Mitsubishi F-2

{{short description|Japanese supersonic jet fighter}} {{redirect|FS-X|the video game|Microsoft Flight Simulator X}}  {{Infobox aircraft |name = F-2 |image = File:Mitsubishi_F-2.jpg |caption = Mitsubishi F-2A |type = Multirole fighter |national_origin = Japan / United States |manufacturer = Mitsubishi Heavy Industries / Lockheed Martin |first_flight = 7 October 1995 |introduction = 2000 |retired = |status = In service |primary_user = Japan Air Self-Defense Force |more_users = |produced = 1995–2011 |number_built = 98 (including 4 prototypes)<ref>{{cite web |last1= Hehs |first1= Eric |title= Japan's F-2 Support Fighter |url= https://www.codeonemagazine.com/article.html?item_id=%20185 |website= Code One Magazine |access-date= 1 August 2023 |date= 12 November 2015 |archive-date= 4 December 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201204115435/https://www.codeonemagazine.com/article.html?item_id= |url-status= live }}</ref> |developed_from = General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon |variants = }}

The '''Mitsubishi F-2''' is a multirole fighter that was derived from the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon, and manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Lockheed Martin for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, with a 60/40 split in manufacturing between Japan and the United States. The basis of the F-2's design is the F-16C Block 40. Production started in 1996 and the first aircraft entered service in 2000.

The first 76 aircraft entered service by 2008, with a total of 98 airframes produced. The first active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar on a combat aircraft was the J/APG-1 introduced on the Mitsubishi F-2 in 1995.<ref name= "globalsecurity">{{cite web|url= http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/japan/f-2.htm|title= F-2 Support Fighter / FSX|author= John Pike|access-date= 1 February 2016|archive-date= 31 May 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120531225717/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/japan/f-2.htm|url-status= live}}</ref>

The F-2 is nicknamed '''Viper Zero''', a reference to the F-16's unofficial nickname of "Viper" and the Mitsubishi A6M Zero.<ref>Roblin, Sebastien. [https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/fact-tsunami-devastated-japan’s-souped-f-16s-29422 "Tsunami Devastated Japan's Souped Up F-16s.] {{Webarchive|url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190508060846/https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/fact-tsunami-devastated-japan%E2%80%99s-souped-f-16s-29422 |date= 2019-05-08 }}, ''The National Interest'' August 21, 2018. Retrieved January 27, 2019.</ref>

== Development ==

=== US–Japan negotiations === The JASDF and its contractors considered developing a Japanese-designed, Japanese-produced replacement for the aging Mitsubishi F-1 fighter as early as 1981. A formal feasibility study commenced in 1985.<ref name= ":0">{{Cite journal|last= Spar|first= Debora|author-link= Debora Spar|date= 1991–1992|title= Co-Developing the FSX Fighter: The Domestic Calculus of International Co-Operation|url= http://heinonline.org/HOL/Page?handle=%20hein.journals%2Fintj47&div=%2021&g_sent=%201&casa_token=%20&collection=%20journals|journal= International Journal|volume= 47|issue= 2|pages= 265–292|via= HeinOnline|doi= 10.1177/002070209204700204|s2cid= 147156320|access-date= 2017-10-11|archive-date= 2017-10-12|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171012043818/http://heinonline.org/HOL/Page?handle=|url-status= live|url-access= subscription}}</ref>

Japan's initial intentions to develop the aircraft domestically built upon Japan's previous success in producing the F-15J fighter under license from McDonnell Douglas.<ref name= ":1">{{Cite news|url= https://www.nytimes.com/1990/01/14/business/forum-fsx-japan-s-last-bad-deal.html|title= FSX – Japan's Last Bad Deal|last= Ishihara|first= Shintaro|date= 1990-01-14|work= The New York Times|access-date= 2017-10-11|language= en-US|issn= 0362-4331|archive-date= 2017-10-11|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171011233602/http://www.nytimes.com/1990/01/14/business/forum-fsx-japan-s-last-bad-deal.html|url-status= live}}</ref>

Japanese defense contractors argued that they needed to build a new aircraft from the beginning in order to develop the skill of their engineers and, in turn, develop the Japanese aircraft industry.<ref>{{Cite news|url= https://www.chicagotribune.com/1987/05/17/us-japan-wrestle-over-who-will-build-jet/|title= U.S., Japan Wrestle Over Who Will Build Jet|last= Yates|first= Ronald E.|date= 1987-05-17|work= Chicago Tribune|access-date= 2017-10-11|language= en|archive-date= 2017-10-11|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171011233223/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1987-05-17/news/8702060391_1_fsx-mitsubishi-heavy-industries-defense-industry|url-status= live}}</ref>

As the program began to take formal shape in 1985, several United States officials raised concerns that the program would result in an inferior aircraft, and would weaken the U.S.–Japan defense relationship. Pentagon officials advocated co-production or co-development of an aircraft based on the F-16 or F/A-18 platform, as they believed that Japan would not agree to buy U.S. aircraft.<ref name= ":0" />

