RAF Mach 2 Trainer

[Devilfish]

With the advent of faster aircraft such as TSR2 and P.1154 into service, the need for proper, early high Mach training, especially at lower levels was being appreciated by the late 70's. 
By the 80's the search had been narrowed down to a version of the F-5 that Northrop were developing.  With a single engine, and modern avionics, it would be ideal, if they made a 2 seater version.
Thankfully, to secure sales, and as part of a package, which included some single seat ground attack variants, the F-20, as it became known, entered service as the RAFs first true Mach 2 trainer.
Seen here in 4FTS colours, RAF Valley.

Kit, Freedom Models 1/48 F-20B

[Thorvic]

Ohh I like that 

[zenrat]

Mmmmmm, I concur.

[comrade harps]

Busy looking cockpit there 

[Captain Canada]

Oh yeah ! Love the F-5 family, and this just looks too right ! Great colours and markings choice. The nose of the kit looks really long though ?

[rickshaw]

Very nice!   

[NARSES2]

Now it's fairly well known that I have never been able to comprehend the fuss about either the F-5 or the F-20 (both to long in the nose to be attractive) but I can recognise a super model 

[The Rat]

Sweet! 

[Glenn Gilbertson]

That looks really shark sharp!

[KiwiZac]

Yes! Top job, that looks fantastic!

[sandiego89]

As long as "Mach 2" the model making company did not make the aircraft they should be good to go! 

Well done.  Nice job on the paint.

-Dave

[TheChronicOne]

 

I totally dig it!!  Beautiful plane. I happen to adore the F-5 line and especially the T-38 Talon trainer jet so this is right up my alley. Fantastic work; damn fine detail in that cockpit and the whole thing is gorgeous. I always thought it was a shame no one wanted the F-20.  Taking one and making it into a trainer with that single engine...   glorious.   

[su27rules]

 

[Snowtrooper]

Looks natural. Would have been a far more "fighter-like" supersonic trainer for the RAF than the underpowered Jag was. Though the wing loading might have been similar, I only now noticed how tiny the wing is, even compared to the F-5 it is derived from. F-104 pilots would have felt right at home in one

I wonder if the F-20 would have had better chances if it had not been insistently marketed as an alternative to F-16, but as an upgrade (or substitute) to F-5 instead? Though in this case, Northrop was its own worst competitor, continuing the F-5 production while trying to sell the F-20.

[chrisonord]

I really like that!!! If it were a kit I would have several. In 1/72nd of course. 
Chris