USAF Heritage Flight welcomes new type!

The USAF Air Force Heritage Flight Foundation had officially welcomed a new type to the programme’s aircraft roster…

It was announced on March 7 that the USAF Air Force Heritage Flight Foundation (AFHFF) had officially welcomed the Northrop F-5 Tiger II to the programme’s aircraft roster in its continued aim to honour the past, present and future of American air power.

Northrop F-5 Tiger IIs N64FK (left) and N65FK piloted by Tommy Williams and Dan Friedkin formate on Jim Beasley in his North American P-51D Mustang 44-73029 (N51JB)
Northrop F-5 Tiger IIs N64FK (left) and N65FK piloted by Tommy Williams and Dan Friedkin formate on Jim Beasley in his North American P-51D Mustang 44-73029 (N51JB) USAF-A1C Paige Weldon

Entering USAF service in 1964, the Tiger was blooded in combat during the Vietnam War under the ‘Skoshi Tiger’ programme. Going on to become an integral part of the USAF’s elite aggressor programme, the F-5 was instrumental in training some of the most successful and decorated pilots in the modern era before being withdrawn from USAF service in 1990. Two former USAF-operated Tiger IIs (N64FK sporting 64th Aggressor Squadron colours and N65FK bedecked in those of the 57th Fighter Weapons Wing, ex-76-1529 and 76-1539, respectively) owned by AFHFF boss Dan Friedkin, were noted during the flight’s recent Training, Certification Course and Conference at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona on March 2-5.

The F-5s break away from P-51D
The F-5s break away from P-51D USAF-A1C Paige Weldon

 

Operated by Friedkin’s Commanche Fighters, both jets were previously in service with the Swiss Air Force. The AFHFF noted: “Its unique history both as a combat fighter and trainer makes it a first-of-its-kind addition to the Air Force Heritage Flight Foundation with an even more important story to share. It will also be a great opportunity for fans to learn more about the F-5's unique history and witness the USAF Demo Teams flying alongside one of the most influential aircraft of the jet era.” 

Legacy: USAF F-35 Lightning II Deomnstartion Team pilot Maj Kristin ‘Beo’ Wolfe leads Tommy Williams and Dan Friedkin in the F-5s, with Capt Samuel ‘RaZZ’ Larson of the F-22A Raptor Demonstration Team tucked in behind over Davis-Monthan Air Force Base on March 5, 2023
Legacy: USAF F-35 Lightning II Deomnstartion Team pilot Maj Kristin ‘Beo’ Wolfe leads Tommy Williams and Dan Friedkin in the F-5s, with Capt Samuel ‘RaZZ’ Larson of the F-22A Raptor Demonstration Team tucked in behind over Davis-Monthan Air Force Base on March 5, 2023 USAF-A1C Paige Weldon
The AFHFF aim
The AFHFF aim USAF-A1C Paige Weldon