | |- | ||
− | | colspan="2" | | + | | colspan="2" | General Electric J85-GE-21A || 2 |
− | | colspan="2" | | + | | colspan="2" | 4,825 kg || colspan="3" | 395 kg/m<sup>2</sup> |
|- | |- | ||
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics | ! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics | ||
− | ! colspan=" | + | ! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross<br>Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}} |
|- | |- | ||
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type | ! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type | ||
− | ! | + | ! 11m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 38m fuel |
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | | 303 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet |
− | | | + | | 5,423 kg || 5,861 kg || 6,379 kg || 6,820 kg || 9,582 kg |
|- | |- | ||
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}} | ! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}} | ||
− | ! colspan=" | + | ! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP) |
|- | |- | ||
− | ! Condition || 100% || | + | ! Condition || 100% || WEP |
− | ! | + | ! 11m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 38m fuel || MGW |
|- | |- | ||
− | | ''Stationary'' || | + | | ''Stationary'' || 1,480 kgf || 2,220 kgf |
− | | | + | | 0.82 || 0.76 || 0.70 || 0.65 || 0.46 |
|- | |- | ||
− | | ''Optimal'' || | + | | ''Optimal'' || 1,575 kgf<br>(1,458 km/h) || 3,011 kgf<br>(1,458 km/h) |
− | | | + | | 1.11 || 1.03 || 0.94 || 0.88 || 0.62 |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
Line 115: | Line 115: | ||
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}} | {{Specs-Avia-Armour}} | ||
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' --> | <!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' --> | ||
− | 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 | + | 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 === | === Modifications and economy === | ||
Line 135: | Line 135: | ||
=== Suspended armament === | === Suspended armament === | ||
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}} | {{Specs-Avia-Suspended}} | ||
− | ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' | + | <!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' --> |
+ | {{main|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|BLU-1 incendiary}} | ||
+ | {{main|AGM-65B|AIM-9P Sidewinder|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP|GAU-13/A (30 mm)}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance presets: | ||
+ | |||
+ | * Without load | ||
+ | * 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 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 | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Custom loadout options ==== | ||
+ | {| class="wikitable" width="100%" style="text-align:center" | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! !! width="6%" | 1 !! width="6%" | 2 !! width="6%" | 3 !! width="6%" | 4 !! width="6%" | 5 !! width="6%" | 6 !! width="6%" | 7 | ||
+ | | rowspan="11" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div> | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! 30 mm GAU-13/A cannons (353 rpg) | ||
+ | | || || || 1 || || || | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 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 | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |} | ||
== 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 | + | 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. 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 kills. 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 | + | 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. 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. 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; so use them with extreme caution and practice the trajectory for precise kills. Napalm can also be useful, due to the nature that it could burn plants and open-top vehicles, but its aesthetic use is much greater than its practical use ie. blinding TVD cameras on ground vehicles with its extreme heat. |
=== Pros and cons === | === Pros and cons === | ||
− | <!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->'''Pros:''' | + | <!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' --> |
+ | |||
+ | '''Pros:''' | ||
* Retains similar, if not better flight performance to its predecessor | * Retains similar, if not better flight performance to its predecessor | ||
Line 151: | Line 207: | ||
* Finally comes with a radar which was lacking on previous models | * Finally comes with a radar which was lacking on previous models | ||
* Surprisingly sturdy airframe for such a lightweight aircraft | * 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 | + | * M39 cannons has generous ammo count and damage against aerial targets; sometimes even ground targets with AP belts |
'''Cons:''' | '''Cons:''' | ||
Line 164: | Line 220: | ||
[[File:F-5E 5283 displayed in Taichung.jpg|thumb|293x293px|F-5E 5283 at 823 Park in Taichung]] | [[File:F-5E 5283 displayed in Taichung.jpg|thumb|293x293px|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 | + | 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 Phantom II|F-4E]]<ref>https://ahonline.drnh.gov.tw/index.php?act=Display/image/2242741c=hD5La#9fC</ref> 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 [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/545113-aidc-f-5e-tiger-2000-the-forgotten-tiger/ 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, both of them 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 [[wikipedia:AIDC_T-5_Brave_Eagle|T-BE5A Brave Eagle]]. | Since the heat of the first Strait Crisis has passed, both of them 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 [[wikipedia:AIDC_T-5_Brave_Eagle|T-BE5A Brave Eagle]]. | ||
Line 185: | Line 241: | ||
* ''topic on the official game forum;'' | * ''topic on the official game forum;'' | ||
* ''other literature.'' --> | * ''other literature.'' --> | ||
− | |||
− | + | === References === | |
− | + | <references /> | |
− | {{ | + | {{AirManufacturer AIDC}} |
{{China jet aircraft}} | {{China jet aircraft}} | ||
− |
Revision as of 10:04, 24 June 2022
This page is about the jet fighter F-5E (China). For other versions, see F-5 (Family). |
Contents
Description
The ␗AIDC F-5E is a rank VII Chinese jet fighter with a battle rating of 11.3 (AB/SB) and 11.0 (RB). It was introduced in Update "Danger Zone".
A licensed CKD built from Northrop's F-5E series by the AIDC (aka 漢翔) as the alternative for ROCAF's perished dream of a fleet of F-4Es and strengthening their defense capability: this variant of F-5E has the same capabilities of the original US built-ones, with hard hitting AAMs/AGMs as well as varieties of payload from rocket pods up to 2,000 lb bombs, making F-5E the saviour of the ground forces as a retaliation against both ground and aerial targets who pose a threat to the team.
General info
Flight performance
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 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 tens of lightweight bombs or a few 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 | + | - | ||
0 | 482 | 1,018 | 740 | 463 | ~11 | ~5 |
Optimal velocities (km/h) | |||
---|---|---|---|
Ailerons | Rudder | Elevators | Radiator |
< 680 | < 750 | < 700 | N/A |
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
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
Armaments
Offensive armament
The F-5E (China) is armed with:
- A choice between two presets:
- 2 x 20 mm M39A3 cannons, nose-mounted (280 rpg = 560 total)
- 2 x 20 mm M39A3 cannons + 45 x countermeasures
Suspended armament
The F-5E (China) can be outfitted with the following ordnance presets:
- Without load
- 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 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
Custom loadout options
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
30 mm GAU-13/A cannons (353 rpg) | 1 | |||||||
500 lb LDGP Mk 82 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 |
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. 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 kills. 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. 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. 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; so use them with extreme caution and practice the trajectory for precise kills. Napalm can also be useful, due to the nature that it could burn plants and open-top vehicles, but its aesthetic use is much greater than its practical use ie. blinding TVD cameras on ground vehicles 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:
- No ballistic computer of any form
- Low top speed at its rank
- The only A2A option is the pair of guns and two AIM-9P at most
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".
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, both of them 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.
Media
Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.
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
Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (漢翔航空工業股份有限公司) | |
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Jet Fighters | |
F-5 | ␗F-5E* |
*Licensed assembly of Northrop F-5E Tiger II |
China jet aircraft | |
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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 |