In early 1987, the U.S., through Caspar Weinberger and other administration officials, began formally pressuring Japan to execute the project as a U.S.–Japan bilateral joint development.<ref name= ":2">{{Cite news|url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/1989/03/23/japan-calls-on-us-to-honor-fsx-jet-pact/d68fdc3e-8c40-4790-90db-06303f2de672/|title= Japan Calls on U.S. to Honor FSX Jet Pact |last= Hiatt|first= Fred|date= 1989-03-23|newspaper= Washington Post|access-date= 2017-10-11|language= en-US|issn= 0190-8286|archive-date= 2017-10-11|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171011233418/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/1989/03/23/japan-calls-on-us-to-honor-fsx-jet-pact/d68fdc3e-8c40-4790-90db-06303f2de672/|url-status= live}}</ref><ref name= ":1" /> The timing of this lobbying coincided with the height of "Japan bashing" in the United States: the Toshiba-Kongsberg scandal, in which Toshiba was found to have sold propeller milling machinery to the Soviet Union in violation of COCOM sanctions, became public in May 1987. Japan's negotiating stance changed amid the risk of deterioration in U.S.–Japan relations.<ref name= ":0" />

The Reagan administration and Nakasone government announced the joint project in October 1987.<ref name= ":3">{{Cite news|url= https://www.chicagotribune.com/1989/03/24/restricting-the-japanese-fighter-deal/|title= Restricting The Japanese Fighter Deal|date= 1989-03-24|work= Chicago Tribune|access-date= 2017-10-11|language= en|archive-date= 2017-10-11|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171011233145/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1989-03-24/news/8903290580_1_fsx-deal-important-bilateral-relationship-jet-fighter|url-status= live}}</ref><ref name= ":4">{{Cite news|url= https://www.nytimes.com/1989/02/20/business/technology-pact-for-fighter-creates-dispute-with-japan.html|title= Technology Pact for Fighter Creates Dispute With Japan|last= Sanger|first= David E.|date= 1989-02-20|work= The New York Times|access-date= 2017-10-11|language= en-US|issn= 0362-4331|archive-date= 2017-10-11|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171011233530/http://www.nytimes.com/1989/02/20/business/technology-pact-for-fighter-creates-dispute-with-japan.html|url-status= live}}</ref>

Under a memorandum of understanding signed in November 1988, General Dynamics would provide its F-16 Fighting Falcon technology to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and would handle up to 45 percent of the development work as a joint principal contractor.<ref name= ":1" /><ref name= ":3" />

On the American side, senior officials in the U.S. State Department and Defense Department supported the project as a means for the U.S. to access Japanese technology and as a means of strengthening U.S.–Japan relations, but the Commerce Department and many members of Congress opposed the project due to the risk of strengthening Japan's ability to compete with U.S. aerospace firms.<ref name= ":2" /> Opponents in Congress argued that Japan should acquire American aircraft in order to offset the trade deficit between the two countries.<ref name= ":5">{{Cite news|url= https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-04-30-mn-2867-story.html|title= Bush Clears Way for FSX Fighter Deal With Japan|date= 1989-04-30|work= Los Angeles Times|access-date= 2017-10-11|language= en-US|issn= 0458-3035|archive-date= 2017-10-12|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171012100919/http://articles.latimes.com/1989-04-30/news/mn-2867_1_fsx-japan-s-ambassador-nobuo-matsunaga-japan-s-mitsubishi-heavy-industries|url-status= live}}</ref> More than twenty members of the Senate demanded official review of the deal.<ref name= ":4" />

After George H. W. Bush took office as U.S. president in January 1989, the U.S. government responded to domestic criticism of the deal by seeking "clarification" of the terms of the MOU, which the Japanese government viewed as an attempt to re-negotiate it. The Bush administration was particularly concerned with the risks of transferring technology to Japan.<ref name= ":2" />

Bush announced a revised agreement in April 1989, shortly before the resignation of his Japanese counterpart Noboru Takeshita, under which Japanese access to flight control and weapons control software was limited, while the U.S. was to have access to any new technology that Japan developed for the project.<ref>{{Cite news|url= https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-04-29-mn-1657-story.html|title= U.S., Japan Agree on FSX Jet Fighter : Bush Announces Accord on $8-Billion Joint Project; Critics Vow Opposition|last1= Lauter|first1= David|date= 1989-04-29|work= Los Angeles Times|access-date= 2017-10-11|last2= Pine|first2= Aart|language= en-US|issn= 0458-3035|archive-date= 2012-12-09|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121209234059/http://articles.latimes.com/1989-04-29/news/mn-1657_1_fsx-jet-fighter-fighter-for-japan-s-air-japan-s-mitsubishi-heavy-industries|url-status= live}}</ref> American contractors were guaranteed at least 40% of the production for the program.<ref name= ":5" /> Congress ratified the deal in June 1989 while expressing official displeasure with it.<ref name= ":0" />

Japanese lawmaker Shintaro Ishihara was a vocal critic of the final deal, writing in 1990 that "our Foreign Ministry and other Government agencies decided it was better to eat humble pie than incur Uncle Sam's wrath on yet another bilateral issue," and pointing out that "we give away our most advanced defense technology to the United States but pay licensing and patent fees for each piece of technology we use."<ref name= ":1" />

