Northrop F-20 Tigershark: Right Plane, Wrong Time

By Friedrich Seiltgen

Posted in
#History

Born from the humble F-5 Freedom Fighter and rebranded with a predator’s grin, Northrop’s F-20 Tigershark promised front-line punch without front-line price. It was intended to be an export-ready hot rod that could launch in a minute, climb like a homesick angel, and undercut the F-16 on cost and complexity.

Northrop F-20 Tigershark in a demonstration flight firing an AGM-65 Maverick missile. Image: U.S. Air Force

Backed by Chuck Yeager and packed with a modern radar, HOTAS cockpit, and a snarling F404 engine good for Mach 2, it looked like the perfect “have-it-all” fighter for America’s allies. Yet geopolitics, shifting policies, and bad timing turned this thoroughbred into an orphan, its brilliance dimmed not by design flaws but by circumstance. This is the story of the Tigershark: how a private-venture contender went talon-to-talon with giants — and why one of the best jets that never was faded from the sky.

Origin Story: F-5 Freedom Fighter

The predecessor to the F-20 was the Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter.

In this image, a Northrop F-20 Tigershark is shown flying in close formation with an F-5F Tiger II chase aircraft during a demonstration flight. The F-20 leads slightly ahead, showing its sleeker nose and modified airframe compared to the two-seat F-5F behind it. Both jets appear against a clear sky with light clouds, emphasizing their speed and precision flying. The chase plane was used to collect visual data and monitor the Tigershark’s flight behavior during testing. The aircraft markings are visible, reflecting Northrop’s continued refinement of its lightweight fighter line. This scene captures the direct lineage between the F-5 and F-20 programs. The overall setting conveys professionalism and engineering precision during evaluation. — An F-20 Tigershark, in Northrop colors, takes off for a test flight with F-5F chase plane. Image: U.S. Air Force

The F-5, which was created at the behest of President Kennedy, who instructed the Department of Defense to find a contractor that could design an inexpensive fighter that could be sold to U.S. Allies through the Mutual Defense Assistance Act. Several other aircraft were also in the running, including base versions of the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter jet and the Vought F-8 Crusader.

A Northrop F-20 Tigershark is captured midair during a test flight, banking gently under clear skies. The aircraft’s sharp nose, single air intake, and slender fuselage define its clean aerodynamic design. Its gray paint scheme contrasts with the blue sky, and sunlight highlights the aircraft’s control surfaces and canopy reflections. Northrop engineers conducted these flights to measure climb rate, stability, and acceleration under various power settings. The F-20’s test program confirmed its ability to reach Mach 2 speeds and rapid response readiness. The photo reflects the precision and technical focus of the Tigershark’s development phase. The background shows faint terrain below, emphasizing altitude and scale. — Northrop’s F-20 Tigershark is shown mid-flight during a test sortie. The aircraft’s compact frame and single-engine design made it one of the most efficient supersonic fighters of the 1980s. Image: U.S. Air Force

More than 800 F-5s were produced for allied military forces from the early 60s to the early 70s. In 1972, Northrop created the F-5E/F Tiger II, which featured more powerful engines, AN/APQ-153 radar, and wingtip rails for launching AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. Over 1,400 Tiger IIs were built.

Development of the F-20 Tigershark

Two Northrop F-20 Tigershark fighter jets are seen flying side by side in a smooth formation at medium altitude. The aircraft maintain even spacing and level flight, showing precise aerodynamic control. Their light gray paint schemes and compact, single-engine designs are visible against a clear blue background. The photo was likely taken during a test or promotional flight to demonstrate stability and coordinated performance. Both aircraft feature the distinctive sharp nose and mid-mounted wings characteristic of the F-20. The sunlight reflects softly off their fuselages, emphasizing clean design lines. The scene captures the Tigershark’s balance of power and simplicity in flight. — Two Northrop F-20 fighters cruise in close formation during a demonstration sortie. Northrop frequently conducted formation flights to showcase the aircraft’s design refinement and precision handling. Image: U.S. Air Force

The development of the F-20 was conducted during the FX Program, initiated under the Carter administration. The program was developed to produce fighters for sale to foreign countries that could compete with frontline Soviet fighters without the same sensitive technology installed on U.S. fighters, thereby preventing top-secret technology from falling into enemy hands.

