View source for Canadair CF-5

{{Short description|Fighter bomber aircraft by Canadair}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Use Canadian English|date=November 2021}}
{{Infobox aircraft
 |name= CF-5/CF-116/NF-5 Freedom Fighter
 |image= File:Northrop (Canadair) CF-116A (CL-219), Canada - Air Force AN1952661.jpg
 |caption= Canadian Forces CF-5A Freedom Fighter on display at [[Trenton, Ontario]]
 |type=[[Fighter-bomber]]
 |manufacturer=[[Canadair]]
 |designer=
 |first_flight=6 May 1968
 |introduction=5 November 1968{{citation needed|date=April 2014}}
 |retired= 
 |number_built=240
 |status=Retired from Canadian service in 1995, still in service with some countries
 |primary_user= [[Canadian Forces]] (former)
 |more_users= [[Royal Netherlands Air Force]]<br>[[Venezuelan Air Force]]<br>[[Turkish Air Force]]<!--limited to three "more users" total; please separate with <br/>-->
 |developed_from=[[Northrop F-5]] 
 |variants=
}}

The '''Canadair CF-5''' (officially designated the '''CF-116 Freedom Fighter''') is a Canadian licensed-built [[Northrop F-5]] Freedom Fighter. It is a light, [[supersonic aircraft|supersonic]], twin engine, daylight air superiority fighter primarily for the [[Canadian Forces]] (as the CF-5) and the [[Royal Netherlands Air Force]] (as the NF-5). The CF-5 was upgraded periodically throughout its service life in Canada. While Canadian Forces retired the aircraft in 1995, it continues to be used by other countries.

The CF-5 was ordered by the [[Royal Canadian Air Force]], which became part of the Canadian Forces on 1 February 1968. The new unified force took delivery of the first CF-5s (it was almost universally referred to as the CF-5 except in official documentation<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/v2/equip/archives-eng.asp|title = Historical Aircraft|access-date = 28 May 2016|author = Canadian Armed Forces|author-link = Canadian Armed Forces|date = 5 March 2010 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101205092609/http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/v2/equip/archives-eng.asp |archive-date = 5 December 2010}}</ref>) at the end of 1968. Production by [[Canadair]] for the Canadian Forces was 89 single-seat aircraft, 46 dual-seat aircraft and 75 single-seat with 30 dual-seat aircraft for the Royal Netherlands Air Force, a total production of 240. Twenty surplus Canadian aircraft were sold to Venezuela.<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|url=http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/f5_23.html|title=CF-5 with Venezuela|website=www.joebaugher.com}}</ref><ref name="RCAF">{{cite web|url = http://canadianwings.com/Aircraft/aircraftDetail.php?CF-5-1|title = Canadair CF-116 CF-5|access-date = 28 May 2016|author = Aeroware|work = canadianwings.com|year = 2012 |url-status = usurped|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140413175410/http://www.canadianwings.com/Aircraft/aircraftDetail.php?CF-5-1 |archive-date = 13 April 2014}}</ref><ref name="CF">{{cite web|url = http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/v2/equip/hst/freefight-eng.asp|title = Canadair CF-5 Freedom Fighter|access-date = 28 May 2016|author = Canadian Armed Forces|author-link = Canadian Armed Forces|date = 6 April 2004 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101205194940/http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/v2/equip/hst/freefight-eng.asp |archive-date = 5 December 2010}}</ref>

