Quick Links A deeper look at the F-20's origins and developmental process A change in export policies would ultimately mean the aircraft could never compete in foreign markets The plane's design was unique and innovative So what is the bottom line? During the height of the Cold War, American defense contractors and aerospace manufacturers scrambled to create fighter jets optimized to counter the latest advances in Soviet technology. The administrations of presidents including Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan emphasized the need to continue developing advanced fighter jets , and they sponsored the development of many different prototype fighter aircraft. Get all the latest aviation news from Simple Flying! Noting the success of its earlier F-5 program, the Northrop Corporation sought to create a new nimble fighter aircraft equipped with the latest technology and weapons packages.
This aircraft was set to compete with heavier and more expensive fighter jets like the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon. With an advanced avionics suite, capable radar, and improved flight performance, Northrop would eventually bring the aircraft to the Department of Defense for evaluation, and it was named the F-20 Tigershark. The aircraft looked promising, and it looked to have a promising future in export markets, as the Carter Administration had emphasized the importance of arming U.
S. allies with reliable equipment. However, priorities changed when Ronald Reagan was elected to the White House,.