The Mitsubishi F-2 is a Japanese fighter aircraft manufactured by Mitsubishi. It is based on the American F-16.

Table of contents
1 History
2 Characteristics
3 See also

History

In October 1987, Japan selected the F-16 as the basis of its new fighter, to replace the Mitsubishi F-1. The F-2 programme has been controversial, because the unit cost is roughly 4 times that of a Block 50/52 F-16, but this demonstates Japan's commitment to its aerospace industry.

Some differences in the F-2 from the F-16:

  • a 25% larger wing area
  • radar absorbent materials have been used on the leading edges
  • longer nose to accommodate a phased-array radar
  • larger tailplane

The F-2's maiden flight was on October 7, 1995. Later that year, the Japanese government approved an order for 130, to enter service by 1999; structural problems resulted in service entry being delayed until 2001.

Characteristics

See also