==Design and development==
[[File:Canadair CF 116 CF-5A Freedom Fighter.JPG|thumb|CF-5A at the [[Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum]]]]
Originally designed by [[Northrop Corporation|Northrop]] as a low-cost, low-maintenance fighter jet, the F-5 was intended for use by air forces that had limited resources and technical expertise. In 1964, the [[Royal Canadian Air Force]], searching for a replacement for both the conventional attack fighter [[CF-104]] and the nuclear strike interceptor [[CF-101]], proposed entering into a joint production agreement with the [[United Kingdom]] to build over 100 [[F-4 Phantom II]] (which the [[Royal Navy]] was eager to acquire) but this was rejected as too costly.<ref>Major Ray Stouffer,''COLD WAR AIR POWER CHOICES FOR THE RCAF: PAUL HELLYER AND THE SELECTION OF THE CF-5 FREEDOM FIGHTER'', Canadian Military Journal, Autumn 2006, p.66</ref> In February 1965, Chief of Operational Readiness and a future [[Chief of the Defence Staff (Canada)|CDS]], Lieutenant-General [[Jean Victor Allard]], evaluated four possible replacements: [[Northrop F-5]], [[Grumman A-6 Intruder]], [[Douglas A-4 Skyhawk]] and [[LTV A-7 Corsair II]].<ref>Major Ray Stouffer,''COLD WAR AIR POWER CHOICES FOR THE RCAF: PAUL HELLYER AND THE SELECTION OF THE CF-5 FREEDOM FIGHTER'', Canadian Military Journal, Autumn 2006, p.68</ref>  While the [[Royal Canadian Navy]] wanted the A-4 Skyhawk, as a replacement for its carrier based [[McDonnell F2H Banshee]], the only aircraft deemed "not suitable" was the F-5, and the A-7 Corsair was recommended.<ref name="auto1">Ibid.</ref> Nonetheless, Defense Minister [[Paul Hellyer]] "questioned the RCAF’s preoccupation with fighters generally, and he rejected the need for and the utility of the nuclear strike role specifically" and changed the requirements, thus "guaranteeing that the CF-5 be selected as the new tactical fighter, and that the RCAF was to adopt an affordable aircraft capable of performing a conventional attack role," even though he later wrote in his biography that the F-5 was “little more than a trainer with guns hung on it.”<ref name="auto1"/><ref>Paul Hellyer, Damn the Torpedoes: My Fight To Unify Canada’s Armed Forces, (Toronto:McClelland & Stewart, 1990), p. 131.</ref> In Canada, which had a mature aerospace industry, selection of the less sophisticated F-5 was a disappointment and "clearly unpopular" among those in the RCAF.<ref>Major Ray Stouffer,''COLD WAR AIR POWER CHOICES FOR THE RCAF: PAUL HELLYER AND THE SELECTION OF THE CF-5 FREEDOM FIGHTER'', Canadian Military Journal, Autumn 2006, p.63</ref> Selected to provide a tactical support role, based in Canada but to relocate to Europe, CF-5 squadrons were also committed to NATO's northern flank to act as a rapid-deployment force. However, the role for the CF-5 throughout its service with the RCAF was changed frequently and eventually the diminutive fighter would serve as an [[Attack aircraft|attack strike fighter]], [[Reconnaissance aircraft|reconnaissance platform]] and [[Jet trainer|trainer]].<ref name="RCAF" />

Compared to the Northrop F-5, the Canadian CF-5 had several modifications to make it more suitable for operating in Canadian Forces theaters of operations. In order to address complaints about long takeoff runs, the single-seat Canadair version featured a two-position nose landing gear; compressed it operated like the original, but extended (before takeoff) it raised the nose and thereby increased the [[angle of attack]] and increased lift. The system reduced takeoff distance by almost 20%. A midair refueling probe was installed, [[Orenda Engines|Orenda]]-built [[General Electric J85]]-15 engines with 4,300&nbsp;lbf (19&nbsp;kN) thrust were used, and a more sophisticated navigation system was added. The nose of the CF-5 was also interchangeable with a specially designed [[reconnaissance]] set with four cameras in it. Over the course of its life, it received many upgrades to its avionics and capabilities.

An order for 105 aircraft for the Royal Netherlands Air Force was signed in early 1967, 75 single-seaters to replace the [[Republic F-84 Thunderjet|Republic F-84]] and 30 twin-seaters to replace the [[Lockheed T-33]]. The plan to use some single-seaters for photo-reconnaissance to replace the [[Lockheed F-104 Starfighter|Lockheed F-104G Starfighter]]s never materialized. Production of the F-5 in Europe was originally planned by Fokker and SABCA, for the Dutch and Belgian Air Forces, but hesitancy by Belgium led to the Netherlands government ordering under a production sharing agreement with Canada.<ref name="flight2">{{cite journal |journal=Flight International |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1967/1967%20-%200229.html |title=Canadian F-5s for RNAF |number=3022 |volume=91  |date=9 February 1967|page=223}}</ref> As part of the production sharing agreement between the Canadian and Dutch governments the centre fuselages for all but the first 31 aircraft were built by [[Fokker]] in the Netherlands.<ref name="flight1">{{cite journal |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1968/1968%20-%202557.html |journal=Flight International |title=Canadair's CF-5 Production|date=7 November 1968|page=759 |number=3113 |volume=94}}</ref>

