Japan F-2A serial 13-8557, 8th TFS Black Panthers, JASDF 2018

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA2713B: Japan F-2A serial 13-8557, 8th Tactical Fighter Squadron Black Panthers, JASDF. Production run of 700 models. (with 2 x AAM-5, 4 x ASM-2 missiles)

Length 8.5 inches Wingspan6.25 inches

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 Wings 6th and 8th TFS make up the JASDF Western Air Defense Force. Prior to acquiring the F-2 the 8th TFS flew the F-4E Phantom II.

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.