Intro
Discover the Northrop F-20 Tigershark, a fifth-generation fighter jet that flew under the radar. Learn about its advanced features, stealth capabilities, and the reasons behind its cancellation. Explore the F-20s cutting-edge technology, including its single-engine design and advanced avionics, and why it remains a fascinating footnote in military aviation history.
The world of military aviation has witnessed numerous innovative designs, but few have captured the imagination quite like the Northrop F-20 Tigershark. This fifth-generation fighter jet, although forgotten by many, holds a unique place in the annals of aerospace history. As we delve into the story of the F-20, we'll explore its development, features, and the reasons behind its eventual demise.
Conception and Design
In the early 1980s, Northrop Corporation, a renowned defense contractor, initiated a private venture to develop a next-generation fighter jet. The F-20 Tigershark was designed to be an agile, multi-role aircraft capable of executing air-to-air, air-to-ground, and reconnaissance missions. The project aimed to create a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon, which was then the dominant fighter jet in the US military.
The F-20's design incorporated cutting-edge technology, including advanced materials, fly-by-wire flight controls, and a sophisticated avionics suite. The aircraft featured a sleek, aerodynamic profile, with a length of 47 feet 4 inches (14.4 meters) and a wingspan of 26 feet 8 inches (8.1 meters). Its empty weight was approximately 13,700 pounds (6,214 kilograms), with a maximum takeoff weight of 24,500 pounds (11,136 kilograms).
Engine and Performance
The F-20 was powered by a single General Electric F404-GE-100 turbofan engine, which produced 17,000 pounds (76 kilonewtons) of thrust. This engine enabled the aircraft to achieve impressive performance characteristics, including:
- Maximum speed: Mach 2+ (over 1,450 mph or 2,334 km/h)
- Service ceiling: 55,000 feet (16,764 meters)
- Range: 300 nautical miles (556 kilometers)
- Rate of climb: 20,000 feet (6,100 meters) per minute
Armament and Avionics
The F-20 was designed to be a versatile combat platform, with a range of armament options:
- Guns: 1 × 20mm M61 Vulcan cannon
- Hardpoints: 11 × for various missiles, rockets, and bombs
The aircraft's avionics suite included:
- AN/APG-67 pulse-doppler radar
- AN/AAQ-28 forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensor
- AN/AAS-35 tactical targeting system
- MIL-STD-1553B data bus
Cockpit and Safety Features
The F-20's cockpit was designed with ergonomics and pilot comfort in mind, featuring:
- Advanced head-up display (HUD)
- Digital flight control system
- Triple-redundant fly-by-wire flight controls
- Zero-zero ejection seat
The aircraft also incorporated advanced safety features, including:
- Triple-redundant systems for critical flight controls
- Advanced fire suppression system
- Enhanced survivability through the use of composite materials
Testing and Evaluation
The F-20 made its maiden flight on August 30, 1984, with Northrop's chief test pilot, Russ Walker, at the controls. The flight test program involved a total of three F-20s, with the final flight occurring on April 20, 1986.
During its testing phase, the F-20 demonstrated exceptional performance and handling characteristics. However, the aircraft's development was ultimately hindered by the lack of a clear operational requirement and the emergence of new, more advanced fighter jet designs.
Why the F-20 Failed to Gain Traction
Several factors contributed to the F-20's failure to gain traction:
- Lack of clear operational requirement: The US military did not have a clear need for a new, advanced fighter jet, which limited the F-20's potential market.
- Emergence of new technologies: Advances in materials, avionics, and engine technology led to the development of more advanced fighter jets, such as the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor and the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet.
- Competition from established manufacturers: The F-20 faced intense competition from established manufacturers, such as General Dynamics and McDonnell Douglas, which had already secured contracts for their respective fighter jets.
Legacy and Preservation
Although the F-20 never entered production, its legacy lives on as a pioneering example of fifth-generation fighter jet design. The aircraft's innovative features, such as its advanced materials and fly-by-wire flight controls, paved the way for future fighter jet designs.
Today, one of the F-20 prototypes is on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, serving as a testament to the aircraft's innovative design and the ingenuity of its creators.
Gallery of F-20 Tigershark
F-20 Tigershark Image Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary purpose of the F-20 Tigershark?
+The primary purpose of the F-20 Tigershark was to serve as a multi-role fighter jet, capable of executing air-to-air, air-to-ground, and reconnaissance missions.
Why did the F-20 never enter production?
+The F-20 never entered production due to a combination of factors, including the lack of a clear operational requirement, the emergence of new technologies, and intense competition from established manufacturers.
Where is the F-20 Tigershark on display?
+One of the F-20 prototypes is on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio.
As we conclude our journey through the story of the Northrop F-20 Tigershark, we hope you've gained a deeper appreciation for this innovative and fascinating aircraft. Although it never achieved production status, the F-20's legacy lives on as a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of its designers and the advancement of fifth-generation fighter jet technology.