TB Tan
However, the F5-B were later sold to Thailand in September 1982. For reconnaissance duty, 2 RF-5E were added in 1983 while 2 F-5E and a F-5F were procured in 1985 as attrition to replacement to those that had been written off or crashed. It has been noticed that some aircraft aircrafts have a larger LERXs with fin antenna and flattened nose radome or also known as ?shark nose?.
Besides, performing its primary role as an interceptor and it has the capability to deliver air to ground ordnance as well. Back in the 80s, the F5s were assigned to two squadrons, namely 11 (Cobra) and 12 squadrons (Scorpion) which operated along side with two RAAF Mirage squadrons, the 75 and 3 Squadron using the RAAF base in Butterworth, Malaysia.
Delivery of live weapons (air to ground) practice was conducted at the gunnery range at Songsong Island besides the regular air to air maneuvering (dissimilar air combat training - DACT) at Straits of Malacca. Apart from that, the F5s had also involved in regular external excercises against its Asean counterparts and under the five power defence arrangement (Integrated Air Defence System (IADS) with Butterworth being the Headquarter). The five power defence arrangement consist of Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Malaysia. USAF F-4s from Philipines, USAF F-16s, RAAF Mirage III-0, F/A-18s and F-111, Harriers and Tornados from United Kingdom were among the F5s opponents in various combat excercises held.
Among other challenging task faced by the F5s pilots was the low level night interception duty and in addition to that the RMAF F5s had actual combat experience, providing ground support and strike role against the Communist terrorist back in the 70s.
As at the time of writing, it is understood that some RMAF F5s have been upgraded primarily for air to ground and advanced training role. Nevertheless, the upgrades have made the F5s a potent machine, versatile and competitive lightweight fighter and should not be written off lightly.
Decal: Custom made
Paint: Gunze
The Kit used is from Italari which is the best 1/72 scale available.
The featured aircraft M29-05 was delivered in 1975 with US registeration 74-1449 and formerly FM2207 under the Malaysian serials. This aircraft is believes to have been upgraded and was spotted flying recently in its newly painted three tone grey camouflage. It was seen carrying out engine test run and was spotted flying with SUU-20 practice bomb dispenser under its center fuselage along side with an RF-5E. Decals are all custom printed.Paint job was done by using GUNZE paint. H338 + H316, H315 &H308