F-5E "IIAF Golden Crown" IIAF, 1970s (with decals for No1. to No.8 planes) Iran Hobby Master HA3397b Scale 1:72

F-5E "IIAF Golden Crown" IIAF, 1970s (with decals for No1. to No.8 planes) Iran Hobby Master HA3397b Scale 1:72
Highly detailed Hobby Master pre-painted diecast metal model

Scale: 1:72
Length: 7.75"
Wingspan: 4.5"
Northrop F-5E Tiger II
The Imperial Iranian Air Force was one of the world’s largest F-5 users, taking delivery of about 160 F-5Es and Fs from 1974 to 1976. The IIAF Golden Crown Aerobatics Team chose this type of aircraft, transitioning over from the F-5A around 1975 . I’ve seen the Golden Crown team perform at airshows, and I know members of the 1977 team. Designed partly to meet a US Navy requirement for a low-cost, low-maintenance fighter to operate from Escort Carriers, the F-5 first flew on July 30, 1959. Development of the F-5 continued even after the Navy withdrew its Escort Carriers, and the aircraft eventually evolved into the light, supersonic "Freedom Fighter," serving US allies during the Cold War and as a supersonic trainer in the US. The second-generation F-5 ("Tiger II") also served US allies, but because it was small and maneuverable like a MiG it was also used by the US military as a training and "aggressor" aircraft, acting as the opposing force during military wargames.