Going Head-to-Head with the F-16/79

A left side, air-to-air view of a Northrop F-20 Tigershark shows the aircraft in level flight as it releases multiple practice bombs over a designated test range. The bombs can be seen falling in sequence beneath the aircraft, trailing faint smoke as they descend. The F-20’s streamlined fuselage, swept wings, and single-engine tail section are clearly visible in bright sunlight. The aircraft’s markings and gray camouflage contrast against the blue sky and the earth far below. This demonstration was part of weapons evaluation testing to confirm accuracy and stability during ordnance release. The photo captures both the precision and performance of the Tigershark during its development program. The image illustrates how the lightweight fighter handled air-to-ground strike missions with ease. — A Northrop F-20 Tigershark releases practice bombs during a ground attack demonstration. The test showcased the aircraft’s precision strike capabilities. Image: U.S. Air Force

The Tigershark’s primary competition was the F-16/79. It was a base model F-16 equipped with the outdated General Electric J-79 engine, which powered the F-4 Phantom II, instead of the better-performing Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-200/220E afterburning turbofan. It was also equipped with downgraded avionics.

Lower Cost, Higher Value?

While the F-20 was more expensive than the F-5E, it was still lower than the leading designs of the time. In 1983, the F-20 was estimated to have a flyaway cost of $10.7 million per unit. The F-16/79 was priced at $11 million per unit, while the McDonnell Douglas F-15 air superiority fighter was priced at $30 million per unit.

Two Northrop F-20 Tigershark fighters are seen performing a high-speed, low-level pass during a demonstration flight. The aircraft fly in close formation just a few hundred feet above the ground, their gray paint schemes glinting in the sunlight. Heat distortion is visible behind the jets as their engines produce shimmering exhaust trails. The blurred landscape below conveys the immense speed of the maneuver. Northrop often showcased the Tigershark’s power and stability with low-altitude passes during public demonstrations. The aircraft maintain tight spacing, demonstrating precise control and aerodynamic balance. This photo captures the intensity and professionalism of the F-20 test and marketing flights. — Two Northrop F-20 Tigershark fighters make a high-speed, low-level pass during a public demonstration. The aircraft are armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. Image: U.S. Air Force

Although the F-20 and F-16/79 were close in price, the F-20 could carry the AIM-7 “beyond visual range” radar-guided missile, which the F-16 lacked until February 1989.

The F-20 also outperformed its competitors in terms of operating costs, as it consumed less fuel, required less maintenance, and boasted better reliability.

Shifting Perspective

Retired U.S.A.F. General Chuck Yeager, the man who had 11.5 kills total and made “Ace in a Day” with five kills during World War II, and who broke the sound barrier, was hired by Northrop to be a public spokesman for the Tigershark at the age of 61.

A Northrop F-20 Tigershark is captured midair firing a series of rockets from pods mounted beneath each wing. The rockets leave bright orange exhaust trails and plumes of white smoke as they streak toward a target area below. The aircraft maintains level flight, showing minimal movement or deviation from its trajectory. The gray paint of the F-20 contrasts sharply against the blue sky, while sunlight reflects along its fuselage. This demonstration was part of weapons integration testing to evaluate stability, accuracy, and control during rocket release. The scene showcases the fighter’s balanced aerodynamic design and steady flight characteristics. It conveys both power and precision during live ordnance evaluation. — A Northrop F-20 Tigershark fires rockets from its wing-mounted pods during a flight demonstration. Image: U.S. Air Force

The F-20 was an excellent performer. It featured a combat thrust-to-weight ratio of 1:1.2, a rate of climb of 40,000 feet in 2.3 minutes, and was ready for combat within one minute of start.

However, two major setbacks occurred in the program when, in October 1984, Northrop Pilot Darrell Cornell was killed during a demonstration flight in South Korea, and in May 1985, when Northrop Pilot Dave Barnes was killed at Goose Bay, Labrador, Canada, while practicing for an air show.