=== Production === Work started in the '''FS-X''' program, initially given the company designation '''Mitsubishi SX-3'''.<ref name= "JAWA88-89">{{cite book |title= Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1988–89 |year= 1988 |publisher= Jane's Information Group |location= London |isbn= 0-7106-0867-5 |editor= John W.R. Taylor}}</ref> In 1984 General Dynamics had offered an enlarged version of the F-16 to the US Air Force and considered entering it as a low cost alternative in the Advanced Tactical Fighter competition. Neither came to fruition, however this concept became the starting point for F-2 development. The F-2 has an enlarged wing design, similar to that of the Agile Falcon, but much of the electronics was further updated to 1990s standards. Japan selected the fighter to replace the F-4EJ and supplement the F-15J, its main air superiority fighter. The program involved technology transfer from the U.S. to Japan and vice versa.

Responsibility for cost sharing was split 60% by Japan and 40% by the U.S.<ref name= "Airforce-technology.com" /> Lockheed Martin would manufacture all the aft fuselages and wing leading-edge flaps and eight of the ten left-hand wingboxes.<ref>{{Cite web|last= Breen|first= Tom|url= http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-18786166.html|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150924150021/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-18786166.html|url-status= dead|archive-date= 24 September 2015|title= Lockheed Martin starts beefing up work force for Japan's F-2|work= Defense Daily|date= 21 October 1996|access-date= 27 May 2015}}</ref>

The F-2 program was controversial, because the unit cost, which includes development costs, is roughly four times that of a Block 50/52 F-16, which does not include development costs. Inclusion of development costs distorts the incremental unit cost (this happens with most modern military aircraft), though even at the planned procurement levels, the price per aircraft was somewhat high. The initial plan of 141 F-2s would have reduced the unit cost by up to {{US$|10 million}}(€7.5 million), not including reduced cost from mass production. As of 2008, 94 aircraft were planned.<ref name= "Count94">{{cite web|url= https://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2008/04/08/ap4868517.html|title= Lockheed Martin Gets $250M F-2 Contract|website= Forbes |access-date= 2008-04-09|year= 2008}}{{dead link|date= January 2022|bot= medic}}{{cbignore|bot= medic}}</ref>

The F-2's maiden flight was on 7 October 1995. Later that year, the Japanese government approved an order for 141 (but that was soon cut to 130), to enter service by 1999; structural problems resulted in service entry being delayed until 2000. Because of issues with cost-efficiency, orders for the aircraft were curtailed to 98 (including four prototypes) in 2004.{{Citation needed|date= May 2015}} Flight testing of the four prototypes were conducted by the Japan Defense Agency at Gifu Air Field.<ref>{{Cite web |url = http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-20535550.html|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150924151518/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-20535550.html|url-status= dead|archive-date= 24 September 2015|title= Lockheed Martin continues work for Japan's F-2 fighter|date= 23 April 1998|work= Defense Daily|access-date= 28 May 2015}}</ref>

The last of 94 production aircraft ordered under contract was delivered to the Defense Ministry on 27 September 2011.<ref>Jiji Press, "Final F-2 fighter delivered to ASDF", ''Japan Times'', 29 September 2011, p. 2.</ref> During the roll-out ceremony of the last production F-2 fighter jet, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries confirmed that production of the F-2 would end and no more F-2 fighters will be produced by the manufacturer.<ref name= "AirForceWorld.com_Mitsubishi_F2_fighter_end_production">{{cite web |url= http://airforceworld.com/fighter/eng/f2.htm |title= Mitsubishi Heavy Industries end production of F-2 fighter |work= AirForceWorld.com |access-date= 1 Oct 2011 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111002231721/http://www.airforceworld.com/fighter/eng/f2.htm |archive-date= 2011-10-02 }}</ref> {{as of|2014}} there are 61 single-seaters flying, and 21 two-seat trainers.<ref>{{citation |last= Hoyle |first= Craig |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/big-in-japan-tokyos-top-10-aircraft-projects-405209/ |title= Big in Japan: Tokyo's Top 10 aircraft projects |work= Flightglobal |publisher= Reed Business Information |date= 24 October 2014 |access-date= 24 October 2014 |archive-date= 24 October 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141024223716/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/big-in-japan-tokyos-top-10-aircraft-projects-405209/ |url-status= live }}</ref>

== Design == General Electric, Kawasaki, Honeywell, Raytheon, NEC, Hazeltine, and Kokusai Electric were among the primary component sub-contractors. Lockheed Martin supplied the aft fuselage, leading-edge slats, stores management system, a large percentage of wingboxes (as part of two-way technology transfer agreements),<ref name= "AirForceWorld.com_Mitsubishi_F2_fighter_japan_agreement">{{cite web |url= http://airforceworld.com/fighter/eng/f2.htm |title= Mitsubishi F-2 Fighter Japan Technology Transfer Agreement |work= AirForceWorld.com |access-date= 1 July 2011 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111002231721/http://www.airforceworld.com/fighter/eng/f2.htm |archive-date= 2 October 2011 }}</ref> and other components.<ref>Lockheed Martin Press Release April 8, 2008</ref> Kawasaki built the midsection of the fuselage, as well as the doors to the main wheel and the engine,<ref name= "Airforce-technology.com"/> while the forward fuselage and wings were built by Mitsubishi.<ref name= "Airforce-technology.com"/>

