Hobby Master Archive

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA3404 Japan T-2 CCV testbed, JASDF/TRDI, Gifu AB 1989

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 Mitsubishi T-2 was chosen by the Technical Research and Development Institute (TRDI) of the Japan Defense Agency to test new technology. The aircraft selected was the third T-2 manufactured; serial 29-5103 c/n 003. It would be the test bed for the CCV (Control Configuration Vehicle) studies. Fixed canards were mounted on the intakes just in front of the wings with a movable canard under the fuselage. The objective was to study airflow to see if such a configuration could improve maneuverability.

Specifications for the Mitsubishi T-2 First Flight - 20th July 1971 Variants T-2A - Two-seat advanced jet trainer aircraft (59 delivered to the ASDF 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)