Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>F-1>HA3401

General Background

The Mitsubishi F-1 is a single-seat attack aircraft that evolved from the Mitsubishi T-2 shipping with an air-to-air capability. The F-1 entered service in April 1978 and production ended in March 1987. 160 aircraft were planned, but only 77 were built. The F-1 had several upgrades to extend its service life. The F-1 has slowly been replaced by the Mitsubishi F-2 and upgraded F-4EJ "Kai" Phantom II's. In 2006 six F-1's were retired.

The Aircraft

The 3rd Hikotai (Squadron) is assigned to the Northern Air Defense Force of the JASDF located at Misawa AB in Aomori Prefecture. The 3rd Hikotai is easily identified by their “kabuto” (helmet) insignia on their aircraft vertical tails. The shark mouth paint scheme was used by the 3rd Hikotai in the mid 1980’s when they were participating in a bombing exercise called “Senkyo” a TAC (Tactical Air Combat) Meet. In the mid 1980’s the F-1 still had the framed windshield used on the T-2.

Specifications :

Role:	Multi-role Light Fighter and Maritime Attack
Crew:	1 x pilot
Dimensions
Length:	17.66 m (57 ft 11 in)
Wingspan:	7.88 m (25 ft 10 in)
Height:	4.39 m (14 ft 5 in)
Wing Area:	21.2 m
Weight:
Empty:	6,358 kg (14,017 lb)
Maximum take-off:	13,674 kg (30,146 lb)
Performance
Power Plant:	2 x Ishikawa-Harima TF40-801A After-burning Turbofan
	Each Producing 32.4 kN (7,280 lbf ) (License Built Rolls-Royce/Turbomeca Adour Mk 801A)
Maximum speed:	1,700 km/h (1,060 mph)
Rate of Climb:	118 m/s (35,000 ft/min)
Service Ceiling:	15,250 m (50,020 ft)
Range:	1,130 km (705 miles)
Armament:	1 x 20 mm JM61A1 Vulcan Cannon
	AIM-9 Sidewinder Missiles
	Mitsubishi AAM-1
	Mitsubishi ASM-1/2 Anti-ship Missiles
	JLAU-3A 70 mm Rocket Pods
	RL-7 70 mm Rockets
	RL-4 125 mm Rockets
	Mk-82 500 lb General Purpose Bomb
	M117 750 lb General Purpose Bomb
	GCS-1 – IR Guided Versions of the Mk-82
	All Can Be Carried On
	4 x Under-Wing Pylons, 1 x Under-Fuselage Pylon, 2 x Wingtip Missile Rails