What Is The Mitsubishi F-2?
The Mitsubishi F-2. Japanese multirole jet based on the F-16 design, featuring a larger wing and co-cured composite structure.
Japan
Origin
Multirole
Role
Mach 2.0
Top speed
18,000 m
Service ceiling
Mitsubishi F-2 Specifications
Co-developed by Japan and Lockheed Martin, the Mitsubishi F-2 is a multirole fighter, based on the design of the F-16. However, it features a 25% larger composite wing area, active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, and a GE F110 engine reaching Mach 2.0, excelling at anti-ship and maritime defence.
Performance
Top speed
Mach 2.0 (1,320 mph)
Service ceiling
59,000 ft (18,000 m)
Combat radius
450 nmi (833 km)
Rate of climb
50,000+ ft/min (254 m/s)
Airframe
Crew
1
Length
50 ft 11 in (15.52 m)
Wingspan
36 ft 6 in (11.13 m)
Empty weight
21,000 lbs (9,527 kg)
Engine
1x General Electric F110-IHI-129 afterburning turbofan
Service
First flight
7 October 1995
Unit cost
$127 million
Operators
Japan (JASDF)
What Weapons Does The Mitsubishi F-2 Carry?
Featuring an internal 20mm JM61A1 cannon, the Mitsubishi F-2 has 13 hardpoints carrying 17,800 lbs of weapons, specializing in Type 80/93 anti-ship missiles, AIM-7/AIM-120 air-to-air missiles, and JDAMs.
Weapon
Category
Loadout
Range
M61A1 Vulcan
Category
20 mm Rotary Cannon
Loadout
1 internal cannon (512 rounds)
Range
1,800 metres (effective)
ASM-2
Category
Anti-Ship Missile
Loadout
Up to 4 missiles
Range
170 km (106 miles)
AAM-4
Category
Beyond-Visual-Range Missile
Loadout
Up to 4 missiles
Range
100 km (62 miles)
AAM-5
Category
Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile
Loadout
Up to 2 missiles
Range
35 km (22 miles)
JDAM
Category
Precision-Guided Bomb (GPS)
Loadout
Up to 4 bombs
Range
24 km (15 miles)
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
Category
Loadout
Range
How Fast Is The Mitsubishi F-2?
The F-2 reaches Mach 2.0, roughly 1,320 mph, similar to the F-16 it derives from. Its wing is 25 percent larger in area and built largely from co-cured composites, which improves turn performance and allows a heavier weapons load, at the cost of some top-end acceleration.
How Was The Mitsubishi F-2 Developed?
Japan initially intended to develop an indigenous fighter, the FS-X, but political pressure from the United States resulted in a joint programme based on the F-16C. Mitsubishi led development with Lockheed Martin as partner. The prototype flew on 7 October 1995, though early aircraft suffered wing cracking that delayed service entry to 2000.
Has The Mitsubishi F-2 Seen Combat?
The F-2 has not seen combat. It has been used extensively for maritime patrol and air defence, and eighteen airframes were destroyed by the 2011 Tōhoku tsunami at Matsushima Air Base, several of which were later rebuilt.
Who Operates The Mitsubishi F-2?
The Japan Air Self-Defense Force is the sole operator, with 94 aircraft delivered. Production ended in 2011, and the type is due to be replaced from the late 2030s by the aircraft emerging from the joint UK-Italy-Japan Global Combat Air Programme.
Mitsubishi F-2 FAQs
Common questions about the Mitsubishi F-2, its capabilities and whether civilians can fly it.
Can I fly in the Mitsubishi F-2 as a civilian?
No, the Mitsubishi F-2 is not available for civilian passenger flights. Jetify offers flights in ex-military aircraft that have been demilitarised and placed on a civil register, such as the L-39 Albatros, Hawker Hunter and MiG-15 Fagot, across 7 aircraft types from 11 airfields in 7 countries.
Can I take the controls of the Mitsubishi F-2?
No, you cannot take the controls of the Mitsubishi F-2, because it is not available for civilian passenger flights. On the aircraft Jetify does operate, such as the L-39 Albatros, most allow you to take the controls in level flight and gentle turns once your pilot is satisfied you are comfortable.
How much does a flight in the Mitsubishi F-2 cost?
The Mitsubishi F-2 is not available for civilian passenger flights, so there is no price for a flight in one. Jetify flights in jets such as the L-39 Albatros start from around £2,500, $3,300 or €2,900, while the MiG-15 Fagot, Aermacchi S.211 and Lockheed T-33 start from around £2,800 ($3,800, €3,400). The Hawker Hunter, the fastest aircraft currently bookable, starts from around £6,400, $8,500 or €7,600. Every price is per person and includes ground school, flight suit, helmet and pre-flight medical screening.
Are there weight limits on a jet flight instead of the Mitsubishi F-2?
The Mitsubishi F-2 is not available for civilian passenger flights, but all jet flight experiences enforce strict height and weight limits set by ejection seat clearances, cockpit dimensions and harness fit. Height is typically 5ft 2in (157 cm) to 6ft 4in (193 cm), and weight is generally capped at 16 st 7 lb to 18 st 12 lb (105 kg to 120 kg) depending on the aircraft. You also need normal cardiovascular health, with no heart conditions, severe high blood pressure or recent surgery.
How much G-force would I feel on a jet flight instead of the Mitsubishi F-2?
The Mitsubishi F-2 is not available for civilian passenger flights, but on a civilian jet experience aerobatic profiles typically reach four to eight positive G in sustained turns and around minus four negative G. You learn the anti-G straining manoeuvre in ground school, which keeps you conscious under load. Supersonic and high-altitude profiles are physically far easier, and what happens in the air is agreed with your pilot and can be adjusted at any point.
How far in advance should I book a jet flight instead of the Mitsubishi F-2?
The Mitsubishi F-2 is not available for civilian passenger flights, but you should book a real ex-military jet experience, such as the L-39 Albatros, 2 to 4 months in advance because of limited aircraft availability, maintenance schedules and airspace clearances. For weekend slots in peak summer months, allow 6 months. Simulator experiences generally need 2 to 3 weeks’ notice for standard weekend bookings.
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