Prototype F-5A on display in the Great Gallery at the Museum of Flight. Northrop's Chief Experimental Test Pilot Lewis A. Nelson took it supersonic on its first flight at Edwards AFB on 30 July 1959. The T-38 was a successful USAF supersonic trainer, but it took seven years to get a production order for the F-5A that ultimately became a successful lightweight, low cost fighter-bomber with its high thrust-to-weight ratio J85-GE-13 engines.

Prototype F-5 (N-156F). When first displayed at the Museum of Flight had a USAF serial but otherwise in Northrop markings.