Some of the avionics were supplied by Lockheed Martin, and the digital fly-by-wire system was jointly developed by Japan Aviation Electric and Honeywell (formerly Allied Signal).<ref name= "Airforce-technology.com"/> Contractors for communication systems and IFF interrogators included: Raytheon, NEC, Hazeltine, and Kokusai Electric.<ref name= "Airforce-technology.com"/> The fire control radar, IRS, the mission computer, and the EW system were developed by Japan.<ref name= ":7">{{Cite book|last= Lorell|first= Mark|url= https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/monograph_reports/2007/MR612.2part3.pdf|title= Troubled Partnership: History of US-Japan Collaboration on the FS-X Fighter|publisher= RAND|year= 1995|isbn= 1560008911|pages= 383|access-date= 2020-11-12|archive-date= 2021-08-12|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210812102934/https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/monograph_reports/2007/MR612.2part3.pdf|url-status= live}}</ref>

In addition, the flight control computer, the flight control laws and related computer software were essentially all developed and integrated by Japan.<ref name= ":7" /> Final assembly was done in Japan, by MHI at its Komaki-South facility in Nagoya.

thumb|right|F-2 and F-16 compared Larger wings give an aircraft better payload and maneuverability in proportion to its thrust, but also tend to add weight to the airframe in various ways. More weight can have negative effects on acceleration, climbing, payload, and range. To make the larger wings lighter, the skin, spars, ribs and cap of the wings were made from graphite-epoxy composite and co-cured in an autoclave. This was the first application of co-cured technology to a production tactical fighter.<ref name= "Airforce-technology.com">{{cite web|title= F-2 Attack Fighter, Japan|url= https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/f-2/|access-date= 22 Apr 2012|work= Airforce-technology.com|archive-date= 30 September 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200930232134/https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/f-2/|url-status= live}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|reason= domain on WP:BLACKLIST|date= June 2016}}

This technology for the wings encountered some teething problems, but proved to be a leading-edge use of a technology that provides weight savings, improved range, and some stealth benefits. This technology was then transferred back to America, as part of the program's industrial partnership.<ref name= "Defense Industry Daily">{{cite web |url= http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/lockheed-mitsubishis-f2-fighter-partnership-03188/ |title= Lockheed & Mitsubishi's F-2 Fighter Partnership |work= Defenseindustrydaily.com |access-date= 22 Apr 2012 |archive-date= 21 May 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180521193928/https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/lockheed-mitsubishis-f2-fighter-partnership-03188/ |url-status= live }}</ref>

The F-2 has three display screens, including a liquid crystal display from Yokogawa.

thumb|Differences between F-2 and F-16 Block 40|alt= |upright=1.25 Mitsubishi used the existing F-16 design as a reference guide for design work, and more than 95% of F-16 engineering drawings are changed for F-2.<ref>{{Cite book|last= Lorell|first= Mark|url= https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/monograph_reports/2007/MR612.2part3.pdf|title= Troubled Partnership: History of US-Japan Collaboration on the FS-X Fighter|publisher= RAND|year= 1995|isbn= 1560008911|pages= 380|access-date= 2020-11-12|archive-date= 2021-08-12|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210812102934/https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/monograph_reports/2007/MR612.2part3.pdf|url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last= Kanda|first= Kuniichi|title= 主任設計者が明かすF-2戦闘機開発|publisher= Namiki shobo|year= 2018|isbn= 978-4890633791|location= Tokyo, Japan|pages= 201|language= ja|trans-title= F-2 fighter development explained by the chief designer}}</ref>

When compared to the F-16 Block 40, the F-2 differs in the following aspects:

