A question on stored Northrop F-5s
Mon Apr 10, 2006 6:39 am
Northrop F-5s
Back in December 2005, when I was coming back home from California, I made a quick detour around AMAARC and the same as I recall doing back in 2003 and 2000, I spotted some aircraft that are easily visible from the areas around the compound.
I believe that I have seen AT-38s, and possibly F-5s, but I do not have either the data nor the pictures at hand.
So, my question is, does anyone here know if there are any F-5s stored, and if so, an approximate number? This is in relation to a rumor that states that El Salvador could probably be acquiring some F-5s. [I am keeping in mind that the airframe hours on whatever F-5s stored, must be really high and any upgrades would be expensive to say the least.]
Since rumors are prevalent (A-4s, A-10s, and so on) and I find it difficult to access my data at home, any help on this regard will be appreciated.
Saludos,
Tulio
Back in December 2005, when I was coming back home from California, I made a quick detour around AMAARC and the same as I recall doing back in 2003 and 2000, I spotted some aircraft that are easily visible from the areas around the compound.
I believe that I have seen AT-38s, and possibly F-5s, but I do not have either the data nor the pictures at hand.
So, my question is, does anyone here know if there are any F-5s stored, and if so, an approximate number? This is in relation to a rumor that states that El Salvador could probably be acquiring some F-5s. [I am keeping in mind that the airframe hours on whatever F-5s stored, must be really high and any upgrades would be expensive to say the least.]
Since rumors are prevalent (A-4s, A-10s, and so on) and I find it difficult to access my data at home, any help on this regard will be appreciated.
Saludos,
Tulio
Mon Apr 10, 2006 9:46 am
I only know that the US Navy and US Marines have acquired 33 ex-Swiss AF F-5E's to replace their ageing and high-time a/c of the same type used in "Aggressor" units - it is therefore possible that the stored a/c at AMAARC are those retired ex-USN / USMC ships.
Before being issued to the Agressor units, the ex-Swiss AF a/c underwent an extensive overhaul / upgrade.
Saludos
Martin
Before being issued to the Agressor units, the ex-Swiss AF a/c underwent an extensive overhaul / upgrade.
Saludos
Martin
Mon Apr 10, 2006 4:36 pm
Tulio,
The last list I have of AMARC aircraft before the quit putting it on the net does not have any F-5s listed in storage, but did have 23 AT-38Bs. List date is July 12, 2000.
bill word
The last list I have of AMARC aircraft before the quit putting it on the net does not have any F-5s listed in storage, but did have 23 AT-38Bs. List date is July 12, 2000.
bill word
Mon Apr 10, 2006 6:23 pm
didn't think f-5's were still on uncle sam's inventory 
t-38's i know better, nasa, etc.. was the f-20 scrapped?? yeager said he loved it. i don't know if he was trying to pitch it with his endorsement or if it was on the level. bottom line............ his nod of approval generates $$$$$
t-38's i know better, nasa, etc.. was the f-20 scrapped?? yeager said he loved it. i don't know if he was trying to pitch it with his endorsement or if it was on the level. bottom line............ his nod of approval generates $$$$$
Mon Apr 10, 2006 8:00 pm
Thanks for the link. Have all the B-52s models except the G models listed been scrapped? Some of those G Models have been there since 1990!
Mon Apr 10, 2006 9:01 pm
Thank you, guys.
I had probably been mislead by my own eyes, because I saw what from
afar looked like F-5s, and due to the angle, I am now almost certain that I saw the AT-38s.
Two USN Squadrons retired their F-5Es and replaced them with the Swiss examples.
Brazil recently acquired some ex-Saudi F-5s if I am not mistaken, and this leaves the possibility that other than investing heavily in upgrading, whatever F-5s left over will not see service anymore.
Saludos,
Tulio
I had probably been mislead by my own eyes, because I saw what from
afar looked like F-5s, and due to the angle, I am now almost certain that I saw the AT-38s.
Two USN Squadrons retired their F-5Es and replaced them with the Swiss examples.
Brazil recently acquired some ex-Saudi F-5s if I am not mistaken, and this leaves the possibility that other than investing heavily in upgrading, whatever F-5s left over will not see service anymore.
Saludos,
Tulio