HAS02448 - Hasegawa 1/72 Mitsubishi F-2 B

HAS02448 - Hasegawa 1/72 Mitsubishi F-2 B Prototype No.4

The Mitsubishi F-2 is Japan's front-line multi-role support fighter, developed through a joint programme between Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and the United States beginning in the mid-1980s as a replacement for the ageing Mitsubishi F-1. Although based on the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon, the F-2 incorporated many unique Japanese technologies, including advanced composite materials in the airframe and a domestically developed radar system, as part of Japan's broader strategy to build indigenous aerospace capability. The F-2B is the two-seat tandem trainer variant, featuring a fuselage extension of approximately 0.91 metres compared to the single-seat F-2A to accommodate a rear cockpit for an instructor, while retaining the same avionics suite including the J/APG-1 active electronically scanned array radar and full armament integration. The prototype XF-2B achieved its first flight on April 17, 1996, with the distinctive two-tone Shallow Ocean Blue and White prototype livery making it one of the most visually striking schemes in the F-2 family.

This limited edition release from Hasegawa depicts XF-2B Prototype No.4 (63-8102) of the Technical Research and Development Institute and Air Development and Test Wing (ADTW) in its prototype test colour scheme.

• 1/72 scale injection-moulded plastic model kit
• Light grey plastic sprues, clear sprue
• Waterslide decal sheet: XF-2B Prototype No.4, 63-8102, TRDI/ADTW, Shallow Ocean Blue and White
• Limited Edition release
• Glue and paint required, not included