Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>F-1>HA3408

General Background

The Mitsubishi T-2 is a two-engined two-seat jet trainer manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and was operated by the Japan Air Self Defense Force from 1975 – 2006. The flight instructor sat behind the student in a raised seat that allowed him to visually monitor the student’s actions. There was a windblast screen between them that created separate clamshell canopies for each person. T-2s were also used by a dedicated Aggressor Squadrons until they were replaced by F-15 Eagle.

The Aircraft

The Aerobatic Team Blue Impulse were part of the 21st Squadron 4th Air Wing presently are attached to 11th Squadron 4th Air Wing. Established in 1960 and equipped with F-86s the team re-equipped with the Mitsubishi T-2 in 1980 and eventually to the Kawasaki T-4 in 1995. Mitsubishi T-2 59-5111 is nicknamed Triple Sticks referring to the triple 1s. The T-2 was retired in 2006 with 72-5111 being sent to the JASDF Air Park as a museum piece. There were 90 T-2s built.

Specifications :

First Flight:	20th July 1971
T-2A:	Two-seat advanced jet trainer aircraft (59 delivered to the JASDF training squadron in 1975)
T-2B:	Two-seat armed weapons training aircraft.
Total Production:	90
Crew:	2 x pilot
Dimensions
Length:	17.86 m (58.6 ft)
Wingspan:	7.88 m (25 ft 10 in)
Height:	4.39 m (14 ft 5 in)
Weight:
Empty:	6,307 kg (13,905 lbs)
Maximum take-off:	12,900 kg (28,440 lbs)
Performance
Power Plant:	2 x Turbofan Ishikawajima Harima TF-40-IHI-801A (Rolls-Royce/Turbomeca Ad each producing 32.5 kN 7306 lbf
Speed:	1,700 km/h (918 kts / 1,056 mph)
Service Ceiling:	15,200 m (49,869 ft)
Range:	2,589 km (1,398 nm / 1,609 mi)