Mitsubishi XF-2B JASDF, GIFU AIR SHOW 2000

Product description

In the early 1980s the Japanese Defense Ministry’s Technical Research and Development Institute (TRDI) and the Air Development and Test Wing (ADTW) began the project known as FS-X. The project was to develop a made in Japan fighter to replace their aging Mitsubishi F-1. It was finally decided to make a derivative of the F-16C using subcontractors. Construction began in 1993 with the first single-seat FS-X prototype serial number 63-0001 being completed January 12, 1995. The dual-seat XF-2B 63-0003 arrived in August 1997. In December 1997 the TRDI serials were changed to JASDF serials changing 63-0003 to 63-8501. Production F-2As will have JASDF serial numbers in the 8500 range and the F-2Bs with serial numbers in the 8100 range.