[Traben]

F-20A TIGERSHARK
- Supersonic Fighter -



F-20 Image A - F-20 Image B


Origin: (Real World)
United States of America


Games Featured In:
Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War
Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War


Operators:
Belkan Air Force
Osean Air Defense Force
Ustian Air Force
Yuktobanian Air Force


Ace Squadron Pilot(s):
Anwalt / BAF (ACZ)
Vampir Flight / BAF (ACZ)
Falter / BAF (ACZ)


Variants:
F-5E Tiger II
X-29A


Armament: (Special Weapons)
Gun / 2 x 20mm M39 cannon
Standard Missiles / AIM-9M Sidewinder
GPB / GBU-32 JDAM (ACZ)
SAAM / AIM-7M Sparrow (AC5/ACZ)
XAGM / AGM-65G Maverick (ACZ)


Ace Combat 5 Stats:
Speed: 73
Mobility: 43
Stability: 60
Defense: 46
Air-to-Air: 60
Air-to-Ground: 25


Ace Combat Zero Stats:
Speed: 73
Mobility: 43
Stability: 60
Defense: 46
Air-to-Air: 60
Air-to-Ground: 25


Background:
Initially known as the F-5G, Northrop developed the F-20 Tigershark in response to a U.S. government call for the private development of a tactical fighter specifically tailored to meet the security needs of allied and friendly nations. The first flight of the Tigershark was made August 30, 1982. The Mach 2 class F-20 Tigershark's basic single-seat configuration was formally designated the F-20A. The F-20 combined propulsion, electronics and armament technologies with improvements in reliability to sustain high sortie rates in adverse weather.

The F-20 incorporated a combination of advanced technology features. The F-20 could carry more than 8,300 pounds of external armaments and fuel on five pylons. It could carry six Sidewinder missiles on air-to-air missions. For air-to-ground missions, more than 6,800 pounds of armament could be carried. Two internally mounted 20mm guns were standard equipment on the Tigershark. Although tests showed its potential, the USAF never considered the F-20 for service, and the U.S. Navy decided to purchase F-16s for its aggressor aircraft program. These two facts essentially doomed the F-20 FMS program. Also, the decision not to buy the F-20 affected other countries decisions on purchasing U.S. aircraft. In all, three F-20s were built, two were destroyed in accidents and the sole survivor now rests in the USAF museum.



SOURCE:
Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War (In Game Data)
Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War (In Game Data)
Global Security: F-20 "Tigershark"


ACCREDITATION:
Original Article By: tkgamer

[Jetfreak]

Too bad I never really got to use this plane much. But it's still fun to fly though. Cheap and simple

[Grastens 7]

Interestingly enough, it was the only military fighter plane to star in a normal commercial, not being restricted by USAF policy against such screenings being a private venture by Northrop. Jack himself loved it, hoping to stick it to Convair against the F-16 for what they did against his XB-35/YB-49 project, but the Viper won the fly-off.

The Tigershark was featured in an advertisement for batteries, I believe by Exide, with Chuck Yeager endorsing them. The Tigershark was in the background.

[Grastens 7]

They're usually in movies and TV shows that need to shoot something on an airbase, because nobody cares about them.

I don't think I've seen any... and I know F-5Es were in Top Gun... but yes, that would also be the case. Of course, my civilian status would mean that you would know more about that than me.

[Demon Lord Razgriz]

Well, the F-5/F-20 family still lives today in active service in the US military as the F/A-18C. And Northrop is still making fits to upgrade them as well.

[Grastens 7]

I don't think the designation changed, unless you mean the role... the F-20 was never produced.

As for Northrop, I could see that. It was a private venture, and Jack's own way of trying to stick it to Convair... one last time. (They helped build the F-16)

[Demon Lord Razgriz]

We don't use them, so my knowledge is limited. Closest we have are T-38s. I could very well mean F-5s and not realize it.

Stargate SG-1 is a prime example. Usually without fail if they need a jet fighter, it's some rented Tiger derivative.

You're wrong on the SG-1 using Tiger derivatives. I love that show just as much as AC, maybe even more, and not once have I seen a Tiger derivative. The show has show the F-15, F-16, & I think the F/A-18. And of course the fictional F-302.

Well. The YF-17 lives on as the F/A-18. Perhaps this is what you meant.

The YF-17 is part of the chain that connects the Tiger & Hornet. I've got a pic in a book of mine that shows the complete chain.

[Demon Lord Razgriz]

Redemption parts 1 & 2 and Sight Unseen are three I can name off the top of my head. I'm sure there are others.

You're right on Redemption part 2, it's been awhile since I watched that episode, i thought they were F-16s. But Sight Unseen had only prop planes.

[Grastens 7]

Grammar and spelling edited as part of QAT work.

[JakeHarlow]

I like this plane because of its name. Tiger sharks are cool fish!

[Traben]

Indeed they are... I think that this plane is a big let down in AC5 considering how sweet the X-29A is. Granted, the F-4G is absolutely destroyed by the F-4X.

[JakeHarlow]

The F-4X is indeed great. The Tigershark is better than the F-4G, though. Though, the Wild Weasel is the only plane in that game equipped with LAGMs...

[Green Giant]

Updated the article format.

[Phoenix378]

Image A, is broken.
Here is a new one for upload:

[Traben]

Thanks, Phoenix. That image is now Image A.