F-5F-3-LO The F-5F-3-LO was the last airframe of the modern photo Lightnings to see service with the 34th PRS. The F-5F was based upon the P-38L-1-LO and embodied all of the enhancements which had been included in the "interim L-model" P-38J-25-LO. The "F-3" also saw a change in configuration as a camera platform, with a new field-mod kit to complete the conversion from fighter to photo. This can best be spotted by the large "stepped" lense extension under the nose, large trapezoidal-framed oblique camera window on the starboard side and square-framed oblique camera port low on the port side of the nose. The radio antenna was also deleted from the nose (as seen in the previous "E" versions) and moved to the left boom just behind the landing gear bay. With the application of combat experience, more emphasis has been put into the split vertical application rather than the oblique -- thus the field mod has a much simpler appearance. These installations varied from plane-to-plane depending on the cameras fitted to the aircraft. Customization was the norm.

a/c name:	type:	s/n:	sqdrn code(s):	notes:
Sweet Sue	F-5F-3-LO	44-25190	XX*R	Pilot: Merkle
				A little digging in our mountain of information produced some information on this previously mysterious aircraft. Seen here at Hagenau, #190 was the personal mount of Lt. Joe Merkle. Named "Sweet Sue", her Crew Chief was Eldon Fish with Rodman Croto as her Assistant Crew Cheif. (Rhymer Myers)

a/c name:	type:	s/n:	sqdrn code(s):	notes:
Tantalizing Tilly	F-5F-3-LO	44-25193	XX*F	Pilot: Hoy
				The pride of her pilot, Charlie Hoy, "Tilly" wore overall natural metal finish with nose and spinner caps in squadron red. Nose art by S/Sgt. J.D. Plouff of Photo Lab. The name on port nacelle is "Jean," the name on starboard nacelle is "Hilda."Both names are accompanied by the initial in script painted on black square. Considered by her crew to be the best ship in the squadron, of course, she is said to have never been red-lined for maintenance. This ship never wore invasion stripes. (Charlie Hoy)

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