Hobby Master 1/72 Japan F-2A Jet Fighter 13-8557, 8th Tactical Fighter Squadron, JASDF  (with 2 x AAM-5, 4 x ASM-2) Diecast Aircraft

During the 1980s the U.S. military wasn’t interested in an updated version of the F-16 so they passed on the opportunity. Japan was replacing some of their aging fleet and decided to develop the new F-16 Agile Falcon in cooperation with Mitsubishi and Lockheed Martin. Production began in 1996 with the first aircraft being delivered in 2000. The new aircraft was named the F-2 and soon earned the nickname “Viper Zero”. Although the F-2 looks similar to the original F-16 it is larger in almost every aspect.

In June 2010 Mitsubishi F-2A 03-8557 c/n M1057 was delivered to the JASDF and in March 2011 was re-registered as 13-8557. In 2013 13-8557 represented the 3rd TFS at the TAC Meet at the Misawa AB painted as "Samurai Spirits". On October 5, 2014 13-8557 transferred to the 8th Wing/8th TFS based at Tsuiki AB since mid 2016. The 8th Wing's 6th and 8th TFS's make up the JASDF Western Air Defense Force. Prior to acquiring the F-2 the 8th TFS flew the F-4E Phantom II.

Designation:
F-2A	Single-seat Multi-role fighter
F-2B	Two-seat training version, fully combat capable
Performance
Powerplant:	General Electric F110-GE-129 turbofan
Max Speed:	Mach 2.0
Range:	520 miles (834 km) on anti-ship mission
Service Ceiling:	59,000 ft (18,000 m)
Dimensions
Length:	50 ft 11 in (15.52 m)
Height:	15 ft 5 in (4.69 m)
Wingspan:	36 ft 6 in (11.13 m)
Wing Area:	375 ft² (34.84 m²)
Weights
Empty Weight:	21,000 lb (9,527 kg)
Loaded:	33,000 lb (15,000 kg)
Max Takeoff:	48,700 lb (22,100 kg)
Armament:	20 mm JM61A1 cannon Capable of carrying up to 17,820 lb (8,085 kg) weapon load on 11 hard points.
Possible Weapons:	Air-to-air - AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-7 Sparrow, Mitsubishi AAM-3, Mitsubishi AAM-4
	Air-to-ground - ASM-1 and ASM-2 anti-ship missiles.