The Forgotten F-20 Tigershark

Video Description

F-20 Tigershark – The Best Fighter That Never Had a Chance? The Northrop F-20 Tigershark was a sleek, highly capable fourth-generation fighter that never made it to mass production—despite demonstrating performance and reliability on par with its contemporaries. Born from the venerable F-5 lineage and intended as a cost-effective, export-ready solution for allies, the F-20 boasted advanced avionics, Mach 2 performance, fly-by-wire controls, and rapid scramble times—all for a lower price tag than an F-16. This episode explores the rise and fall of the F-20 program—from its roots in the Cold War-era FX initiative, to its development in response to shifting U.S. foreign policy and export restrictions. We examine: • The aircraft’s design evolution from the F-5G • Key upgrades including the F404 engine, AN/APG-67 radar, and glass cockpit • Its aerodynamic refinements, agility, and air-to-air missile capabilities • Performance metrics and flight testing outcomes • Geopolitical factors that hindered its adoption • The controversial preference for F-16 sales and internal U.S. politics Despite widespread praise and successful trials, the F-20 was ultimately passed over by both the U.S. and foreign buyers—its fate sealed not by technical flaws, but by diplomatic, economic, and political realities. This is the story of one of the most capable fighters that never went to war. CONTENT 00:00 Introduction 00:35 Background 02:44 F-20 Program 05:22 Designing the F-20 12:50 Chuck Yeager ad 14:09 Disadvantaged 15:15 End of the program 18:40 Postscript Support this channel by joining our Members & Merch shop at https://peacemaker.fashion for ad-free early access, exclusive military fashion discounts, and more perks. _____________ Disclaimer _____________ Original footage and recreated scenes (using DCS, War Thunder, etc) may not be 100% accurate to the event being described but has been used for dramatic effect. This is because there may not have been original footage of a particular event available (often the case), or copyright prevents us from showing it. Our aim is to be as historically true as we can given the materials available. Copyright disclaimer under fair dealing sections ss 40/103C, ss 41/103A,ss 42/103B of the Copyright Act which includes research, study, criticism, review, and reporting of news. Copyright remains with the respective owners. These videos are made for educational purposes only. The Australian Military Aviation History Association is a not-for-profit association with the intent of recording, preserving and promoting Australian military aviation history.