A Northrop F-20 Tigershark is seen mid-flight releasing several bombs during a demonstration over a weapons range. The photo captures the left side of the aircraft as the bombs fall away cleanly from its underwing pylons, trailing faint smoke against the clear blue sky. The jet’s gray fuselage and sharp aerodynamic lines are visible in bright sunlight. Northrop conducted this demonstration to test the fighter’s bomb-release mechanisms, accuracy, and flight control response under load. The aircraft remains perfectly level, indicating stable handling throughout the maneuver. The faint outline of terrain below adds scale and realism to the test environment. This image illustrates the F-20’s capability as a precise, multirole fighter platform. — A Northrop F-20 Tigershark aircraft drops bombs during a demonstration. The aircraft is armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. Image: U.S. Air Force

Both crash investigations cleared the aircraft of any design or mechanical failures and determined that G-LOC caused both incidents, as the Tigershark was capable of +9 G performance.

Soviets Invade Afghanistan

On December 25, 1981, Soviet forces invaded Afghanistan, and this was a game-changer for the FX program. In response to the Soviet Invasion, President Reagan allowed Pakistan to purchase 40 F-16A Fighting Falcons, accompanied by an economic package.

A Northrop F-20 Tigershark performs a high-speed, low-level pass at Edwards Air Force Base. Image: U.S. Air Force

Reagan allowed the sale as part of a containment policy, providing frontline equipment to allies to keep the Soviet Union in check. Seeing this, other nations also wanted the F-16A, rather than the base model, F-16/79.

In May 1982, another waiver was granted to Venezuela, which purchased 24 F-16A and B models to replace its Mirage fighters. In September 1983, Turkey was allowed to buy 160 F-16C & D models to replace its F-5A/B and F-104 Starfighters. Greece, closely following its rival Turkey, purchased 40 C&D models.

A Northrop F-20 Tigershark is shown parked on the flight line with multiple practice bombs mounted on its underwing pylons and fuselage stations. The photo clearly shows the aircraft’s mid-mounted wings, single engine intake, and populated bomb racks, indicating a ground-attack loadout. The canopy is closed and the jet is pointed down the runway as if preparing for taxi or takeoff. Ground crew equipment and a tarmac surface are visible around the aircraft, giving context to pre-mission preparations. This view emphasizes the F-20’s ordnance-carrying capability and role as a light attack/strike platform. The description is useful for accessibility and for users searching keywords like F-20 payload, bomb racks, and air-to-ground configuration. The overall scene communicates readiness and the practical weapons integration of the Tigershark. — An F-20 Tigershark in flight fully loaded with ordnance for a close air support training sortie. Northrop configured the lightweight fighter to carry a mix of armament for mission adaptability. Image: U.S. Air Force

With the sales to Pakistan and others, Northrop felt that the F-5G was still perceived as a low-budget baseline fighter, and changes were needed to address this perception.

The first step was the F-20 designation. Northrop skipped the F-19 because it sounded too Soviet, given their odd-number designations. The U.S. Air Force approved the change in 1982, and the Tigershark name was introduced in March 1983.

Design Improvements

The most significant design change of the new F-20 was the use of the General Electric F404-GE-100 engine. Initially designed for use in the F-18 Hornet, this modification gave the F-20 a significant increase in thrust and a speed exceeding Mach 2.0.

A right-side, air-to-air photograph shows a Northrop F-20 Tigershark flying in a red and white “glamor” paint scheme used for early demonstrations. The aircraft is in level flight under clear skies, its polished red upper surfaces and white lower fuselage glinting in the sunlight. The F-20’s sleek design, single engine intake, and swept wings are sharply visible. The livery includes large white markings on the tail and fuselage, emphasizing its prototype identity. Northrop painted the Tigershark in this eye-catching color combination to make it recognizable at airshows and media events. The image highlights the smooth aerodynamic lines and modern features that differentiated the F-20 from the older F-5. The background sky provides a clean, unobstructed view, making the aircraft the clear focus of the composition. — A Northrop F-20 Tigershark in its distinctive red and white paint scheme soars during a test flight. This striking livery was used by Northrop for promotional and demonstration purposes. Image: U.S. Air Force

The wings were equipped with modified leading-edge extensions, the horizontal stabilizer was enlarged by 30%, a new fly-by-wire control system was introduced, and numerous upgrades were made to various parts, some of which were manufactured from fiberglass and others from composite materials.

