30 years of the Japanese Mitsubishi F-2 fighter jet

October 7 marked the 30th anniversary of the Japanese Mitsubishi F-2 multi-role fighter jet. On that day in 1995, its first prototype took to the skies.

The aircraft was created under a joint Japanese-American program based on the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jet. The relevant intergovernmental agreement was signed in 1987. The parties agreed that Japan would receive 60% of the work, with the remainder going to American industry.

The new aircraft closely resembled the F-16 in appearance, but despite this, it can safely be considered a new machine. The F-2 became noticeably larger and heavier by 3 tons, although composite materials were widely used in its construction, which increased its weight efficiency. The aircraft received a new carbon fiber wing. Secret radio-absorbing coatings developed in Japan were applied to the front of the fuselage, the leading edges of the wings, and the air intake. Almost all of the avionics were supplied by companies from the Land of the Rising Sun, including a phased array radar and a digital flight control system.

The F-2 is equipped with a single General Electric F110-GE-129 turbofan engine with a thrust of 13.2 tons at full afterburner. The Japanese company Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries obtained a license to manufacture it. The aircraft has a length of 15.52 m, a wingspan of 11.13 m, a maximum take-off weight of over 22 t, a maximum speed of 2124 km/h, and a combat radius of 830 km. The fighter is armed with a 20 mm M61A1 six-barrel cannon. It can carry a wide range of weapons with a total weight of over 8 tons on 11 external hardpoints, including several types of air-to-air guided missiles and Mitsubishi ASM-1 anti-ship missiles with active radar homing heads.

The plan was to produce 140 units. However, due to budget constraints, Mitsubishi built only 94 production aircraft in two main variants, including a two-seat training and combat version. All of them were delivered exclusively to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

The F-2 entered service in 2000. The fighters have repeatedly participated in international military exercises. In addition, they regularly intercept Russian military aircraft flying near Japanese territorial waters.