Iran's F-5E Saeghe

[The Thunderbird]

I was wondering how much more maneuverability the twin angled vertical tails on the F-5E Seaghe gives compared to the F-5E Tiger II?

[schroedi]

The tailfin's main function is a stabilty thing. The twin tail gives it more drag for sure.

Edited December 9, 2018 by schroedi

[DmitriKozlowsky]

Tailfin's main function is YAW control, not just stability. That is where the rudder is. Northrop engineers studied this local mod. Their conclusion is that it is unnecessary, adds drag, changes CG which must must be offset, thus increasing weight. IRAN claims that they somehow shoehorned Mig-29's Klimov powerplants (both of them) into F-5. That does not seem possible given size of airframe and nozzles. Russian , Iranian , perhaps Chinese, Pakistani and DPRK, may have collaborated on upgrading and overhauling existing F-5 powerplants . But it strains credibility for RD-33 powerplants to fit inside such a small airframe. Along with fuel needed to give it usable range. Likewise, Iran's claim that its performance is superior to F/A-18 C/D/E/F is not credible.

US and UK airpower thinktanks beleive that this was Iran's attempt at building airframes from scratch. Even if the design and engineering is a copy. Pre-Revolution Iran got a good number of F-5E via various Peace FILLINTHEBLANK programs during Ford and Carter administrations. There is a ready international market of parts for F-5E , that is not sanctionable.

 

In time Iran is likely to retire F-5 and replace them with CAC/PAC JF-17 Thunder from Pakistan and China. CAC/PAC JF-17 Thunder does use a single RD-33 motor. As Iran has Mig-29A(?) that it received via defecting Iraqi Air Force pilots in 1991, having JF-17 would streamline maintenance and engine overhaul system.

Edited December 10, 2018 by DmitriKozlowsky

[The Thunderbird]

Thank you guys!