A Royal Jordanian Air Force pilot died on Monday during a training mishap when his F-5 fighter plane crashed, an Air Force spokesman said on Tuesday.
Lt. Ayoub Yousef Samir was killed while flying a regular training mission. The exact location of the crash was unknown, and it was also unclear whether the pilot had died while trying to eject or when the aircraft hit the ground. The Air Force spokesman declined to provide further details.
Deputizing for King Abdullah II, Prince Faisal Bin Al Hussein, Commander of the Royal Jordanian Air Force visited the home of Lt. Samir on the day following the officer’s fatal crash.
The Royal Jordanian Air Force has been operating F-5 fighter jets since the mid 70’s, and currently operates the advanced E and F versions. The aircraft have been continuously upgraded over the years, and are considered safe and effective.
Nicknamed “Tiger II”, the American-built F-5s are supersonic and versatile. The F-5 was designed as a fighter-bomber, capable of both air-combat against opposing aircraft and ground attack against land targets. As more advanced aircraft have replaced it in frontline service, it has been increasingly used as an advanced trainer, helping young pilots transition from basic training machines to advanced combat aircraft. F-5 aircraft are also currently in service with the Air Force of neighboring Saudi Arabia. (Albawaba.com)
Photos: Northrop Grumman, Royal Jordanian Air Force