The first CF-5 was officially rolled out in a ceremony at the Cartierville factory on 6 February 1968.<ref name="rollout">{{cite journal |journal=Flight International |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1968/1968%20-%200288.html |number= 3076 |volume= 93 |title=Defence|date=22 February 1968|page=280 }}</ref> The first NF-5 was rolled out on 5 March 1969.<ref name="rollout2">{{cite journal|url= https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1969/1969%20-%200523.html |journal=Flight International |number=3133 |volume=95 |title=Photo caption|date=20 March 1969|page=459 |publisher=Iliffe}}</ref>

==Operational history==

===Canada===
[[File:CF5Crest.jpg|thumb|right|CF-5 badge worn by [[Canadian Forces]] aircrew and ground crew in the mid-1970s]]
Initially [[No. 433 Squadron RCAF|433 Squadron]] and [[No. 434 Squadron RCAF|434 Squadron]] were the only two squadrons to operate the CF-5. It was intended that three squadrons would fly the aircraft, but due to budgetary restrictions, the excess aircraft were put into storage in [[CFB North Bay]] and [[CFB Trenton]], some later being sold to other countries. 434 Squadron was assigned to do lead-in tactical fighter training for the [[Canadair CF-104 Starfighter]], but was transitioned to the role of a rapid reaction squadron, being ready to deploy to Europe at short notice in the event of hostilities. The squadron moved to [[CFB Bagotville]] with 433 Squadron, for a short time, and then on to [[CFB Chatham]].<ref name="RCAF" />

The training role was adopted by [[No. 419 Squadron RCAF|419 Squadron]] at [[CFB Cold Lake]]; it would continue to provide jet training, dissimilar air combat training (painted in Soviet style "aggressor" schemes), and serve as a lead-in fighter trainer for the [[McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet]] until retired in 1995. All remaining airframes were put into storage at [[CFD Mountain View]].

While originally intended to be deployed to Europe, due to budgetary limitations the CF-5 became a rapid deployment reinforcement, to be deployed to central Europe or later Norway in time of war. CF-5s did deploy to Europe for several reasons many times during the [[Cold War]]: in 1970 six CF-5As deployed to [[CFB Baden–Soellingen]] in Germany, later flying to Norway in early 1971; in 1973 eight CF-5A and CF-5R flew to Norway; in 1974 four CF-5A and CF-5Rs participated in a NATO reconnaissance exercise at Leck, Germany; two Canadair CF-5R visited Leeuwarden, Netherlands in 1974; sixteen CF-5As flew to Europe in 1977; in 1978 eight CF-5As deployed to Norway to participate to NATO's ''Arctic Express'' exercise; in 1980 eight CF-5As participated in the ''Anorak Express'' exercise in Norway; in 1985 and 1986 CF-5As deployed to NATO exercises (''Brave Lion'') in Norway, and finally, the last deployment to Europe was in 1987 when four CF-5As arrived at [[CFB Baden–Soellingen]]; in June, 1988 the CF-5A was replaced in the rapid deployment force by the [[McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet]].<ref name="McIntyre">Canadair CF-5 Canadian Profile, (Aircraft No 4) by Bob McIntyre, SMS Publishing, Ottawa, 1985 ({{ISBN|0-920375-02-2}}) pp.34-43, 47</ref> Additionally, CF-5R photo reconnaissance aircraft participated in ''Best Focus'' exercises in Europe during 1978, 1980 and 1985, with a Canadian pilot winning the NATO "Photo Derby" in 1985.<ref name="McIntyre"/>

===Netherlands===
The [[Royal Netherlands Air Force]] took delivery of its first aircraft (an NF-5B two-seater) in October 1969, with the first squadron to be formed being 313 Squadron at [[Enschede Airport Twente|Twente]]. The initial role of 313 Squadron was a conversion unit to train pilots on the new type. The NF-5 would serve with four operation squadrons, 313 and 315 Squadron at Twenthe, 316 Squadron at Gilze-Rijen and 314 Squadron at [[Eindhoven Airport|Eindhoven]]. The last NF-5 was delivered in March 1972.

From 1986 the squadrons began to convert to the licence-built [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|General Dynamics F-16]] and the last NF-5 was stood down in March 1991.

