65 FWS at Sheppard AFB No 3

F-5E 73-0866 assigned to the 65 FWS, 57 FWW, based at Nellis and photograhed on the Sheppard AFB transient ramp.

Note that there is only one "row" of yellow and black checkerboards for the 57 FWW trademark fin stripe.

At this time the 57 FWW was swapping out the original smooth side fin cap [link] with the original T-38/ F-5A/B fin cap.

I think the older style cap housed a more receptive TACAN/ VOR/ Glideslope antenna than the later installation. The TACAN/ VOR uses either side of the antenna to measure variations in a recieved navigation signal from a VORTAC (Very High Frequency/ Tactical Air Navigation) station radial signal tuned into the aircraft course deviation bar (D-Bar) on the HSI (Horizontal Situation Indicator). This allows a pilot to fly along an established airway or determine his position by tuning into VORTAC nav frequency and centering his D-Bar to determine the magnetic heading "Radial" that he is intercepting.

Also note the three digit nose numbers that were usually applied to the FY 1973 acft when the last two numbers were shared with one of the FY 1974 model F-5E's

This was a very unusual scheme on a Nellis aggressor.

Shot in August 1982.