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Airframe record / 001

YF-5A serial 59-4989

A documented Freedom Fighter prototype in the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force collection.

How to read this record

The museum identifies this as a YF-5A prototype. Its Skoshi Tiger paint represents another aircraft story, not this prototype's combat record.

ModelYF-5A
Serial59-4989
Record sourceU.S. Air Force Museum

Identity

The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force identifies serial 59-4989 as one of three YF-5A prototypes ordered. It says the aircraft was delivered to the museum in 1970. [1]

Recorded history

Prototype program
One of three YF-5A prototypes ordered, according to the museum.

1970
Delivered to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

Museum display
Painted to represent a Skoshi Tiger aircraft of the 4503rd Tactical Fighter Squadron. This scheme describes the display, not this prototype's own combat record.

Why the paint matters

The museum says its YF-5A is painted as a Skoshi Tiger. A visitor could mistake those markings for this airframe's service history. The aircraft identity and the commemorative scheme are separate facts.

Source and limits

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force | Northrop YF-5A Freedom Fighter. This record follows the museum's published description. It does not claim a full movement or maintenance history.