FSX US Navy VFC-13 Saints F-5

This freeware package provides a meticulously repainted Northrop F-5 Tiger II in the distinctive VFC-13 “Saints” livery for Microsoft Flight Simulator X, prepared by Mark Rooks of RDG Aircraft. It incorporates Tim Conrad’s base model, ensuring a complete installation without requiring any separate downloads. It also includes pictures and detailed notes on the real-world VFC-13 adversary unit to enrich your virtual experience.

Saints Squadron Background and F-5 Characteristics

The real VFC-13 “Fighting Saints” operate as an aggressor squadron within the US Navy, training naval and Marine Corps aviators. Their fleet encompasses several variants of the F-5—such as the F-5E, F-5F, and F-5N—each sporting unique patterns. These adversary color schemes range from desert-style browns to gray or blue camouflage. The Northrop F-5 itself is a compact supersonic fighter crafted to provide high maneuverability, making it ideal for simulating enemy tactics in aerial combat training.

Modeled Features

• 2D Cockpit and VC Panel: Both a conventional 2D panel and a fully realized virtual cockpit are included. The VC (virtual cockpit) presents an immersive vantage point for cockpit operations, featuring essential gauges and an intuitive layout.
• Accurate Exterior Model: Built upon Tim Conrad’s base package, this rendition of the F-5 captures the sleek lines of the real jet and features updated textures by Mark Rooks.
• Adversary Paint Scheme: The VFC-13 color theme replicates the vivid spectacle seen on active service aircraft. This set of markings reflects the actual training role of the Saints, emphasizing realistic adversary scenarios.
• Supplementary Materials: Accompanying documentation includes background information and images detailing the history and deployment of genuine VFC-13 aircraft.

Basic Installation Steps

1. Extract the Contents: After downloading, unzip the archive into a temporary location of your choice.
2. Move the F-5 Folder: Place the entire “F-5 VFC-13” folder, which should contain six core elements (aircraft CFG, airfile, model, sound, panel, texture), into your main aircraft directory. For a typical setup, this folder is located at C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\FSX\SimObjects\Airplanes.
3. Gauges and Effects: Unzip and transfer the contents of the included Gauges folder to the FSX Gauges directory (C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\FSX\Gauges). Likewise, move the provided Effects into your FSX Effects directory (C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\FSX\Effects).

Please ensure full extraction of all files so the new airplane folder contains each required piece before launching the simulator.

Note on Folder Arrangement

Once installation is complete, verify that you have these subfolders within the F-5 VFC-13 directory:

• Model
• Panel
• Sound
• Texture
• Aircraft CFG
• Airfile

Proper folder structure is crucial for the aircraft to load correctly inside Microsoft Flight Simulator X.

Disclaimer from RDG Aircraft

RDG Aircraft and affiliated creators cannot be held responsible for any damage, errors, or issues that may occur to your system when using these files. All items are installed and applied solely at the user’s own risk. These files were verified free of any known threats at the time of upload.

“Fire Ball”
Thank you for trying this repaint, and we hope it enhances your simulation flights.

Author and Developer Notes

Textures and package modifications are courtesy of Mark Rooks (RDG Aircraft). The original model is by Tim “Piglet” Conrad of Piglet’s Peculiar Planes. He built it to his personal standards and offered it as a freeware platform for enthusiasts. If any aspects appear incomplete, kindly note that this sharing reflects a substantial effort from a one-person project—provided without any fee to the community.