* An increase in wingspan and root chord, with 25 percent more wing area. The wings also feature a tapered trailing edge.<ref name=":82">{{Cite book |last=Jackson |first=Paul |title=Jane's All The World's Aircraft 2011-2012 |publisher=Jane's Information Group |year= |isbn=9780710629555 |edition=102nd |location=Surrey |publication-date=26 May 2011 |pages=407, 408, 802 |language=en}}</ref> * A larger tailplane.<ref name=":63">{{Cite web |last=Eric |first=Hehs |date=2015-11-12 |title=Japan's F-2 Support Fighter |url=https://www.codeonemagazine.com/article.html?item_id=%20185 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204115435/https://www.codeonemagazine.com/article.html?item_id= |archive-date=2020-12-04 |access-date=2020-08-05 |website=CodeOneMagazine.com}}</ref> * A longer fuselage.<ref name=":82" /> * A longer and wider nose to accommodate the J/APG-1 or J/APG-2 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. Almost simultaneously with a single squadron of USAF F-15C Eagles, the F-2 was the first operational military aircraft in the world to feature an AESA radar,<ref>{{cite web |title=Boeing Delivers Final AESA-Equipped F-15 Aircraft to U.S. Air Force |url=https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2000-12-20-Boeing-Delivers-Final-AESA-Equipped-F-15-Aircraft-to-U.S.-Air-Force |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717070559/https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2000-12-20-Boeing-Delivers-Final-AESA-Equipped-F-15-Aircraft-to-U.S.-Air-Force |archive-date=2022-07-17 |access-date=2022-07-17}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Japan Upgrading 60 F-2s With AAM-4, J/APG-2 {{!}} Aviation Week Network |url=https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/japan-upgrading-60-f-2s-aam-4-japg-2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230103350/https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/japan-upgrading-60-f-2s-aam-4-japg-2 |archive-date=2019-12-30 |access-date=2020-03-20 |website=aviationweek.com}}</ref><ref name=":63" /> before the F-22 Raptor's AN/APG-77 AESA radar. * A three-piece cockpit canopy, providing better protection against bird strikes. * Ten underwing hardpoints as opposed to six on the F-16.<ref name=":82" /> However, a maximum of four underwing hardpoints can be used per wing. * Composite materials used<ref name=":63" /> to reduce overall weight and radar signature. * An integrated electronic warfare system by Mitsubishi Electric.<ref name=":82" /> This system is omitted on the F-2B. * An original flight control system.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Ide |first1=Masaki |last2=Horie |first2=Kazuhiro |last3=Katayanagi |first3=Ryoji |last4=Yamamoto |first4=Masaki |last5=Hashimoto |first5=Kazunori |last6=Satake |first6=Nobumasa |date=April 5, 2000 |script-title=ja:XF-2の飛行制御システム設計 |trans-title=XF-2 Flight Control System Design |url=https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/kjsass/48/555/48_233/_pdf/-char/ja |url-status=live |journal=The Japan Society for Aeronautical and Space Sciences |series=555 |language=ja |publisher=Aerospace Technology Japan |volume=48 |issue=555 |pages=233–240 |doi=10.14822/kjsass.48.555_233 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702131211/https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/kjsass/48/555/48_233/_pdf/-char/ja |archive-date=July 2, 2021 |access-date=September 10, 2020}}</ref> * Equipment and OFP related to the avionics system differ from the F-16 in many aspects.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Kenji |first1=Fujimura |last2=Yuasa |first2=Hiroshi |last3=Konishi |first3=Tomoyuki |last4=Nishi |first4=Hiroshi |last5=Fujisaki |first5=takumi |date=April 5, 2000 |script-title=ja:XF-2のアビオニクス設計 |trans-title=XF-2 Avionics Design |url=https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/kjsass/48/555/48_252/_pdf/-char/ja |url-status=live |journal=The Japan Society for Aeronautical and Space Sciences |series=555 |language=ja |publisher=Aerospace Technology Japan |volume=48 |issue=555 |pages=256 |doi=10.14822/kjsass.48.555_252 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512143150/https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/kjsass/48/555/48_252/_pdf/-char/ja |archive-date=May 12, 2022 |access-date=September 10, 2020}}</ref>

The F-2 is also equipped with a drogue parachute, which is an optional feature on the F-16.<ref name=":63" />

== Operational history == On 7 February 2013, two Russian Air Force Sukhoi Su-27 fighters briefly entered Japanese airspace off Rishiri Island near Hokkaido, flying south over the Sea of Japan before turning back to the north.<ref name= "Russian fighter jets 'breach Japan airspace'"/> Four F-2 fighters were scrambled to visually confirm the Russian planes,<ref name= "Japan accuses Russian jets of violating airspace">{{citation|title = Japan accuses Russian jets of violating airspace|url = https://www.dawn.com/news/784432/japan-accuses-russian-jets-of-violating-airspace|publisher = Dawn.com|date = 7 Feb 2013|access-date = 9 Feb 2013|archive-date = 8 February 2013|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130208094621/http://dawn.com/2013/02/08/japan-accuses-russian-jets-of-violating-airspace/|url-status = live}}</ref> warning them by radio to leave their airspace.<ref name= "Japan scrambles fighter jets as Russian warplanes intrude into airspace">{{citation|title = Japan scrambles fighter jets as Russian warplanes intrude into airspace|url = http://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=%202291677&language=%20en|publisher = Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)|date = 7 Feb 2013|access-date = 10 Feb 2013|archive-date = 16 May 2013|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130516080546/http://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=|url-status = live}}</ref>

A photo taken by a JASDF pilot of one of the two Su-27s was released by the Japan Ministry of Defense.<ref name= "Japan says 2 Russian fighters entered its airspace">{{citation|title = Japan says 2 Russian fighters entered its airspace|url = https://news.yahoo.com/japan-says-2-russian-fighters-entered-airspace-141944662.html|publisher = Yahoo! News|date = 7 Feb 2013|access-date = 9 Feb 2013|archive-date = 11 February 2013|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130211204959/http://news.yahoo.com/japan-says-2-russian-fighters-entered-airspace-141944662.html|url-status = live}}</ref> Russia denied the incursion, saying the jets were making routine flights near the disputed Kuril Islands.<ref name= "Russian fighter jets 'breach Japan airspace'">{{citation|title = Russian fighter jets 'breach Japan airspace'|url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-21364559|work = BBC News|date = 7 Feb 2013|access-date = 20 June 2018|archive-date = 6 August 2017|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170806170254/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-21364559|url-status = live}}</ref>

