F-5A/F-5E query

[kitbasher]

Having looked at a bunch of photos and plans of F-5As and Es, am I right in concluding that the principle external difference between the two (other than lumps, bumps and aerials, and the Swiss F-5E upgrade (now USN F5-N) radome) is the shape of the LERX?  Some plans suggest the engine intakes on the E are a different shape to the A.

[PR19_Kit]

AFAIK the later variants have slightly larger intakes with larger exhausts too, plus double cranked LERX that come further forward on the nose. The fuselage is longer too, but I'm sure quite where the increase is.

[kitbasher]

Thanks Kit.  Judging from a tinterweb trawl the E's fuselage is about 4 inches longer.

[ChernayaAkula]

Here are the contents of the Belcher Bits 1/32 F-5A conversion set (LINK!) to turn HAsegawa's 1/32 F-5E into an F-5A. The fuselage aft of the cockpit is completely different.



Maybe also have a look at this conversion: LINK!



The stretch seems to be between the cockpit and the fin leading edge. The F-5A's spine seems to slope up much steeper towards the cockpit than the F-5E's.

[Captain Canada]

That's one of those things I've never really thought of.....and indeed, they are completely different ! That belcher set looks awesome...then again, all his stuff looks awesome !

[martinbayer]

In the A the fin blends into the spine, whereas in the E it is thinner and sits on top of the spine.

Martin