The Mitsubishi F-1 is a single-seat attack aircraft that evolved from the Mitsubishi T-2
supersonic jet trainer. Its primary task in the Japanese Self Defense Force is anti-
shipping with an air-to-air capability. The F-1 entered service in April 1978 and
production ended in March 1987. 160 aircraft were planned, but only 77 were built. The
F-1 had several upgrades to extend its service life. The F-1 has slowly been replaced by
the Mitsubishi F-2 and upgraded F-4EJ "Kai" Phantom II's. In 2006 six F-1's were retired

The 3rd Hikotai (Squadron) is assigned to the Northern Air Defense Force of the JASDF
located at Misawa AB in Aomori Prefecture. The 3rd Hikotai is easily identified by their
“kabuto” (helmet) insignia on their aircraft vertical tails. The shark mouth paint scheme
was used by the 3rd Hikotai in the mid 1980’s when they were participating in a bombing
exercise called “Senkyo” a TAC (Tactical Air Combat) Meet. In the mid 1980’s the F-1
still had the framed windshield used on the T-2.

Specifications for the Mitsubishi F-1

Role - Multi-role Light Fighter and Maritime Attack

Crew – 1 x pilot

Dimensions
Length – 17.66 m   (57 ft 11 in)
Wingspan – 7.88 m   (25 ft 10 in)
Height – 4.39 m   (14 ft 5 in)
Wing Area – 21.2 m

Weight
Empty – 6,358 kg   (14,017 lb)
Maximum Takeoff – 13,674 kg   (30,146 lb)

Performance
Power Plant – 2 x Ishikawa-Harima TF40-801A After-burning Turbofan
Each Producing 32.4 kN   (7,280 lbf ) (License Built Rolls-Royce/Turbomeca Adour Mk
801A)
Maximum Speed – 1,700 km/h   (1,060 mph)
Rate of Climb - 118 m/s   (35,000 ft/min)
Service Ceiling – 15,250 m   (50,020 ft)
Range – 1,130 km   (705 miles)

Armament
1 x 20 mm JM61A1 Vulcan Cannon
AIM-9 Sidewinder Missiles
Mitsubishi AAM-1
Mitsubishi ASM-1/2 Anti-ship Missiles
JLAU-3A 70 mm Rocket Pods
RL-7 70 mm Rockets
RL-4 125 mm Rockets
Mk-82 500 lb General Purpose Bomb
M117 750 lb General Purpose Bomb
GCS-1 – IR Guided Versions of the Mk-82
All Can Be Carried On
4 x Under-Wing Pylons, 1 x Under-Fuselage Pylon, 2 x Wingtip Missile Rails

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