Carrying 'Norair' titles and logo, the prototype N-156F 59-4987 made the headlines when it achieved supersonic speed on its first flight.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Northrop F-5A Freedom Fighter - СШАUSA - 1963

The first of three YF-5As, 59-4987 was rolled out at Hawthorne, California, on May 30, 1959. While it had a USAF serial it did not have 'Stars n Bars'.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Northrop F-5A Freedom Fighter - СШАUSA - 1963

Первый N-156F вскоре после перевозки на авиабазу Эдвардс - самолет сфотографирован вместе с двумя первыми YT-38 Talon. Летчики-испытатели компании "Northrop" Дж. Д. Уэллс и Хэнк Чуто обмениваются впечатлениями с капитанами Свортом Нельсоном и Норвином Эвансом - летчиками ВВС США, летавшими на T-38 и N-156F.
The first YF-5A at Edwards AFB ready for flight test. Behind are YT-38s 59-1191 and '92.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Northrop F-5A Freedom Fighter - СШАUSA - 1963Northrop T-38 Talon - СШАUSA - 1959

Third YF-5A 59-4989 during flight test and trials by USAF.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Northrop F-5A Freedom Fighter - СШАUSA - 1963

YF-5A 59-4987 with an impressive display of the armament options available.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Northrop F-5A Freedom Fighter - СШАUSA - 1963

The first YF-5A went on to be reworked as the first F-5A. Note the 'buzz number' with only a single letter prefix.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Northrop F-5A Freedom Fighter - СШАUSA - 1963

One of the last F-5As from the first batch of 'Dash-15s', 63-8421 on take-off at Edwards.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Northrop F-5A Freedom Fighter - СШАUSA - 1963

In October 1958 Northrop showed off the N-156F mock-up, with a bogus serial number on the fin. It is evident there were few changes between it and the YF-5As.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Northrop F-5A Freedom Fighter - СШАUSA - 1963

Northrop F-5A Freedom Fighter

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Northrop F-5A Freedom Fighter - СШАUSA - 1963

The first N-156B F-5B, 63-8438, about to leave the spray bay at Hawthorne prior to first flight, March 1964. Note that the rear segment of the canopy appears to have been blanked off.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Northrop F-5B - СШАUSA - 1964