Canadair CF-5 Freedom Fighter
Canadair · Canada · first flew 1968 · fighter
The Canadair CF-5 is the Canadian licence-built version of the Northrop F-5A/B Freedom Fighter, featuring a number of Canadian-specific improvements including more powerful Orenda-built J85 engines and a more sophisticated avionics fit than the baseline F-5.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 14.68 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Canadian licence-built Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter
- Twin J85 turbojet exhausts at tail
- Small agile fighter with short tapered wing
Essentially identical to the Northrop F-5A externally, but with slightly different engine intake shapes and avionics lumps. The small, agile twin-jet design with two J85 exhausts at the tail and a distinctive underslung gun pack beneath the nose are the key features.
Specifications
- The Canadair CF-5 Freedom Fighter has a length of 14.68 m (48 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 7.87 m (26 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 1743 km/h (1083 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flying in 1968, the CF-5 entered Royal Canadian Air Force service in 1969 and served as the primary advanced trainer and light fighter for three decades. Canadair built 115 single-seat CF-5As and 46 two-seat CF-5Ds, with some aircraft exported to the Netherlands and Venezuela.
Variants
The CF-5A is the single-seat version; the CF-5D is the two-seat trainer variant. Netherlands and Venezuelan aircraft were designated NF-5 and VF-5 respectively with further local modifications.
Where you'll see it
The CF-5 served with the RCAF and later the Canadian Forces from 1969, transitioning through roles from fighter to advanced trainer. It was retired from Canadian service in 1995, with surplus aircraft sold to various operators including Turkey and Honduras.
Related aircraft
- Canadair CF-5A Freedom Fighter
- Canadair CL-215
- Canadair CL-84 Dynavert
- Canadair CF-104D
- Aeritalia F-104S Starfighter
- Cavalier F-51D Mustang
- Grumman EA-6B Prowler
- L-39 Albatros
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