The Forgotten F-20 Tigershark

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

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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.

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