LARGE, high quality, 4.25 inches tall and 3.75 inches wide,Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter and T-38 Talon Northropcompanypatch and AIM-9 Sidewinder IR (infrared) air-to-air missile patch.
TheNorthrop F-5A and F-5B Freedom Fighterand theF-5E and F-5F Tiger IIare part of asupersonic,light weight fighterfamily, initially designed in the late 1950's byNorthrop Corporation. Being smaller and simpler than contemporary fighters such as theMcDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, the F-5 cost less to procure and operate, making it a popular export aircraft. The design team wrapped a small, highly aerodynamic fighter around two compact and high-thrustGeneral Electric J85engines, focusing on performance and low cost of maintenance. Though primarily designed for the day air superiority role, the aircraft is also a capable ground-attack platform. The F-5A entered service in the early 1960s. During theCold War, over 800 were produced for U.S. allies. (Wikipedia)
TheNorthrop T-38 Talonis a two-seat,twin-jetsupersonicjet trainer. It was the world's first and most widely produced supersonic trainer. TheUnited States Air Force(USAF) operates the most T-38's. In addition to training USAF pilots, the T-38 is used byNASA. TheU.S. Naval Test Pilot Schoolis the principal US Navy operator (other T-38s were previously used as USNaggressoraircraft until replaced by the similarNorthrop F-5 Tiger II). Pilots of otherNATOnations fly the T-38 in joint training programs with USAF pilots. As of 2018, the T-38 remains in service with several Air Forces and has been in service for over 50 years with the United States Air Force. (Wikipedia)
The AIM-9 Sidewinder is short range air-to-air missile first used by the US Navy in 1956 and subsequently was adopted by theUS Air Forcein 1964. Since then the Sidewinder has proved to be an enduring international success, and its latest variants are still standard equipment in most western-aligned air forces.TheSovietK-13, areverse-engineeredcopy of the AIM-9, was also widely adopted by a number of nations.
Low-level development started in the late 1940s, emerging in the early 1950s as a guidance system for the modularZuni rocket.[5][6]This modularity allowed for the introduction of newer seekers and rocket motors, including the AIM-9C variant, which usedsemi-active radar homingand served as the basis of theAGM-122 Sidearmanti-radar missile. Originally a tail-chasing system, early models saw extensive use during theVietnam Warbut had a low success rate. This led to all-aspect capabilities in the L version which proved to be an extremely effective weapon during combat in theFalklands Warand theOperation Mole Cricket 19("Bekaa Valley Turkey Shoot") in Lebanon. Its adaptability has kept it in service over newer designs like theAIM-95 AgileandSRAAMthat were intended to replace it.
The Sidewinder is the most widely used air-to-air missile in the West, with more than 110,000 missiles produced for the U.S. and 27 other nations, of which perhaps one percent have been used in combat. It has been built under license by some other nations includingSweden, and can even equip helicopters, such as theBell AH-1Z Viper. The AIM-9 is one of the oldest, least expensive, and most successful air-to-air missiles, with an estimated 270 aircraft kills in its history of use.When firing a Sidewinder,NATOpilots use the brevity codeFOX-2.
The United States Navy hosted a 50th-anniversary celebration for the Sidewinder in 2002.Boeingwon a contract in March 2010 to support Sidewinder operations through to 2055, guaranteeing that the weapons system will remain in operation until at least that date. Air Force Spokeswoman Stephanie Powell noted that due to its relatively low cost, versatility, and reliability it is "very possible that the Sidewinder will remain in Air Force inventories through the late 21st century". (Widipedia)
RECENT response:
- "Item as described. Great seller! Thanks!!"
- "Item arrived, exactly as advertised, well-packaged and prompt too - - - thanks!"
- "Excellent"
- "Excellent quality at good price."
- "Nice and smooth transaction. . .great seller!!"
- "A+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++"
- "Great Seller!!!!!"
100% satisfaction guaranteed or your money back.
