Northrop F-5C Skoshi Tiger Aircraft “64-13332, 10th FCS, Bien Hoa AFB” (1965) United States Air Force “Air Power Series” 1/72 Diecast Model by Hobby Master

Product Description

HISTORY ASPECTS:
The Northrop F-5C Skoshi Tiger, tail number 64-13332, was one of the modified F-5A Freedom Fighters selected by the U.S. Air Force for combat evaluation in Vietnam under the code name “Skoshi Tiger.” This specific airframe flew with the 10th Fighter Commando Squadron based at Bien Hoa Air Base, South Vietnam, beginning in late 1965. The project aimed to test the lightweight, low-cost jet fighter’s suitability for close air support and interdiction missions in a high-threat combat environment.
Unlike larger, more complex fighters, the F-5C offered a rugged and straightforward design, equipped with two General Electric J85 engines, excellent agility, and ease of maintenance in austere conditions. For combat deployment, the aircraft was upgraded with air-to-ground capabilities, improved avionics, and a refueling probe. While relatively small and less powerful than its contemporaries, the F-5C performed effectively in low-level strike missions and quick-reaction close air support roles. Aircraft 64-13332 participated in numerous sorties over hostile territory, often flying low-level missions against Viet Cong and North Vietnamese targets in dense jungle terrain.
The evaluation revealed that the F-5C was a viable solution for allied nations needing affordable and capable jet fighters, directly influencing the U.S. decision to adopt the type into the Military Assistance Program and support its export to allied air forces worldwide. Though the F-5C’s frontline service with the U.S. was short-lived, aircraft like 64-13332 laid the groundwork for the global proliferation of the F-5 platform and established its reputation for reliability and versatility in combat environments.
This 1:72 scale model is a highly detailed tribute to a pioneering chapter in jet combat aviation. Featuring Vietnam-era camo, accurate squadron markings, and external stores, this replica captures the essence of a compact jet that proved its worth under fire. A must-have for collectors of Cold War and Vietnam War aircraft.