F-5TF Tigris

[Epsilon160 270]

 

Overview:

In 1964, Thailand first acquired F-5A/Bs under a US program to modernize their air force. In 1978, Thailand would acquire F-5E/Fs, which would become the staple of the Royal Thai Air Force for years to come. The F-5E/F models have been modernized in multiple programs, the first set resulting in the F-5T Tigris, and the more recent set resulting in the F-5TH Super Tigris. This suggestion is for the earlier F-5TF Tigris, an F-5F with the Tigris upgrade, which fits with the current technology in the game.

 

Upgrade:

The F-5T upgrade was carried out by Elbit at the turn of the 21st century, and added some avionics upgrades to the F-5E. This upgrade added a new INS, AN/ALE-40 CMDS, AN/ALR-46 RWR, and GEC Marconi HUD/WAC. Radar was upgraded to the AN/APQ-159. The most notable addition was Elbit DASH, allowing compatibility with Python 3 and Python 4, and allowing the pilot to lock IR missiles by looking at the target. This upgrade was intended to extend lifespan of the aircraft to around 2018.

 

Flight Performance:

The F-5TF Tigris received no upgrades that would affect flight performance, it would perform very similarly to the F-5E. As such flight performance would not be an issue, with the decent energy retention and speed, and good turn times. The aircraft would excel at close quarters combat, and would have no problem providing close air support.

 

Avionics:

The F-5TF received some upgrades, however is mostly the same as the F-5F. The F-5F provides usage of the AN/AVQ-27 LTDS over the F-5E, allowing it to designate targets for laser guided munitions. The RTAF F-5Fs use the AN/APQ-159, and the F-5TF Tigris does not provide any improvement. The F-5TF cockpit is generally the same as the F-5F, with the exception of the new GEC Marconi HUD/WAC. RWR is also now featured, allowing for some extra survivability now that radar missiles are becoming common.

 

Weaponry:

The F-5TF Tigris retains all the weaponry previously available to F-5Fs of the RTAF, with the addition of Python 3 and Python 4. Air-to-air ordnance includes AIM-9J, Python 3, Python 4. Air-to-ground ordnance includes AGM-65 Maverick, Paveway II, and various dumb munitions. Thailand also operated 30mm GAU-13/A gunpods, and was one of the few countries to do so operationally. The F-5TF Tigris retains the integrated M39 revolver cannons.

 

Specifications:

• Aircraft
  • Crew: 2
  • Wingspan: 8.1m
  • Length: 15.7m
  • Height: 4m
  • Max Weight: 11214kg
  • Power: 2x J85-GE-21C, 2273kg thrust each
  • Airspeed: Mach 1.56
  • Range: 4286km
  • Ceiling: 15420m
• Armament:
  • M39A3 (280 rounds)
    • 2x integrated
  • AIM-9J/Python-3/Python-4
    • 2x on wingtips
    • 2x on outer wing pylons
  • AGM-65 Maverick
    • 4x on wing pylons
  • GBU-12 Paveway II
    • 1x on center pylon
  • GBU-10 Paveway II
    • 1x on center pylon
    • 4x on wing pylons
  • GAU-13/A (353 rounds)
    • 1x on center pylon
  • Dumb Munitions
    • Shared with F-5E

 

Conclusion:

The F-5TF would be a capable strike fighter at top tier, with good payloads and the ability to defend itself. Due to the relationship between Thailand and Japan, and the lack of CAS options for Japan, I suggest the F-5TF either as a vehicle in a Thai line, or as a squadron vehicle at Rank 7. It should not be a premium, as it would be the only ground-attack capable aircraft in the Japan tree if added by itself, and should be possible to acquire without purchasing it.

 

Images:

Spoiler

An F-5T Tigris, upgraded from a single-seat F-5E.

An F-5TF Tigris, upgraded from a two-seat F-5F

 

Sources:

http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/f5_39.html

https://thaimilitaryandasianregion.wordpress.com/2016/06/05/f-5e-tiger-ii-f-5t-tigris-of-the-royal-thai-air-force/

https://www.the-northrop-f-5-enthusiast-page.info/AirForces/ThailandAF.html

http://thecombatworkshop.blogspot.com/2017/06/f-5ef-tiger-iis-use-of-precision-guided.html

https://elbitsystems.com/product/display-and-sight-helmet-system-dash/

https://www.flightglobal.com/royal-thai-air-force-unwraps-extended-range-paveway-lgb/17860.article

https://www.navair.navy.mil/product/F-5-Tiger-II

https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2166067/f-5nf-adversary-aircraft/

https://www.militaryperiscope.com/weapons/sensorselectronics/electronic-support-measureselectronic-warfare/anale-40

https://cmano-db.com/pdf/sensor/5288/

Edited May 28, 2022 by Epsilon160

[kurururocks 210]

Open for discussion

[AVROVULCANXH558 349]

+1, would be a very cool addition, though maybe there are other possibilities other than Japan

Edited May 30, 2022 by AVROVULCANXH558

[Kingtiez@live 606]

+ for Japan

[コタリ 2,732]

+1 for Japan
 

Also it seems like the F-5T went through multiple upgrades. In 1988 they were upgraded with the HUD/WAC which gave Python 3 compatibility

Spoiler

 

Then in 2000 it received the DASH III HUD and MFD.  It also received Python 4 compatibility with HMCS.

Spoiler

 

The F-5T could probably be separated into an early and late version. Maybe an early premium version with a late TT version.

[Milocat 4,854]

+1 and Japan is probably the most logical place to put it.

[Epsilon160 270]

12 hours ago, AnimeThighs said:

+1 for Japan
 

Also it seems like the F-5T went through multiple upgrades. In 1988 they were upgraded with the HUD/WAC which gave Python 3 compatibility

Hide contents

 

Then in 2000 it received the DASH III HUD and MFD.  It also received Python 4 compatibility with HMCS.

Hide contents

 

The F-5T could probably be separated into an early and late version. Maybe an early premium version with a late TT version.

Yeah, I suggested it with just the F-5TF in the early 2000s configuration because I don't think I had two sources that said there were 2 upgrades and I didn't feel like looking for more.

Edited May 31, 2022 by Epsilon160

[spacesoldier117 876]

+1 but I think it would make more sense either in IsraeliTT(the ones that modified the machine) or the USTT(the creator of the machine).

Other than that I agree that an earlier version with only Python 3 would be more suitable for the game as of right now.

Cheers.

[Borotovas 4,500]

+1

[Poi_ship 4]

+1 for Japan

[Colerend 225]

+1 for Japan