We see the first pictures of the first built up 32nd scale F-5E/F from Kittyhawk

We have the first shots of the new test shots built up Kittyhawk F-5E in 32nd scale injection moulded plastic. Now we know Kittyhawk has a large scale Tiger II for us on the way it is great to see it in the flesh with many of the kit's features on show in today's preview...

 F-5E/F - The first in a family of 32nd scale from Kittyhawk

F-5E "Tiger II" Fighter

1/32nd scale

Plastic injection moulded kit with Photo-Etch Included
ETA: April/ May 2018

For more information check out the KittyHawk Models Site

Kittyhawk is promising not just one, but several F-5E's in 32nd scale, in fact, a whole "family" would mean not only this single seater but a twin seater and maybe a T-28 Talon also? What about an F-20 Tigershark and most of all the "Mig 28" from Top gun? 😁

Apart from the scale in 32nd, the first boxing including USAF subjects in Vietnam era, and the inclusiion of photo etched parts we do not know too much morre about this new kit from Kittyhawk, we do have some history and some cool pictures to share with you to get your creative juices flowing though..

One of the most enduring military aircraft designs ever introduced, Northrop Grumman Corporation's F-5 tactical fighter series has served its customers over more than four decades. The F-5's initial flight was July 31, 1963, at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.

The F-5 is an agile, highly maneuverable, reliable supersonic fighter, combining advanced aerodynamic design, engine performance and low operating costs. More than 2,600 were built by Northrop Grumman and under co-production and licensing agreements with Canada, the Republic of China, the Republic of Korea, Spain and Switzerland.

From the F-5's first delivery in 1964 to its final one in 1989, every aircraft was delivered on schedule, at or below the contract price, and with performance as promised. Approximately two-thirds of the original production F-5's remain operational in 26 countries, including the United States. The U.S. Navy operates the F-5 in its adversary squadrons to simulate enemy aircraft in aerial combat training exercises. The U.S. Air Force used the F-5 in a similar training role.

As the original manufacturer, Northrop Grumman has the expertise in F-5 weapons systems integration and logistics to support the fleet for its projected life. The company can maintain and enhance the structural integrity of the aeroplane to ensure satisfactory, cost-effective structural integrity for the newly extended service life and at the more severe operational spectrums anticipated by countries operating the F-5.

F-5 TigerSince two-thirds of F-5 user countries also operate F-16s, F/A-18s, F-15s or Mirage aircraft, the F-5's role has shifted from a prime fighter to a lead-in trainer. Many of the international F-5 operators are considering (and some have committed to) basic structural life extension programs and avionics/subsystems upgrade packages to obtain an effective lead-in trainer with a modest investment.

Because this new projected role will extend the life of the F-5, Northrop Grumman has focused on a total system support plan approach that will ensure current F-5 users can obtain the necessary structure spare parts and systems upgrades.


The U.S. Air Force selected Northrop Grumman in 1995 as the manufacturer for 14 major structural elements and related replacement parts for international RF-5 (reconnaissance) and F-5 aircraft. Based on foreign military sales, the structural upgrade program contract covers all F-5 models and includes a new wing (with optional provisions for Maverick missiles), upper and lower cockpit longerons, horizontal stabilizers, specific fuselage bulkheads, dorsal longerons and engine inlet duct skins.

Since 1999, Northrop Grumman has been under contract to the U.S. Navy to perform depot level maintenance for the Navy's fleet of F-5E/F aircraft. This phased depot maintenance is performed at the company's facility in St. Augustine, Fla.. The goal of the maintenance program is to provide structurally sound F-5 aircraft that will operate safely in the severe spectrum associated with the adversary role of the F-5 fleet. This activity, along with the Navy's structural upgrade program, is being extended to include the additional F-5E aircraft that will permit the Navy to maintain its F-5 adversary capability in the future.

A Norwegian tiger?

Based on the new role of the F-5 as a lead-in trainer aircraft, there is a need for additional two-place training aircraft. Northrop Grumman is offering a conversion kit that will modify a single cockpit F-5E aircraft to a dual cockpit F-5F aircraft. This conversion will replace the F-5E forward fuselage with a newly manufactured F-5F forward fuselage at the basic manufacturing attachment assembly point.

A plethora of Vietnam era Tigers look to be on the cards

What about an F-20 Tigershark in 32nd?

In addition to the basic structural upgrade and F-5F conversion programs, Northrop Grumman has provided subsystems upgrade retrofit kits that include an INS/GPS navigation system, an antiskid brake system, and an onboard oxygen-generating system that reduces operating cost compared to the current liquid oxygen system.

An Iranian Saeqeh?

Not Quite the "mig 28" but a soviet operated F-5 bought from the Vietnamese...

Northrop Grumman continues to support F-5 user air forces with cost-effective support solutions through the U.S. Air Force (under foreign military sales agreements) and through direct contracts with the user air forces. Key to this technical assistance capability is the F-5 engineering and manufacturing team that has supported the F-5 fleet for more than 40 years.


The Test Shot Build...
We are already seeing the first built up F-5E Tiger ties shot built up from Kittyhawk. Wider pictures like this show some of the shapes of the first test shot build of the kit

Posable control surfaces on show here

Closer in we see more of the details of the kit, the photo-etch embellishments and the two pilots, one standing and one seated included in the kit

Also the details of the cockpit and instrument panel

The open nose to show the guns is easy t osee here

Keep the dial tuned here and we will let you know more as soon as we do until then check out the Kittyhawk website for any other info on their other kits...