Extendable Nose Wheel Leg
The Canadian-built Freedom Fighter was referred to as CF-5A to distinguish it from Northrop-built machines. The two-seat version was known as CF-5D (D standing for "dual") rather than B.
The aircraft was to be powered by J85 engines built by Orenda. The Orenda J85s were of greater thrust than their US-built counterparts. The Canadian-built Orenda J85-CAN-15 engines were rated at 4300 lb.s.t. with after burning, as compared to only 4080 lb.s.t. for the J85-GE-13s which powered most F-5As and Bs. The increased thrust enabled the CF-5 to have a better speed and climb rate than that of the Northrop F-5A. Notably, initial climb rate was increased from 28,000 to 33,000 feet per minute.
The CF-5A introduced several refinements that resulted from USAF experience in Vietnam. The lengthy takeoff distances required at high weights were reduced by 25 percent by introducing a two-position extendable nose wheel leg, which increased the angle of attack during initial rollout by three degrees.