The prototype N-156F, re-designated YF-5A in 1962. Seen prior to being exhibited in the Museum of Flight Great Gallery which opened in 1987.

Prototype F-5A on display in the Great Gallery at the Museum of Flight. Northrop's Chief Experimental Test Pilot Lewis A. Nelson took it supersonic on its first flight at Edwards AFB on 30 July 1959. The T-38 was a successful USAF supersonic trainer, but it took seven years to get a production order for the F-5A that ultimately became a successful lightweight, low cost fighter-bomber with its high thrust-to-weight ratio J85-GE-13 engines.

This YF-5A is in reality 59-4989, one of three Freedom Fighter prototypes produced by Northrop. It is painted as a 'Shoski Tiger' of the 4503rd TFS (later redesignated the 10th Fighter (Commando) Squadron), which combat tested the F-5 in Vietnam between 1965 to 67. This plane was delivered to the National Museum of the USAF in 1970 for preservation.

With an impressive backdrop, here is the third prototype of Northrop's N-156F design for a simple and affordable Military Assistance Program export fighter, first flying on 31.7.63. A total of 799 were built, followed by 1166 of the more capable F-5E Tiger II. Now displayed in phoney camouflage as 64-13332 to represent a 'Shoksi Tiger' of the 4503rd TFS, which combat tested the type in Vietnam in the mid-60s

Prototype F-5 (N-156F). When first displayed at the Museum of Flight had a USAF serial but otherwise in Northrop markings.