1/72 JASDF Support Fighter Mitsubishi F-2A/B

The Mitsubishi F-2 is a support jet fighter of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.
It comes in two variants: a single-seat A-type and a two-seat B-type, with the two-seat version primarily used for training and education.

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force has historically defended against threats from fighter jets and bombers with the F-15J interceptor fighter, and against threats from ships and tanks with the F-1 support fighter. However, the F-1 is beginning to be retired due to the aging of its aircraft. The F-2 is an aircraft jointly developed by Japan and the United States as a successor to the F-1.

Originally called the FS-X during its development, this aircraft is based on the F-16 and
incorporates the latest technology. Its distinctive external features include a larger fuselage and wings than the F-16, a larger radome to accommodate the new radar, and a three-part canopy designed to protect against bird strikes during low-altitude flight.
The aircraft's wings and other parts utilize carbon-based composite materials, a source of national pride for Japan, resulting in a reduced overall weight.

In addition, CCV technology incorporating experimental results from the T-2CCV aircraft has been introduced, and the aircraft is the first in the Japan Air Self-Defense Force to adopt a fly-by-wire side stick control system, achieving safe and superior flight performance.

The aircraft can be equipped with air-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles (such as the domestically produced ASM-2), various bombs, and external fuel tanks at 11 stations on its wings and fuselage.

Deployment of the F-2 began in April 2001 with the 3rd Squadron at Misawa Air Base. In the future, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force will deploy the F-2 to replace the remaining F-1s and F-4EJ Kais, and together with the F-15J interceptor fighter, it will protect Japan's skies in the 21st century.

《Specifications》
Crew: 1 (2 for F-2B)
Wingspan: 11.13m (including wingtip launchers)
Length: 15.52m, Height: 4.96m
Engine: General Electric F110-GE(IHI)-129
Thrust: 17,000lb (afterburner maximum output 29,500lb) x 1 Takeoff
weight: 20,517kg (with AAM x 2, ASM x 4, 600gal tank x 2)
Fixed armament: M61A-1 20mm Vulcan cannon x 1
Maximum speed: Mach 2.0
First flight: October 7, 1995 (XF-2A No. 1)