In 1965 Canadair was contracted to re-fit the Northrop F-5 to make it the RCAF's new fighter plane. A light-weight jet that was difficult to build, it proved itself as a NATO protection plane after rolling out in 1969.
Adaptable, reliable and equipped with an in-flight refueling system - it had range - and could be outfitted with "spy" cameras, cannons, bombs or rockets.
Of 135 CF-5s produced, nearly 62 are still in service, and are expected to remain active until 2000.
The NF-5 was contracted for the Dutch airforce, and was very similar in design to its Canadian counterpart. Equipped with a wing leading edge flap for improved maneuverability, it could also be fitted with underwing fuel tanks.