Military Aircraft Directory: Mitsubishi

MITSUBISHI

Abbreviations: PWR-Power, Max TD-Thrust dry, Max TR-Thrust re-heat, WS-Wingspan, FL-Fuselage length, Max RF-Max range (km), H-Hardpoints, Max OC-Max Operating Ceiling, Max Pay.-Max Payload, C-Crew, P-Pax, Max WLE-Max Load External (warload) (kg), E-Endurance, CR Max PNR-Combat Radius Max Payload No-Refuel.

Mitsubishi, Helicopter Dept, Aircraft & Special Vehicle HQ 5-1, Marunouchi 2-chome, Chiyoda-ku 100-86, Tokyo, Japan; Tel:+81 3 3212 9579, Fax:+81 3 3212 9866, Telex J22433

F-4EJ Kai

Mitsubishi is prime contractor for modernisation of 96 Japan Air Self-Defence Force McDonnell Douglas F-4EJ Phantoms. The first updated F-4EJKai was delivered in 1989. Improvements include a Northrop Grumman APG-66J multi-mode radar as well as other avionics upgrades.

F-2

Formerly known as the FS-X, the F-2 is a Mitsubishi-developed derivative of the Lockheed Martin F-16, powered by the GE F110-129. The aircraft first flew in October 1995, and four prototypes are now in flight test. Production deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2000, against a requirement for 130 aircraft to replace the Japan Air Self-Defence Force's Mitsubishi F-1 support fighters.

The F-16 was selected as the basis of the FS-X (F-2) project in 1987. Changes include a bigger, composite, wing and a larger nose radome housing an indigenously developed active array radar. As well as fulfilling air defence and ground attack missions, the aircraft is also earmarked for the anti-shipping role carrying both the ASM-1 and ASM-2 anti-ship missiles.

Projects cost have risen significantly, with the aircraft now some three to four times as expensive as a basic F-16. Unit costs on the initial production aircraft are estimated at around $100 million each.

Along with Mitsubishi, Kawasaki and Fuji are involved with the programme as airframe subcontractors. Japan plans to acquire 83 single-seat F-2As and 47 two-seat F-2B operational trainers.

Source: Flight International