The F-5 started life as a privately funded light fighter program by Northrop in the 1950s. The design team wrapped a small and highly aerodynamic fighter around two compact and high thrust-to-weight ratio General Electric J85 engines, focusing on high performance and low cost of maintenance. Armed with twin 20 mm cannons and missiles for air-to-air combat, the aircraft was also a capable ground attack platform. The first-generation F-5A entered service in the early 1960s. During the Cold War, over 800 were produced through 1972 for U.S. allies. (Wikipedia)
LA=Barksdale AFB