Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>F-1>HA3402

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 The F-1 has slowly been replaced by the Mitsubishi F-2 and upgraded F-4EJ "Kai" Phantom II's. In 2006 six F-1's were retired.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 3 Kokudan (wing) is made up of two Hikotais (Squadrons), 3 Hikotai and 8 Hikotai. Both are assigned to Misawa Air Base in northern portion of the island of Honshu. The Mitsubishi F-1 first flew in November 1976 and very soon after equipped several squadrons. In 1983 JASDF squadrons began to use individual markings so the 8 Hikotai of 3 Kokudan chose the Black Panther (Kurohyou) as well as using "Black Panthers" as their name. A Black Panther is usually found on the aircraft tail and just behind the cockpit.

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