Canadair NF-5A (CL-226) Aircraft Data
Photo ID 82350 by Carl Brent. Netherlands Air Force Canadair NF 5A CL 226, K 3020
The CF-5A/D, CF-116 in Canadian service, is a license built version of the Northrup F-5A/B 'Freedom Fighter'. Canadair built 89 single-seat CF-5A's and 46 two-seat CF-5D's before production ended in 1971. All versions of the CF-5 are capable of being refueled in-flight, though equipment may not be always fitted.
  • Country of Origin: Canada
  • First Flight: 7/1/1959
  • Initial Service Date: 12/19/1968
  • No. Built: 135
  • No. In Service: 60 (approx.)
  • No. of Hardpoints: 5
  • Crew: 1

Power:

2× license-built GE J85-15 afterburning turbojets at 19.1 kN

Weapons:

The CF-5's weapons capability is basic when compared to modern warplanes. Two 20mm M39A2 cannons, mounted in the nose with 280 rounds per gun. CF-5's did not have the characteristic wing-tip missile rails for the AIM-9 'Sidewinder' AAM, tip-tanks were carried instead. 2 x rocket pods of the CRV-7, LAU-10, or MATRA type could be carried on under-wing hard points. AGM-65 Maverick, Mark 80 unguided bombs, CBU-series bombs and M129 leaflet dispensers could also be carried along with drop-tanks.

Dimensions:

Length: 14.38 m.
Wing Span: 7.87 m.
Wing Area: 17.28 m²
Height: 4 m.
Empty Weight: 3,938 kg.
Max. Weight: 9,249 kg.
Max. Ordnance Load: 3,200 kg.
Max. Payload: 3,200 kg.

Performance:

Max. Speed: 1,575 kph
Cruise Speed: 834 kph
Service Ceiling: 12,000 m.
Normal Range: 1,400 km

Operators:

Botswana Defense Force (14), Canadian Armed Forces (retired in 1995), Hellenic Air Force (retired), The Royal Netherlands Air Force (retired), The Royal Norwegian Air Force (retired, but kept airworthy), Turkish Air Force (36), Venezuelan Air Force (12).

Random great photos of the Canadair NF-5A (CL-226):

Photo ID 45318 by Henk Schuitemaker. Netherlands Air Force Canadair NF 5A CL 226, K 3072
Photo ID 192540 by Carl Brent. Greece Air Force Canadair NF 5A CL 226, 3073
Photo ID 21299 by Lieuwe Hofstra. Netherlands Air Force Canadair NF 5A CL 226, K 3054
Photo ID 32301 by Arie van Groen. Netherlands Air Force Canadair NF 5A CL 226, K 3047
Photo ID 164368 by Joop de Groot. Netherlands Air Force Canadair NF 5A CL 226, K 3035
Photo ID 38211 by Lieuwe Hofstra. Netherlands Air Force Canadair NF 5A CL 226, K 3057
More photos »