Most surplus aircraft were sold to [[Turkish Air Force|Turkey]] (most to [[Turkish Stars]]) and Venezuela (mix CF-5A and CF-5D - 18 in 1972, 2 new CF-5D in 1974 and 7 ex-RNAF NF-5A/B in 1990; all served with Grupo de Caza 12) or retained for spares support.<ref name="auto2"/> A dozen aircraft were donated to [[Hellenic Air Force|Greece]].

===Venezuela===
[[File:Venezuelan Air Force Northrop (Canadair) VF-5A (CL-226) Schleiffert-1.jpg|thumb|Venezuela Air Force Northrop (Canadair) VF-5A (CL-226)]]

After a reorganization of the [[Venezuelan Air Force]] in the late 1960s, the government realized that it was time to replace its obsolete [[de Havilland Vampire]]s and [[de Havilland Venom|Venoms]] active at that time, as well as the last surviving [[North American F-86 Sabre|F-86 Sabre]]s in active duty. In 1971, 54 Canadian-built CF-5As were put in storage, after the RCAF could not take them due to budget cuts. From this batch, Venezuela acquired 16 CF-5As and two CF-5Ds. In 1972, after all the aircraft were delivered, the F-86s, Venoms, and Vampires were finally scrapped.

The F-5 became the first military plane in Venezuela capable of flying at supersonic speeds. After a legal dispute between Canadair and Northrop, two more CF-5Ds were built and delivered to Venezuela in 1974. Their first base of operations was the General Rafael Urdaneta Air Base in [[Maracaibo]]. After 1974, the fleet was relocated to Teniente Vicente Landaeta Gil Air Base in [[Barquisimeto]].

In 1979, after several upgrades to the fleet's communication, navigation and approximation equipment, the aircraft were renamed VF-5s, designating the CF-5As as VF-5As and the CF-5Ds as VF-5Ds. Venezuelan F-5s could also carry weaponry such as the AIM-9 Sidewinder missile, Mk.82 and M117 bombs, and 70mm rocket launchers.

In 1991, after tensions between Colombia and Venezuela almost led to a conflict, the air force started yet another modernization program for the F-5s, called "Proyecto Grifo" (Project Gryphon).  Some aircraft (VF-5D number 5681 and VF-5A number 9124) were sent to Singapore for testing, then brought back for upgrade of the remaining airframes. That same year, a small fleet of four NF-5Bs and a single NF-5A, was acquired from the Netherlands to replace aircraft lost in previous years.

In 1992, [[1992 Venezuelan coup d'état attempts|during the coup d'état attempt against president Carlos Andres Perez]], 3 F-5s were lost to a rebel-operated [[OV-10 Bronco]] bombing Barquisimeto Air Base. The failed coup delayed the modernization program for a year, finally coming together in 1993. The fleet was equipped with inertial laser navigation systems (similar to those in Venezuelan F-16s), IFFs, HUDs, refueling probes and modernized engines with an estimated lifespan of 22 years.

In 2002, small upgrades were made to the remaining F-5s. The fleet was kept operational until 2010, when a batch of [[Hongdu JL-8]]s was delivered as their replacement. By late 2010, it was known that at least one VF-5D was in flight-worthy condition; it is unknown if more aircraft are in operational condition.

Between 1972 and 2002, a total of 9 Venezuelan F-5s were lost.<ref name="fav-club.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.fav-club.com/2015/12/19/el-caza-bombardero-ligero-vf-5-en-la-fuerza-aerea-venezolana/|title=El caza bombardero ligero VF-5 en la Fuerza Aérea Venezolana – FAV-Club|date=19 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517101512/http://www.fav-club.com/2015/12/19/el-caza-bombardero-ligero-vf-5-en-la-fuerza-aerea-venezolana/|archive-date=17 May 2017|url-status=usurped|access-date=25 March 2017}}</ref><ref name="auto"> {{Cite web |date=2020-01-31 |title=An insight into Venezuela's modern air force |url=https://www.key.aero/article/insight-venezuelas-modern-air-force |access-date=2025-03-09 |website=www.key.aero |language=en}} </ref>

