The F-5E Tiger II is a fighter craft that was created as a pure dogfighter, initially only for export purposes (as a result of attitude at the time thinking dogfighting was "obsolete"). However, it had proven itself in the Vietnam War, being one of the most maneuverable fighters in its time, and cementing itself as one of the most famous and recognizable fighters in history, appearing in dozens of flight sims, including Ace Combat and, of course, Airforce Delta. It appears in all games in the series, being a starter plane in Airforce Delta and Airforce Delta Strike. It is used by Ken Thomas in the latter.
Design
A very recognizable plane. The F-5E is a small aircraft with two small wings, a single vertical stabilizer, and two jet engines.
Performance
Airforce Delta
The starter plane for this game, and indeed, the entire series. Compared to planes you unlock later, this craft trumps several of them in the mobility department; this plane's mobility won't be beaten until you've unlocked the Mirage 2000 for purchase (After Federation Fleet Obstruction). The better mobility compared to the other options you'll have does make it viable, but, predictably, it will be outclassed soon afterwards. Still, you could do worse than this for a starter plane.
Airforce Delta Storm
The one time in the series it isn't a starter plane. It's fairly below average. It's unlocked after the first mission, and while it does have better mobility than the Corsair you have currently, it's still lacking overall. Poor range, low missile count... A typical starter plane. Buy it if you believe it's better, but get ready to throw it away once better rolls around.
Airforce Delta Strike
Ken's starting plane. It will be your aircraft of choice for quite a while, as you will be unable to get another aircraft until a little ways into the campaign. And for a while, this is probably the best craft you've got, as it possesses good mobility. Although other stats aren't up to snuff, the mobility is the best for quite a while, until you unlock the likes of the X-29 or YF-17. A good plane for the early parts of the game.
Statistics
Airforce Delta
Speed: Medium-low
Power: Medium-low
Defense: Medium-low
Mobility: Medium
Airforce Delta Storm
Attack: Very low
Defense: Medium-low (1750 HP)
Speed: Medium-high
Power: Medium-low
Mobility: Medium-low
Missile: 35
Ability: No
Range: 1
(There are no differences in stats between the US and PAL versions)
Airforce Delta Strike
(Clockwise starting from top)
Anti Air Attack: Medium
Mobility: Medium-high
Defense: Low (1600 HP)
Anti Ground Attack: Low
Thrust: Very low
Speed: Medium-low
Enemy Appearances (Missions)
Airforce Delta
- Enemy F-5Es appear in Military Supply Base and Oil Refinery Seizure. They are optional targets in both missions.
Airforce Delta Storm
- An enemy F-5E appears in To the Front Lines as an optional target. They can also appear for random Intercept missions in the first chapter, usually as optional kills.
Gallery
Airforce Delta
.png "F-5E Enemy AFD 1 (emblem).png (515 KB)")
.png "F-5E Enemy AFD 2 (emblem).png (608 KB)")
Airforce Delta Storm
Airforce Delta Strike
Trivia
- Airforce Delta Storm is the only game in the series where this plane is not a starter plane.
- This plane is one of several to have a different paint job in the PAL version of Storm, alongside the likes of the Lavi and Su-30MKI. Not only that, it's one of the few to have an actual model difference as well (The missiles under the wings).