Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>F-2>HA2718

General Background

During the 1980s the U.S. military wasn’t interested in an updated version of the F-16 so they passed on the opportunity. Japan was replacing some of their aging fleet and decided to develop the new F-16 Agile Falcon in cooperation with Mitsubishi and Lockheed Martin. Production began in 1996 with the first aircraft being delivered in 2000. The new aircraft was named the F-2 and soon earned the nickname “Viper Zero”. Although the F-2 looks similar to the original F-16 it is larger in almost every aspect.

The Aircraft

The second prototype of the Mitsubishi XF-2B was 63-0004 and delivered to the Technical Research and Development Institute. In 1996 the designations F2-A was assigned for the single-seat variant and F-2B for the dual-seat. In December of 1997, the serial numbers of all four XF-2 prototypes were changed from the TRDI designations to JASDF system so 63-0004 became 63-8102. 63-8102 was turned over to the JASDF Air Development and Test Wing at Gifu in September 1997. When the F-2B went into production their serial numbers were in the 8100 range.

Specifications :

Designation:
F-2A	Single-seat Multi-role fighter
F-2B	Two-seat training version, fully combat capable
Performance
Powerplant:	General Electric F110-GE-129 turbofan
Max Speed:	Mach 2.0
Range:	520 miles (834 km) on anti-ship mission
Service Ceiling:	59,000 ft (18,000 m)
Dimensions
Length:	50 ft 11 in (15.52 m)
Height:	15 ft 5 in (4.69 m)
Wingspan:	36 ft 6 in (11.13 m)
Wing Area:	375 ft² (34.84 m²)
Weights
Empty Weight:	21,000 lb (9,527 kg)
Loaded:	33,000 lb (15,000 kg)
Max Takeoff:	48,700 lb (22,100 kg)
Armament:	20 mm JM61A1 cannon Capable of carrying up to 17,820 lb (8,085 kg) weapon load on 11 hard points.
Possible Weapons:	Air-to-air - AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-7 Sparrow, Mitsubishi AAM-3, Mitsubishi AAM-4
	Air-to-ground - ASM-1 and ASM-2 anti-ship missiles.