==Variants==
* '''CF-5A''' : Single-seat fighter version for the [[Canadian Forces]], designation '''CF-116A'''. 89 built. 13 sold to Botswana and 16 sold to Venezuela.
* '''CF-5A(R)''' : Single-seat reconnaissance version for the [[Canadian Forces]]. 50 interchangeable camera noses built to swap the CF-5A's twin 20mm cannon nose with a quad 70mm [[Vinten]] camera nose. Canadian Forces provisional designation '''CF-116A(R)'''.<ref name="RCAF"/>
* '''CF-5D''' : Two-seat training version for the Canadian Forces, '''CF-116D'''. 46 built. 5 sold to Botswana and 4 sold to Venezuela.
* '''NF-5A''' : Single-seat fighter version for the [[Royal Netherlands Air Force]]. 75 built. 1 sold to Venezuela and 10 donated to Greece.
* '''NF-5B''' : Two-seat training version for the Royal Netherlands Air Force. 30 built. 6 sold to Venezuela and 2 donated to Greece.
* '''VF-5A''' : Single-seat fighter version sold to [[Venezuelan Air Force]].
* '''VF-5D''' : Two-seat training version sold to Venezuelan Air Force.

==Operators==
[[File:Botswana DF CF-5D OJ 25 (6918328249).jpg|thumb|CF-5 of the Botswana Defence Force]]
[[File:Cf-116 CFB Borden.jpg|thumb|Canadian Air Force CF-116 Freedom Fighter, displayed at [[CFB Borden]]]]
[[File:Northrop F-5B Freedom Fighter, Greece - Air Force JP6722424.jpg|thumb|Greek CF-5B Freedom Fighter]]
[[File:Kecskemet 2010 Türk Yıldızları photo 36 brightened.jpg|thumb|right|NF-5A of the Turkish Air Force.]]
[[File:Venezuelan Air Force Northrop (Canadair) VF-5A (CL-226) Schleiffert-1.jpg|thumb|Venezuela Air Force Northrop (Canadair) VF-5A (CL-226)]]

;{{BWA}}
* [[Botswana Air Force]]<ref name="RCAF" />
** Total of 18 ex-Canadian fighters delivered in 1996 and 2000; (13 CF-5A and 5 CF-5D). All assigned at Z28 Squadron and stationed at [[Thebephatshwa Airport|Maparangwane Air Base]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scramble.nl/bw.htm |title=Botswana Defence Force |publisher=Scramble.nl |access-date=9 July 2012 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120123635/http://www.scramble.nl/bw.htm |archive-date=20 January 2012  }}</ref> 11 CF-5A and 4 CF-5D were still in use as of 2021.<ref>World Aircraft Directory, 2022 (FlightGlobal, part of DVV Media International Ltd, 2021) p. 14.</ref>

;{{TUR}}
* [[Turkish Air Force]]
** 19 NF-5A/B 2000 Freedom Fighters were in service as of 2021, used as trainers and flying with 133rd Aerobatic Squadron [[Turkish Stars]].<ref>World Aircraft Directory, 2022 (FlightGlobal, part of DVV Media International Ltd, 2021) p. 31.</ref>

;{{USA}}
*[[Tactical Air Support, Inc.]] 
** In 2013, the company added four Canadair CF-5D Freedom Fighters and 20 years' worth of spare F-5 parts to its fleet.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Gallop|first1=Gerry|title=Launch of F-5 Parts Sales Enterprise|url=http://www.tacticalairsupport.com/news.php?id=7439443555615765518|publisher=Tactical Air Support Inc.|access-date=22 September 2015|date=5 March 2013}}</ref>

=== Former operators ===
;{{CAN}}
* [[Canadian Forces Air Command]]
** [[No. 419 Squadron RCAF|419 Squadron]]<ref name="RCAF" />
** [[No. 433 Squadron RCAF|433 Squadron]]<ref name="RCAF" />
** [[No. 434 Squadron RCAF|434 Squadron]]<ref name="RCAF" />
*[[Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment]]<ref name="RCAF" />
** 8 CF-5D aircraft assigned to AETE from 1968 to 1996
* Sale of 28 used Canadian CF-5 offered to Greece, for $75 million, in 2001 was unsuccessful and the aircraft were used for avionics training and the spare parts were scrapped.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ottawa |first=The |url=http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=19667b18-2014-48bd-ba41-203a7b66f834&p=2 |title=Forces to scrap jet parts worth $200M |publisher=Canada.com |date=22 April 2006 |access-date=9 July 2012 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140625094201/http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=19667b18-2014-48bd-ba41-203a7b66f834&p=2 |archive-date=25 June 2014  }}</ref>

