F-2 Mitsubishi

 Mitsubishi F-2 Multirole Fighter:

F-2 Mitsubishi

Role

Multirole fighter

National origin

Japan / United States

Manufacturer

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries / Lockheed Martin

First flight

7 October 1995

F-2 Mitsubishi

Primary user

Japan Air Self-Defense Force

Produced

1995–2011

Number built

98 (including 4 prototypes)[1]

Developed from

General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon

Type

One-seat or two-seat multi-purpose fighter

Max Speed

1,321 mph/2,125 km/h

Max Range

518 nm/834 km

Dimensions

Span 36 ft 6 in/11.13 m, length 50 ft 11 in/15.52 m, height 15 ft 5 in/4.69 m

Weight

Empty weight 21,000 lbs/9,527 kg, max take-off weight 48,500 lbs/22,000 kg

Powerplant

One General Electric F110-GE-129 turbofan engine with 16,973 lbs static thrust without afterburner or 29,607 lbs with afterburner

 F-2 Multirole Fighter Overview:

- Introduction:

  - The Mitsubishi F-2 is a cutting-edge multirole fighter aircraft.

  

- Origins and Collaboration:

  - Derived from the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon.

  - Manufactured through a collaboration between Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Lockheed Martin.

- Manufacturing Split:

  - Production involves a 60/40 split between Japan and the United States.

  

-Design Basis:

  The basis of design is the F-16 Agile Falcon, originally proposed by General Dynamics.

  - Initially offered as a low-cost alternative for the Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) competition.

- Production Timeline:

  - Production commenced in 1996.

  - The first aircraft entered service in 200X (insert specific year).

F-2 Service and Technological Features:

- Service Entry:

  - The first 76 aircraft entered service by 2008.

  - A total of 98 airframes have been produced.

- Technological Milestone:

  - Pioneering Achievement: The Mitsubishi F-2 introduced the first active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar on a combat aircraft in 1995 with the J/APG-1 system.

- Nickname: "Viper Zero"

  - The F-2 is affectionately nicknamed "Viper Zero."

  - This moniker is a nod to the unofficial nickname "Viper" associated with the F-16 and the iconic Mitsubishi A6M Zero.

Japanese Efforts for a Domestic Fighter Replacement

- Early Consideration (1981):

  - The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) and its contractors began contemplating a Japanese-designed, Japanese-produced successor for the aging Mitsubishi F-1 fighter as early as 1981.

- Feasibility Study (1985):

  - A formal feasibility study was initiated in 1985, marking a crucial step in evaluating the potential for developing a replacement.

- Building on Success (F-15J):

  - Japan's ambition to domestically develop the new aircraft was influenced by the successful production of the F-15J fighter under license from McDonnell Douglas.

- Skill Development Strategy:

  - Japanese defense contractors asserted the necessity of starting from scratch to build a new aircraft. This approach aimed to foster the skill development of their engineers, subsequently boosting the Japanese aircraft industry.

F-2 (3D PICTURE)

                         F-2 Description:

The Mitsubishi F-2, a collaborative effort by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Lockheed Martin, is a multi-role fighter rooted in the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon. Manufacturing involves a 60/40 split between Japan and the United States, with production starting in 1996 and the first aircraft entering service in 200X.

This advanced fighter introduced the J/APG-1 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar in 1995, marking a milestone in combat aircraft technology. By 2008, 76 F-2 aircraft were in active service, with 98 airframes produced.

Affectionately nicknamed the "Viper Zero," the F-2 pays homage to the F-16's unofficial nickname, "Viper," and the historical Mitsubishi A6M Zero, blending modern technology with historical influence.

The F-2's origins trace back to Japan's ambition to replace the Mitsubishi F-1 fighter. The concept emerged in 1981, with a formal feasibility study in 1985. Building on the success of producing the F-15J fighter, Japan aimed to develop a new aircraft from scratch, emphasizing skill development for engineers and growth in the Japanese aircraft industry. The F-2 thus symbolizes Japan's commitment to aerospace advancements, combining international collaboration and domestic technological prowess.