Hobby Master Archive

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA3406 Japan T-2 Trainer 21st Fighter Training Squadron “Special Marking” 2003

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 Trainer was used by the 4th Kokudan (Wing) / 21st Hikotai (Fighter Training Squadron) at Mitsushima, AB to train pilots for the Mitsubishi F-2 Fighter that had been developed from the T-2. In 2003 the T-2s began to be retired so the 21st Hikotai painted one of the T-2s in a special scheme. It had two purposes; one to mark 28 years using the T-2 and the 40th anniversary of the 21st Squadron. The last T-2 retired 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)