The strange twin-tailed F-5 that Iran modified
Video from the channel México Aeroespacial y Defensa about Northrop F-5, linked on its Above Ten Thousand entry. Duration: 5:00. Language: Spanish. Video type: Documentary.
What it's about
Short piece about the Saeqeh, Iran's modernization of the Northrop F-5. It's recognizable by its two vertical tails, similar to those of the F/A-18.
Historical context
Iran received F-5E Tiger II aircraft from the United States between 1972 and 1976. After the 1979 Islamic Revolution it lost its supplier's support and had to maintain the fleet on its own. According to the video, when the war with Iraq began the Iranian air force had 132 F-5E and 25 F-5F, and by the end only 67 remained. The OWJ industrial complex repaired damaged aircraft and built a turbojet similar to General Electric's J85, as well as fuselage panels. It also designed the twin-tailed F-5E, named Saeqeh-80.
Key facts
Iranian television showed its first flight in July 2004. Authorities presented it as a fourth-generation aircraft comparable to the F/A-18 Hornet, with a blue-and-yellow scheme reminiscent of the Blue Angels. From 2007 Iranian aviation industries continued the program with six twin-tailed F-5E and one F-5F, in service with the 23rd Tactical Fighter Squadron. In 2015 the Saeqeh 2 was unveiled, a two-seater based on the F-5F. An estimated 12 to 16 are based in Tabriz, and in the West their real performance is barely known.