Part 1: First Look

MSRP: $10.95 The Northrop F-5 series of aircraft should be easily recognized by any military jet enthusiast out there. With a high number of international users and its multiple different incarnations, this plane has to be one of the most prolific modern military aircraft produced. With this new release, Dragon has chosen to supply the modeler with the latest version of the F-5E to have been produced and in use with the U.S. military as "Aggressors" used in dissimilar air combat training. The kit has the parts to build two complete aircraft, one in single and one in two-seater configurations. There are almost enough parts to build two single or two two-seaters, but I found only one of each type of canopy in the box. Air-to-air missiles (AIM-9 Sidewinders) and wingtip data acquisition pods are included to properly outfit the planes used in the "Top Gun" units. The kit also supplies weapons that were not used for aircraft in the aggressor role: LGB's. These could be attached if you choose to build a Tiger II that was used in service with one of the many nations that saw the F-5E as a multi-role weapons system. One of the problems here lies with the fact that there are no weapons pylons supplied with the kit, though the wings are already drilled to accept them. A centerline fuel tank (with pylon) is available if the build version chosen is so equipped. Wingtip launch rails are molded onto the wings for the Sidewinders. The cockpits of both the 1 and 2 seaters are very basic with no sidewall detail or instrument panels. Each type is supplied with seated pilots that are again, not very detailed. The fuselage is broken down into 4 separate pieces, the forward portion to accommodate the 1 or two seater option. The single seat version has no nose cone attached, but the kit supplies either the conical or "shark nose" options. If the kit is to be built as a DACM aircraft, there will be the requirement to fill the underwing pylon holds that are molded in. This shouldn't be too much work, but will definitely need to be addressed. The landing gear and wheels are well detailed for the scale and all one piece so just some mold line clean up will be needed. Some of the smaller parts, Sidewinder missiles, jet exhaust, etc., will need some extra care to remove them safely from the sprue attachment points. Decals are limited to a single seater from VFC-111 and the two-seater from VFC-13, both in a three tone gray camo scheme. They're printed by Cartograf and look very nice. There is a bonus sprue that holds parts for various items that can be used to make a busy display. At the bottom of the box is a printed section of airfield where your completed F-5's can be displayed. Overall the kits look like they should build into reasonable representations of the prolific F-5. The markings will allow a unique and bright addition with the Sharkmouth on the front and the "Rising Sun" on the tail brining up the rear. Thanks to Dragon and IPMS USA for the review sample.

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