On 22 August 2013, two Russian Tupolev Tu-142 Bear-F maritime patrol aircraft entered Japanese airspace near the major southern island of Kyushu for less than two minutes. F-2 fighters were scrambled in response.<ref>''[https://www.reuters.com/article/japan-russia-idUSL4N0GN2AR20130822?feedType= RSS&feedName= industrialsSector&rpc= 43 Japan scrambles jets, accusing Russian bombers of intrusion] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307130122/http://www.reuters.com/article/japan-russia-idUSL4N0GN2AR20130822?feedType= |date=2016-03-07 }}''. Reuters, 22 August 2013.</ref>

== Variants == [[File:F-2A (526) of 6 Sqn taxis at Andersen Air Force Base, -5 Feb. 2009 a.jpg|thumb|F-2 taxiing during the 2009 Cope North exercise]] * '''XF-2A''': Single-seat prototypes.<ref name= "ODIN">{{cite web |url= https://odin.tradoc.army.mil/WEG/Asset/Mitsubishi_F-2_Japanese_Strike_Fighter_Aircraft |title= ODIN - OE Data Integration Network }}</ref> * '''XF-2B''': Two-seat prototypes.<ref name= "ODIN"/> * '''F-2A''': Single-seat fighter version.<ref name= "JM">{{cite web |url= https://janes.migavia.com/jpn/mitsubishi/f-2.html |title= Mitsubishi F-2 }}</ref> * '''F-2B''': Two-seat training version.<ref name= "JM"/><ref name= "ODIN"/> * '''F-2 Super Kai''': Proposed version with the capability to carry CFTs (conformal fuel tanks), based on the F-16C Block 60. It was intended to replace the F-4EJ Kai Phantom II. It was rejected when the F-35A Lightning II was chosen.{{cn|date=May 2025}}

== Operators == ;{{JPN}} * Japan Air Self-Defense Force As of March 2025, the JASDF operates 91 F-2A/Bs.<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 March 2025 |title=DEFENSE OF JAPAN 2025 (REFERENCE) |url=https://www.mod.go.jp/j/press/wp/wp2025/pdf/DOJ2025_EN_Reference.pdf |access-date=26 November 2025 |website=mod.go.jp |page=51}}</ref> ;Air Defense Command * Central Air Defense Force ** 7th Air Wing, Hyakuri Air Base *** 3rd Tactical Fighter Squadron (2001–present) * Western Air Defense Force ** 8th Wing, Tsuiki Air Base *** 6th Tactical Fighter Squadron (2004–present) *** 8th Tactical Fighter Squadron (2008–present) ;Air Training Command * 1st Technical School, Hamamatsu Air Base (2000–present) * 4th Air Wing, Matsushima Air Base ** 21st Fighter Training Squadron (Reactivated)<ref name= "fg_dewline_blog_201103" /> ;Air Development and Test Command * Air Development and Test Wing, Gifu Air Base