The avionics suite was significantly improved with a more advanced radar, a new navigation system utilizing a ring laser gyroscope instead of the previous electro-mechanical version, a heads-up display (HUD), two multi-function displays located on the left and right, and a hands-on throttle and stick (HOTAS) control system.

A photo of a Northrop F-20 Tigershark cockpit mock-up shows a full-scale interior representation of the fighter’s flight deck. The cockpit features a central control stick, throttle on the left console, and two square multi-function displays surrounded by analog instruments. A clear heads-up display (HUD) frame is positioned above the main panel, and the seat area is equipped with realistic ejection hardware and straps. The mock-up is displayed indoors under controlled lighting, likely in a hangar or trade show environment. Northrop used this setup to demonstrate the F-20’s advanced avionics and pilot-friendly interface to potential customers. The overall appearance emphasizes simplicity, visibility, and ease of control integration. This image conveys the technology-forward design philosophy behind the Tigershark’s cockpit layout. — A Northrop F-20 cockpit mockup displays the fighter’s advanced avionics layout. The setup featured hands-on throttle and stick controls, dual multi-function displays, and a modern HUD system. Image: U.S. Air Force

In late 1983, the U.S. government decided to fund Israel’s development of its own fighter, the IAI “Lavi”. Northrop objected, stating that the U.S. government was subsidizing a foreign government competitor, while Northrop had spent upwards of $750 million on the F-20.

Air National Guard and Aggressor

There were talks of using the F-20 specifically for Air National Guard Interceptor use. The F-20 had a faster scramble time than the F-16 and was fitted with the AIM-7 Sparrow missile, which would fit perfectly with the Air Guard Mission. The U.S.A.F. opted for the F-16, citing the commonality with existing units as a more cost-effective long-term solution.

A Northrop F-20 Tigershark is parked on the flight line wearing a U.S. Air Force Aggressor paint scheme. The aircraft’s camouflage features gray and blue tones designed to resemble Soviet-style fighters used in dissimilar air combat training. The Tigershark’s clean, streamlined fuselage, single-engine layout, and sharp nose are clearly visible. Its canopy is closed, and the aircraft rests under daylight with ground equipment nearby. This version of the F-20 was tested for potential Air National Guard and Aggressor training roles. The paint scheme emphasized its intended use as a realistic adversary aircraft for pilot training. — The Northrop F-20, shown here in an aggressor paint scheme, was considered for training and air defense roles. Image: U.S. Air Force

The U.S. Navy was seeking an aircraft for use as an aggressor, but ultimately decided on the F-16. Rumors abounded that General Dynamics sold the F-16 to the Navy at a loss to keep the F-20 out of the market.

Death of the Tigershark

The policy shift after the Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan effectively killed the “poor man’s fighter jet” by creating winners and losers.

A Northrop F-20 Tigershark sits parked on the tarmac during an air show as members of the Northrop team stand nearby answering questions from spectators. The aircraft’s gray fuselage, single tail, and compact design are clearly visible under bright daylight. Visitors in casual clothing gather around the jet, taking photos and listening to explanations about its performance, avionics, and role as a lightweight fighter. The scene reflects a public outreach event where engineers and marketing representatives engaged directly with the crowd. Background elements include portable barriers, display signs, and nearby aircraft from other exhibitors. The F-20’s canopy is closed, and the aircraft appears in a clean, unarmed configuration. This image captures the human connection between manufacturer and public during the Tigershark’s promotional efforts. — Northrop representatives answer questions about the F-20 Tigershark during an air show appearance. Image: U.S. Air Force

While there were sales talks with several countries, the fact that the U.S.A.F. did not select the F-20 was the primary factor in their decision to purchase the F-16. The FX program effectively erased the market for the Tigershark.

Allegations of backroom deals to prevent the F-20 from being sold were numerous, and a bribery scandal involving Northrop Executives put further negative weight on the program. Ultimately, Northrop kept quiet and did not want to allege charges of shady deals or favoritism, as this would have jeopardized its B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber program. The result was a highly capable fighter that never founds its place.

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