F-2 Fighter Plane
[ Defense Aircraft ]

The F-2 is a close support fighter jet owned by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).
It was designed based on the US F-16 fighter plane to succeed the F-1 by a Japan-U.S. joint development program.

Key Features

F2 achieves a better maneuvering capability, with the introduction of an integral structure using a composite material and maximizing the wingspan. Also, with the use of various high-tech materials and structural technology, we have succeeded in making the wings lighter. In avionics, the newest technological domestically oriented equipment has been installed, such as integrated electronic warfare system, and an on-board computer. Also, the Control Configured Vehicle (CCV) and stealth characteristics are improved, using radio wave absorption materials, and equipping the engine with more thrust to increase capability in take-offs and landings.

Main specifications

Width 11.1m
Length 15.5m
Height 5.0m

Development Program

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. is the primary contractor, and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., and SUBARU Corporation (former Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.) serve as subcontractors.

November 1988 Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the US and Japan regarding the development of the F-2 fighter aircraft
March 1990 Support fighter design team formed
June 1992 Completion of actual scale model
October 1995 The first flight of the F-2 prototype aircraft
March 1996 The delivery of the first prototype aircraft
July 1996 Signing of a MoU between the US and Japan regarding the production of the F-2
September 2000 The first production fighter aircraft delivered

November 1988:
October 1995:
March 1996: The delivery of the first prototype aircraft.

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