Mitsubishi T-2

The Mitsubishi T-2 was a jet trainer aircraft used by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. Introduced in 1975, it was the first Japanese-designed aircraft to break the sound barrier. It was the basis of the Mitsubishi F-1 strike fighter By March 2006, all T-2s had been retired. The T-2 was replaced as an advanced trainer by the Kawasaki T-4 and as a conversion trainer by a two-seat version of the Mitsubishi F-2, which had replaced the F-1 in the anti-ship strike/ground attack role.

Variants

 * XT-2: Prototypes
 * T-2(Z): T-2 (前期型 Zenki-gata), T-2A. Two-seat advanced jet trainer aircraft (59 delivered to the ASDF training squadron in 1975)
 * T-2(K): T-2 (後期型 Kouki-gata), T-2B. Two-seat armed weapons training aircraft.
 * T-2 CCV: Experimental Control Configuration Vehicle testbed, built from the third T-2 produced. Includes three canards.

Users

 * Japan
 * Japan Air Self-Defense Force x 90
 * 21st Fighter Training Squadron (1976–2004)
 * 3rd Tactical Fighter Squadron (1978–2002)
 * 8th Tactical Fighter Squadron (1980–1997)
 * Tactical Fighter Training Group (1981–1990)
 * 6th Tactical Fighter Squadron (1981–2006)

Related Development

 * Mitsubishi F-1

Comparable Aircraft

 * Northrop T-38 Talon
 * Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter
 * Canadair CF-5 Freedom Fighter
 * SEPECAT Jaguar