Northrop F-20 Tigershark Tactical fighter PhotosInitially known as the F-5G and officially redesignated F-20 in November 1982, the tactical fighter Tigershark was developed as a company-funded development of the basic F-5E, with a 80% increase in power engine and only 21% of dry weight increase. Powered by a single General Electric F404-GE-100 turbofan rated at 7711kg with afterburning, the F-20 had an armament of two 20 mm cannons and could carry up to 3175kg of ammunition in five seasons.
Three prototypes of the F-20, each incorporating incremental improvements, were transferred, these test flights entering the August 30, 1982, August 26, 1983 and May 12, 1984. A fourth prototype in the project configuration fully operational was under construction when, after the October 1986 decision that an upgraded F-16A was the successor of F-4 and F-106 and air combat defense USAF, Northrop completed a further development of the F -20 and stopped marketing efforts.
Three prototypes of the F-20, each incorporating incremental improvements, were transferred, these test flights entering the August 30, 1982, August 26, 1983 and May 12, 1984. A fourth prototype in the project configuration fully operational was under construction when, after the October 1986 decision that an upgraded F-16A was the successor of F-4 and F-106 and air combat defense USAF, Northrop completed a further development of the F -20 and stopped marketing efforts.
