Hobby Master Archive

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA3403 Mitsubishi T-2 “Blue Impulse” 21st Sq., 4th AW (Air Wing) “29-5175”

Die-cast metal. Superb detailing in 1/72 scale. Pre-painted with pad applied markings. Fully assembled. Weapons that are not permanently attached. Comes with crew figures Display stand included. Option to display model with wheels up or down. Minimum use of plastic.

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 “Blue Impulse” aerobatic demonstration team was founded in 1960. The first aircraft used was the F-86 Sabre until they re-equipped with the Mitsubishi T-2 in 1980. The team and their T-2s were located at Matsushima airbase from 1982–1995 as 4AW 21SQ Technical Research Section. In 1995 the T-2 was traded for the new Kawasaki T-4 trainer. The team’s 175th performance using the T-2 was in December 1995. In 2003 the first of the T-2s were retired and the last one was in March 2006.

Specifications for the Mitsubishi T-2 First Flight - 20th July 1971 Variants 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 Presently out of production Crew - 2 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)

Weight Empty - 6,307 kg (13,905 lbs) Maximum Takeoff - 12,900 kg (28,440 lbs)

Dimensions Length - 17.86 m (58.6 ft) Wing Span - 7.88 m (25.9 ft) Height - 4.39 m (14.4 ft)