1/72 RF-5E Royal Saudi Air Force

Hobby Master 1/72 RF-5E Royal Saudi Air Force

The Royal Saudi Air Force purchased Northrop Grumman F-5Bs and F-5Es with the first being delivered by in-flight Trans-Atlantic crossings arriving in February 1974. The first two squadrons were operational by late 1975 and began to replace the BAC Lightning. By 1977 there were 35 F-5s based at Dhahran and 35 at Khamis Mushait. By 1978 the F-5E was the Saudi main multi-role fighter. In January 1985 the first of 10 RF-5Es began to arrive. At least 4 of the RF-5Es arrived with all black paint schemes.

Designed partly to meet a US Navy requirement for a low-cost, low-maintenance fighter to operate from Escort Carriers, the F-5 first flew on July 30, 1959. Development of the F-5 continued even after the Navy withdrew its Escort Carriers, and the aircraft eventually evolved into the light, supersonic "Freedom Fighter," serving US allies during the Cold War and as a supersonic trainer in the US. The second-generation F-5 ("Tiger II") also served US allies, but because it was small and maneuverable like a MiG it was also used by the US military as a training and "aggressor" aircraft, acting as the opposing force during military wargames.

Features:
- Scale 1:72
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals
- Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight"
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads