Hobby Master 1/72 F-2A: JASDF 8th Sqn

In June 2010 Mitsubishi F-2A 03-8557 c/n M1057 was delivered to the JASDF and in March 2011 was re-registered as 13-8557. In 2013 13-8557 represented the 3rd TFS at the TAC Meet at the Misawa AB painted as "Samurai Spirits". On October 5, 2014 13-8557 transferred to the 8th Wing/8th TFS based at Tsuiki AB since mid 2016. The 8th Wing's 6th and 8th TFS's make up the JASDF Western Air Defense Force. Prior to acquiring the F-2 the 8th TFS flew the F-4E Phantom II.

Designed as a strike fighter for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, the Mitsubishi F-2 was first flown on October 7, 1995. Manufactured with a 60/40 split between Japan and the US, the F-2 is a cooperative production effort between Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Lockheed Martin. Based on an enlarged version of the F-16 (known as the Agile Falcon), the F-2 replaced the aging Mitsubishi F-1. The Japanese ordered 94 F-2s between 2000 and 2008, and in July of 2010 ordered an additional 50. Armed with ASM-1 and ASM-2 anti-ship missiles, this capable aircraft can also carry 500lb bombs and drop tanks with a 4,400kg fuel capacity.

Hobby Master's 1:72 scale Mitsubishi F-2 is constructed using an intelligent mix of diecast metal and plastic, which allows for the greatest possible detail. Among this model's most remarkable features are an articulating hinged opening canopy that closes with almost no visible gap, a large number of pad-printed flight instruments, landing gear that has been constructed as subassemblies for easy configuration and a rudder and engine intake that are accurately replicated in plastic. The solid metal wing features wingtip mounted sidewinder missiles, delicate static wicks on the trailing edge and a full complement of removable ordnance and fuel tanks.

Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:

• Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
• Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
• Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
• Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
• Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
• Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
• Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.