Mitsubishi F-2

Summary

Description

The Mitsubishi F-2's development emerged from a complex US–Japan negotiation, initiated by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's (JASDF) need to replace its aging Mitsubishi F-1 fighters, with a formal feasibility study starting in 1985. While Japan initially aimed for a domestically designed and produced aircraft, concerns from U.S. officials about the potential weakening of the U.S.–Japan defense relationship led to pressure for co-development based on the F-16 or F/A-18 platforms. This culminated in a joint project announcement in October 1987, where General Dynamics provided F-16 Fighting Falcon technology to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, sharing the development work. The program faced further scrutiny in the U.S. regarding technology transfer risks and trade deficit concerns, resulting in revised agreements that limited Japanese access to specific software but granted the U.S. access to new Japanese technologies developed for the project, ensuring at least 40% of the production for American contractors. Work then began in the FS-X program, the starting point for the F-2 development used the wing design of the F-16 Agile Falcon, with updated electronics. Production started in 1996, with the first aircraft entering service in 2000, following a maiden flight on 7 October 1995.

The Mitsubishi F-2 incorporates several unique design aspects, setting it apart from its F-16 origins. A key feature is its 25% larger wing area, constructed with graphite-epoxy composite materials utilizing co-cured technology to reduce weight and radar signature. The F-2 also boasts a longer and wider nose to accommodate the J/APG-1/J/APG-2 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. Furthermore, the F-2 has three display screens, including a liquid crystal display from Yokogawa and capabilities for ASM-1 or ASM-2 anti-ship missiles, four AAMs, and additional fuel tanks. Equipped with a drogue parachute, the F-2 also features an original flight control system.

The F-2 boasts a versatile array of weaponry, with hardpoints for carrying a substantial payload. It features two wing-tip air-to-air missile launch rails, six under-wing pylons, and one under-fuselage pylon, providing a total capacity of 8,085 kg (17,824 lb) of ordnance. The F-2 can carry combinations of air-to-air missiles, including the Mitsubishi AAM-3, AAM-4, AAM-5, AIM-9L Sidewinder, and AIM-7M Sparrow. For anti-ship missions, it can be equipped with up to four ASM-1, ASM-2, or ASM-3 anti-ship missiles, with potential for six on the inner pylons, although this configuration is not typically used. For ground attack, the F-2 can carry unguided bombs like the Mk.82 (up to 18) and Mk.84 (up to 6), as well as CBU-87/B cluster bombs. It is also capable of employing guided bombs, including the GCS-1 IIR guided bomb (up to 18), and JDAM/LJDAMs in various sizes. Additionally, the F-2 can carry JLAU-3/A rocket pods for ground attack. A 20 mm JM61A2 6-barrel rotary cannon is mounted internally for close-range engagements. The aircraft can also mount a J/AAQ-2 FLIR or later AN/AAQ-33 targeting pod.

The Mitsubishi F-2 has served exclusively with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). As of March 2022, 91 aircraft were in operation, distributed across the Air Defense Command, Air Training Command, and Air Development and Test Command. Notably, F-2s have been assigned to the 3rd Tactical Fighter Squadron at Hyakuri Air Base, the 6th and 8th Tactical Fighter Squadrons at Tsuiki Air Base, the 1st Technical School at Hamamatsu Air Base, the reactivated 21st Fighter Training Squadron at Matsushima Air Base, and the Air Development and Test Wing at Gifu Air Base. While not engaged in large-scale conflicts, F-2s have been involved in airspace monitoring and interception missions; in one instance in February 2013, four F-2 fighters were scrambled to visually confirm and warn off Russian Su-27 fighters that briefly entered Japanese airspace. The 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami significantly impacted the F-2 fleet, damaging or destroying 18 F-2Bs at Matsushima Air Base, leading to a costly repair program and temporary relocation of training duties.

Main Variants:

• XF-2A: These were the single-seat prototypes used for testing and development of the F-2 program.

• XF-2B: These were the two-seat prototypes, providing a platform for evaluating the training capabilities of the F-2 design.

• F-2A: This is the standard single-seat fighter version, designed for air-to-air combat and air-to-surface strike missions.

• F-2B: This is the two-seat training variant, utilized for pilot training and advanced operational instruction.

• F-2A Super Kai: A proposed variant with conformal fuel tanks (CFTs), based on the F-16C Block 60, it was intended to replace the F-4EJ Kai Phantom II, but was rejected when the F-35A Lightning II was chosen instead.

Technical specifications

Current operating countries

Country		Units
	Japan	87

Numbers in parentheses, e.g. '(+5)', indicate units ordered but not yet delivered.

All operators

Japan

Armament

Missiles payload:

• Air-to-Air Short-Range AAM-3
• Air-to-Air Medium-Range AAM-4
• Air-to-Air Medium-Range AIM-7 Sparrow
• Air-to-Surface ASM-1
• Air-to-Surface ASM-2
• Air-to-Air Short-Range Mitsubishi AAM-5 Type 04
• Air-to-Surface Mitsubishi ASM-3
• Air-to-Air Short-Range Raytheon AIM-9 Sidewinder

Photo of F-2