;{{GRE}}
* [[Hellenic Air Force]]
** 12 NF-5s (10 NF-5As, one NF-5B and one NF-5B for spares) were donated by the Netherlands to Greece in 1991 for use with 349 "Kronos" Squadron. They were withdrawn in 2001.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hellenic Air Force Historical Aircraft |url=https://www.haf.gr/en/history/historical-aircraft/ |website=HAF Official website |access-date=February 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304190909/https://www.haf.gr/en/history/historical-aircraft/ |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

;{{NLD}}
* [[Royal Netherlands Air Force]]<ref name="RCAF" /> 105 NF-5 (75 single and 30 dual seaters) were introduced into service between 1969 and 1972, decommissioned in 1991{{Citation needed|date=January 2014}} 
** No. 313 Squadron; Twente Air Base (transitioned to F-16 in 1987)
** No. 314 Squadron; Eindhoven Air Base (transitioned to F-16 in 1990)
** No. 315 Squadron, Operation Conversion Unit (OCU); Twente Air Base (transitioned to F-16 in 1986)
** No. 316 Squadron; Gilze-Rijen Air Base (transitioned to F-16 in 1991)
** Field Technic Training Unit NF-5 (1971–1984); Twente Air Base

;{{VEN}}
* [[Venezuelan Air Force]]<ref name="RCAF" />
** Air Group 12 (retired in 2010).<ref name="fav-club.com"/><ref name="auto"/>

==Aircraft on display==
[[File:CLAFM front.JPG|thumb|right|CF-5A on display at the [[Cold Lake Air Force Museum]]]]
[[File:Northrop_NF-5_Freedom_Fighter_(16645972293).jpg|thumb|NF-5A on display at the [[Nationaal Militair Museum]]]]
*[[Air Force Heritage Museum and Air Park]], [[Winnipeg, Manitoba]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/sites/airforceheritagemuseum.shtml|title=Historic Sites of Manitoba: Air Force Heritage Museum and Air Park (Air Force Way, Winnipeg)|first=Gordon|last=Goldsborough|website=www.mhs.mb.ca|access-date=5 October 2018}}</ref>
*[[Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://atlanticcanadaaviationmuseum.com/museum-collections/canadair-northrop-cf-5-freedom-fighter/ |title=Canadair (Northrop) CF-5 Freedom Fighter |last=Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum |publisher=Atlanticcanadaaviationmuseum.com |access-date=10 August 2013}}</ref>
*[[Canada Aviation and Space Museum]], Ottawa, [[Ontario]]<ref name="CASM">{{cite web|url = http://www.aviation.technomuses.ca/collections/artifacts/aircraft/CanadairCF-116A(CF-5A)/|title = Canadair CF-116 (CF-5A)|access-date = 14 October 2012|last = Canada Aviation and Space Museum|author-link = Canada Aviation and Space Museum|date = n.d.|archive-url = https://archive.today/20130101232440/http://www.aviation.technomuses.ca/collections/artifacts/aircraft/CanadairCF-116A(CF-5A)/|archive-date = 1 January 2013|url-status = dead}}</ref>
*[[Canadian War Museum]] [[Ottawa]], Ontario – reconnaissance version<ref>[[Canadian War Museum]], [http://www.warmuseum.ca/app/DocRepository/1/About_The_Corporation/Corporate_Reports/Annual_Reports/arpt0304e.pdf Where People and History Come To Life] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130813004815/http://www.warmuseum.ca/app/DocRepository/1/About_The_Corporation/Corporate_Reports/Annual_Reports/arpt0304e.pdf |date=13 August 2013 }}, dated 2003-4, retrieved 10 August 2013</ref>
*[[Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum]] in [[Hamilton, Ontario]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.warplane.com/vintage-aircraft-collection/aircraft-history.aspx?aircraftId=9 |title=Northrop CF-5A Freedom Fighter Vintage Fighter Aircraft |last=Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum |publisher=Warplane.com |access-date=10 August 2013}}</ref>
*[[Cold Lake Air Force Museum]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rapcon.org/?attachment_id=181 |title=Cold Lake Museum – F5|access-date=21 February 2017}}</ref>
*[[CFB Cold Lake]] - CF-5A '116736' mounted on a pole near the base entrance.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.spottingmode.com/wro/location/6278|title=Wrecks and relics online - Aircraft wreck or relic at Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada }}</ref>
*[[DRDC Toronto|Defence Research and Development Canada – Toronto (DRDC)]] (mounted on Sheppard Avenue West), [[Toronto|Toronto, Ontario]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Kenter|first=Peter|title=Steel key for CF-5 fighter jet monument at Toronto defence facility|url=http://dailycommercialnews.com/article/id48646/--steel-key-for-cf-5-fighter-jet-monument-at-toronto-defence-facility|work=Daily Commercial News|publisher=Reed Business Information|year=2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325173607/http://dailycommercialnews.com/article/id48646/--steel-key-for-cf-5-fighter-jet-monument-at-toronto-defence-facility|archive-date=25 March 2014}}</ref>
*[[Kamloops Airport]]<ref>Boyko, Steve. [https://www.flickr.com/photos/traingeek/8227020667/ "On laughter-silvered wings."] ''Flickr'', 12 November 2012.</ref>
*Memorial Military Museum in [[Campbellford, Ontario]] (s/n 116730).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aviationmuseum.eu/Blogvorm/memorial-military-museum/|title=Memorial Military Museum – AviationMuseum}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.avroland.ca/al-places-campbellford.html|title=AVROLAND - Memorial Military Museum - Campbellford|website=www.avroland.ca}}</ref>
*[[National Air Force Museum of Canada]], [[Trenton, Ontario]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://airforcemuseum.ca/en/aircraft-2 |title=Aircraft – National Air Force Museum of Canada |publisher=Airforcemuseum.ca |access-date=10 August 2013 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303221944/http://airforcemuseum.ca/en/aircraft-2 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*[[Reynolds-Alberta Museum]], [[Wetaskiwin, Alberta]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Aviation |url=https://reynoldsmuseum.ca/aviation |website=Reynolds Museum |publisher=Government of Alberta |access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref>
*[[The Military Museums]] [[Calgary, Alberta]]<ref>{{cite web|url= https://themilitarymuseums.ca/visit/events-and-exhibits/permanent-exhibits/cf-5|title= CF-5|access-date= 4 August 2020|author= The Military Museums|author-link= The Military Museums|work= themilitarymuseums.ca|year= 2020|archive-url= https://archive.today/20200803210611/https://themilitarymuseums.ca/visit/events-and-exhibits/permanent-exhibits/cf-5|archive-date= 3 August 2020|url-status= live}}</ref>
*[[Toronto/Markham Airport]] 2 located at [[Markham, Ontario]]<ref name="Markham">Henniger. [http://community.webshots.com/album/416680669fQHtTd?start=36  "Feature: Canadian Air, Land and Sea Museum."] ''.webshots.com,'' August 2005. Retrieved: 27 January 2010.</ref>