== Accidents and incidents == * On 31 October 2007, an F-2B crashed during takeoff and subsequently caught fire at Nagoya Airfield in central Japan. The jet was being taken up on a test flight by Mitsubishi employees, after major maintenance and before being delivered to the JASDF. Both test pilots survived the incident with only minor injuries.<ref>{{Cite news|date= 2007-11-01|title= ASDF F-2 crashes on takeoff; pilots hurt|work= The Japan Times|url= https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2007/11/01/news/asdf-f-2-crashes-on-takeoff-pilots-hurt/|url-status= dead|access-date= 2007-11-01|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171201234259/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2007/11/01/news/asdf-f-2-crashes-on-takeoff-pilots-hurt/|archive-date= 2017-12-01}}</ref> It was eventually determined that improper wiring caused the crash.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://huhcanitbetrue.blogspot.com/2008/01/f2mhi.html|title= そうなのかな|access-date= 1 February 2016|archive-date= 4 March 2016|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160304095756/http://huhcanitbetrue.blogspot.com/2008/01/f2mhi.html|url-status= dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.f-16.net/index.php?name=%20PNphpBB2&file=%20viewtopic&p=%20112537|title= JASDF F-2 Update – General F-16 forum|access-date= 1 February 2016|archive-date= 8 August 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120808182335/http://www.f-16.net/index.php?name=|url-status= live}}</ref> * As a result of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, 18 F-2Bs belonging to the 21st Fighter Squadron at Matsushima Air Base were damaged or destroyed.<ref name= "fg_dewline_blog_201103">{{cite web|url= http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-dewline/2011/03/earthquake-devastates-japan-f-.html|title= About the Flightglobal Group – Blogs Announcement |work= Flightglobal.com|access-date= 1 February 2016|archive-date= 19 October 2011|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111019101615/http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-dewline/2011/03/earthquake-devastates-japan-f-.html|url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date= 2011-03-12|title= Ｆ２戦闘機１８機など水没松島基地、１機１２０億円|work= Asahi Shimbun|url= https://www.asahi.com/national/update/0312/TKY201103110818.html|url-status= dead|access-date= 2011-03-11|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110629171718/https://www.asahi.com/national/update/0312/TKY201103110818.html|archive-date= 2011-06-29}}</ref> Of these 18, 5 were deemed beyond repair and have been scrapped. The remaining 13 F-2s were repaired at the estimated cost of {{JPYConvert|80|b|year= 2011|ref= <ref>{{Cite news|last= Watanabe|first= Takashi|date= 2011-09-16|title= Air SDF to scrap 12 fighters, citing tsunami damage|work= The Asahi Shimbun|url= http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201109150442.html|url-status= dead|access-date= 2011-09-16|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110917051106/http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201109150442.html|archive-date= 2011-09-17}}</ref>}}. In the meantime, training duties carried out by the 21st Fighter Squadron have been transferred to other air bases. Repair work was completed by 2016, when the 21st Squadron returned to Matsushima.<ref>{{cite news|title = JASDF – Order of Battle|agency = J-Hangerspace|date = February 9, 2019|url = http://www.j-hangarspace.jp/jasdf-order-of-battle|access-date = February 9, 2019|archive-date = February 12, 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190212155756/http://www.j-hangarspace.jp/jasdf-order-of-battle|url-status = live}}</ref> * On 20 February 2019, an F-2B crashed during a training flight over the Sea of Japan. Both the flight instructor and pilot survived the accident.<ref>{{Cite news|last= Takahashi|first= Kosuke|date= 2019-02-21|title= JASDF F-2 fighter crashes into Sea of Japan|work= Jane's 360|url= https://www.janes.com/article/86668/jasdf-f-2-fighter-crashes-into-sea-of-japan|url-status= dead|access-date= 2019-02-21|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190221190308/https://www.janes.com/article/86668/jasdf-f-2-fighter-crashes-into-sea-of-japan|archive-date= 2019-02-21}}</ref> * In April 2021, two F-2 jets (an F-2A and an F-2B) flying in formation, had a minor mid-air collision over Yamaguchi Prefecture. They safely landed afterwards with no reported injuries and little damage to the jets.<ref name= "mainichi.jp">{{Cite news|url= https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210423/p2a/00m/0na/007000c|title= F-2 fighters collide in midair above west Japan|date= April 23, 2021|newspaper= Mainichi Daily News|access-date= July 31, 2021|archive-date= July 31, 2021|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210731111921/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210423/p2a/00m/0na/007000c|url-status= live}}</ref> * On 7 August 2025, an F-2A stationed at Hyakuri Air Base crashed into the Pacific off Ibaraki Prefecture during a training flight. The pilot ejected and survived.<ref name= "nikkei.com">{{Cite news|url= https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUA076FO0X00C25A8000000/|title= 航空自衛隊「F2」戦闘機が茨城県沖で墜落搭乗員は脱出|date= August 7, 2025|newspaper= Nippon Keizai Shimbun|access-date= 7 August 2025}}</ref>

