Always nice to see another book from Historie & Collections. Even nicer when it is in English. This book covers the long history of the F-5 from its inception in 1954 up until today. Yes, there are still a considerable number of these aircraft flying in military service through the world. Most of them have been updated to more modern standards in terms of avionics, but they are still viable fighter aircraft for those nations wanting something that is neither expensive to buy or operate.

Edition #18 starts off with the development of the F-5, which was a privately funded project. The USAF saw this aircraft as the perfect plane to provide for the Military Assistance Program to those countries who were looking for a cost effective light fighter. To be sure that the plane would be sold, the USAF placed an order for the aircraft and used them in combat in Vietnam under the 'Skoshi Tiger' program. Unfortunately for the superb F-5G/F-20, the USAF did not buy any and so this excellent fighter never made it past the prototype stage.

The book covers each and every operator of the aircraft starting with Austria and finishing up with Yemen. In each section are superb color profiles of the aircraft that were flown as well as the various camouflage and markings schemes worn. These sections also include a photograph of these planes where they are available with most of them in full color.

You may come to the conclusions that this is as much a color and markings book as it is a history of the aircraft and in that you would be correct. It makes for an outstanding reference book and one that is a very enjoyable read as well. If you have an interest in this aircraft, you will find no better collection of images than this one. It is a book I enjoyed and I know you will as well.

July 2013

Review book courtesy of  Casemate Publishing, where you can order your copy of this and many other superb books.

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