=== Europe ===
* NF-5A 'K-3003' on display at [[Gilze-Rijen Air Base]], the Netherlands<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.spottingmode.com/wro/location/15501 |title = Spottingmode.com Wrecks and Relics}}</ref>
* NF-5A 'K-3020' on display at [[Nationaal Militair Museum]], former [[Soesterberg Air Base]], the Netherlands<ref>Van Gent, C.J. De Northrop NF-5: De historie van de NF-5 bij de Koninklijke Luchtmacht.</ref>
* NF-5A 'K-3068' on display at [[Eindhoven Air Base]], the Netherlands<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.spottingmode.com/wro/location/6520 |title = Spottingmode.com Wrecks and Relics}}</ref>
* NF-5B 'K-4011' in storage at [[Nationaal Militair Museum]], former [[Soesterberg Air Base]], the Netherlands.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://collectie.nmm.nl/nl/collectie/detail/471176/ |title = Northrop NF-5B 'Freedom Fighter' jachtbommenwerper / trainer met registratienummer K-4011 (in Dutch)}}</ref>
* NF-5B 'K-4012' as instructional airframe at Deltion College [[Zwolle]], the Netherlands<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.spottingmode.com/wro/location/9500 |title = Spottingmode.com Wrecks and Relics}}</ref>