{{Aircraft specs | ref = Jane's all the World's Aircraft 2010–11,<ref name= JAWA2010-2011>{{cite book |title= Jane's all the World's Aircraft 2010–11 |editor1-last= Jackson |editor1-first= Paul |year= 2009 |edition= 101st |publisher= Jane's Information Group |location= London |isbn= 978-0-7106-29166 |pages= 422–424}}</ref> Combat Aircraft since 1945<ref name= Wilson>{{cite book |last1= Wilson |first1= Stewart |title= Combat aircraft since 1945 |date= 2000 |publisher= Aerospace Publications |location= Fyshwick, Australia |isbn= 1-875671-50-1 |page= 106 |edition= 1st}}</ref> | prime units? = met | crew = 1 ('''F-2B:''' 2) | length m = 15.52 | length note = | span m = 11.125 | span note = over missile launchers ::::{{cvt|10.8|m|0}} without missile launchers | height m = | height note = | wing area sqm = 34.84 | wing area note = | aspect ratio = 3.3 | airfoil = | empty weight kg = 9527 | empty weight note = ::::'''F-2B:''' {{cvt|9633|kg|0}} | gross weight kg = 13459 | gross weight note = clean | max takeoff weight kg = 22100 | max takeoff weight note = * '''Maximum landing weight:''' {{cvt|18300|kg}} | fuel capacity = {{cvt|4637|L|USgal impgal}} maximum internal fuel {{cvt|4588|L|USgal impgal}} usable ::::'''F-2B''' {{cvt|3948|L|USgal impgal}} maximum internal fuel {{cvt|3903|L|USgal impgal}} usable * '''External Fuel capacity:''' {{cvt|5678|L|USgal impgal}} maximum – (1x {{cvt|1135.5|L|USgal impgal}} <big>+</big> 2x {{cvt|2271.25|L|USgal impgal}} drop-tanks) | more general =  | eng1 number = 1 | eng1 name = General Electric F110-IHI-129 | eng1 type = afterburning turbofan | eng1 lbf = 17000 | eng1 note = | eng1 lbf-ab = 29500 | max speed kmh = 2124 | max speed note = | max speed mach = 2.0 at high altitude, Mach 1.1 at low altitude | cruise speed kmh = | cruise speed note = | stall speed kmh = | stall speed note = | never exceed speed kmh = | never exceed speed note = | minimum control speed kmh = | minimum control speed note = | range km = | range note = | combat range km = 833 | combat range note = <big>+</big> | ferry range km = | ferry range note = | endurance =  | ceiling m = 18000 | ceiling note = | g limits =  | roll rate =  | climb rate ms = | climb rate note = | time to altitude = | wing loading kg/m2 = 634.3 | wing loading note = maximum | fuel consumption kg/km = | thrust/weight = 0.994 | more performance =  | guns = 1 × 20 mm (0.787 in) JM61A2 6-barrel rotary cannon | hardpoints = 2 × wing-tip air-to-air missile launch rails, 8 × under-wing, and 1 × under-fuselage pylon(s) with a capacity of 8,085 kg (17,824 lb) of ordnance | rockets = **4 × JLAU-3/A rocket pods | missiles = ** Air-to-air missiles: ***4 × Mitsubishi AAM-3 ***4 × Mitsubishi AAM-4 ***4 × Mitsubishi AAM-5 ***4 × AIM-9L Sidewinder ***4 × AIM-7M Sparrow ** Anti-ship missiles: ***4* × ASM-1 ***4* × ASM-2 ***4* × ASM-3 ****There are umbilicals and attachment points for ASMs on the inner most pylon, potentially bringing the total up to 6 for each of the ASMs, however this loadout is not used in service. | bombs = ** Unguided Bombs: ***18 × Mk.82 bomb ***6 × Mk.84 bomb ***6 × CBU-87/B ** Guided Bombs: ***18 × GCS-1 IIR guided bomb ***8 × 500lb JDAM/LJDAMs ***4 × 2000lb JDAMs *'''Others:''' **J/AAQ-2 FLIR, later AN/AAQ-33 targeting pod | hardpoint other = | avionics = *Mitsubishi Electric J/APG-2 AESA radar system *Raytheon AN/ARC-164 Have Quick UHF transceiver *NEC V/UHF transceiver *Hitachi Kokusai Electric HF transceiver *Tokyo Radio System/BAE AIFF *Japan Aviation Electronics/Honeywell digital AFCS *Japan Aviation Electronics ring laser IRS *Toshiba VOR/ILS *Rockwell Collins TACAN *Mitsubishi Electric mission computer *Mitsubishi MDS mission planning system *Toshiba digital map display system *Mitsubishi Electric integrated EW system }}

== See also == {{Portal|Aviation}} {{aircontent |see also= * Fighter units of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force |related=  * General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon * AIDC F-CK-1 Ching-kuo * KAI T-50 Golden Eagle |similar aircraft=  * Chengdu J-10 * Lockheed Martin F-16V Viper * Saab JAS 39 Gripen |lists=  * List of fighter aircraft }}

== References == === Citations === {{reflist|30em}}

=== Bibliography === * Aoki, Yoshimoto. "Mitsubishi F-2: 21st Century JASDF fighter-support". ''World Air Power Journal'', Volume 39, Winter 1999. London:Aerospace Publishing. {{ISBN|1-86184-039-X}}. ISSN 0959-7050. pp. 38–49. * [https://web.archive.org/web/20090509093421/http://www.mod.go.jp/asdf/english/formation/index.html Organization ｜ [JASDF] Japan Air Self-Defense Force] (accessed on February 9, 2007) * [https://www.mod.go.jp/asdf/equipment/sentouki/F-2/index.html 主要装備 F-2A/B｜防衛省 [JASDF] 航空自衛隊] (accessed on February 9, 2007) * {{cite book |title= Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1988–89 |year= 1988 |publisher= Jane's Information Group |location= London |isbn= 0-7106-0867-5 |editor= John W.R. Taylor}}

== External links == {{Commons}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20070307102211/http://www.mod.go.jp/asdf/equipment/01_f2.html JASDF Official F-2 webpage {{in lang|ja}}] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20081204061319/http://www.mhi.co.jp/en/products/detail/f-2_close_support_fighter.html F-2 at ''Mitsubishi Heavy Industries''] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20081227194550/http://www.lockheedmartin.com/products/f2/index.html F-2 at ''Lockheed Martin''] * [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/japan/f-2.htm F-2 at ''Globalsecurity.org'']

F-2 F-2, Mitsubishi Category:Single-engined jet aircraft Category:Japan–United States military relations Category:Post–Cold War military equipment of Japan Category:General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon Category:Mid-wing aircraft Category:Aircraft first flown in 1995 Category:Fourth-generation jet fighters Category:4.5-generation jet fighters