Hobby Master Archive

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 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 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)

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA3408 Japan T-2 “Blue Impulse” 59-5111, 4th Air Wing, JASDF

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.