==Specifications (CF-116) ==
[[File:Northrop F-5A Freedom Fighter 3-View line art.svg|300px|right|Orthographically projected diagram of an F-5 Freedom Fighter]]
{{Aircraft specs
|prime units?=imp

|crew=one–two
|length ft=47
|length in=2
|length m=14.38 
|span ft=25
|span in=10 
|span m=7.87 
|height ft=13
|height in=2
|height m=4.01 
|wing area sqft=186 
|wing area sqm=17.28 
|empty weight lb=8,681 
|empty weight kg=3,938 
|max takeoff weight lb=20,390 
|max takeoff weight kg=9,249 
|eng1 name=[[General Electric J85|Orenda-built GE J85-15]]
|eng1 type=[[turbojet]]
|eng1 number=2
|eng1 lbf=2,925 
|eng1 lbf-ab=4,300 
|max speed mach= 1.3
|max speed kmh= 1,575
|max speed mph= 978 
|max speed note=<ref>[http://acam.ednet.ns.ca/cf5.htm "Canadair (Northrop) CF-5 Freedom Fighter."] ''ednet.ns.ca.'' Retrieved: 23 July 2011.</ref>
|range nmi=760 
|range miles=875
|range km=1,400
|ceiling ft=41,000 
|ceiling m=12,000 
|climb rate ftmin=34,400 
|guns=2× [[20 mm caliber|20 mm (0.787 in)]] [[M39 cannon|Pontiac M39A2 cannons]] in the nose, 280 rounds/gun
|hardpoint rockets=2× [[CRV7]] rocket pods<br />''or'' 2× LAU-10 rocket pods with 4× [[Zuni (rocket)|Zuni]] 127 mm rockets each<br />''or'' 2× Matra rocket pods with 18× 68 mm [[SNEB]] rockets each
|missiles=2× [[AIM-9 Sidewinder]] [[air-to-air missile]]s
|hardpoints=5
|hardpoint capacity=7,000 lb (3,200 kg)  
|hardpoint bombs=a variety of air-to-ground ordnance, such as the [[Mark 80|Mark 80 series]] of unguided [[gravity bomb|iron bomb]]s (including 3 kg and 14&nbsp;kg practice bombs), U.S. [[CBU-24]]/49/52/58 and British [[BL755]] cluster bomb munitions, M129 Leaflet bomb 
|hardpoint other= [[drop tank]]s for extended range
}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Aviation|Canada}}
{{aircontent
|related=
* [[Northrop F-5]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[Dassault Étendard]]
* [[Fiat G.91]]
* [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21]]
* [[Chengdu J-7]]
|lists=
* [[List of aircraft of Canada's air forces]]
* [[List of fighter aircraft]]
|see also=

}}

==References==

===Notes===
{{Reflist|30em}}

===Bibliography===
{{refbegin}}
* McIntyre, Bob. ''Canadair CF-5 (Canadian Profile: Aircraft No. 4)''. Ottawa, Ontario: Sabre Model Supplies Ltd., 1985. {{ISBN|0-920375-02-2}}.
* Pickler, Ron and Larry Milberry. ''Canadair: the First 50 Years''. Toronto: CANAV Books, 1995. {{ISBN|0-921022-07-7}}.
* Stachiw, Anthony L. ''Canadair CF-5 Freedom Fighter'' (Canadian Service Aircraft No.1). St. Catharine's, Ontario: Vanwell Publishing, 2003. {{ISBN|1-55125-073-X}}.
* Van Gent, C.J. ''De Northrop NF-5: De geschiedenis van de NF-5 in Nederland''. Alkmaar, Netherlands: Uitgeverij De Alk, 1992. {{ISBN|90-6013-518-0}}.
* Van Gent, C.J. ''De Northrop NF-5: De historie van de NF-5 bij de Koninklijke Luchtmacht''. Odoorn, Netherlands: Uitgeverij Lanasta, 2020. {{ISBN|978-90-8616-179-9}}.
* Van Gent C.J. ''De Starfighter: De geschiedenis van de Starfighter in Nederland''. Maarssen, Netherlands: Uitgeverij Geromy, 2012. {{ISBN|9789081893619}}.
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Canadair CF-5}}
*[http://acamuseum.ca/on-display/aircraft-collection/cf-5-cf-116-freedom-fighter/ CF-5 (CF-116) Freedom Fighter] – Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum

{{F-5 family}}
{{Northrop aircraft}}
{{Canadair aircraft}}
{{CF aircraft}}
{{Aircraft manufactured in Canada}}

[[Category:1960s Canadian fighter aircraft]]
[[Category:1960s Canadian attack aircraft]]
[[Category:Canadair aircraft|CF-005]]
[[Category:Northrop aircraft|CF-005]]
[[Category:Twinjets]]
[[Category:Low-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1968]]
[[Category:Canada–United States military relations]]
[[Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear]]