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 The F-1 has slowly been replaced by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 3 Kokudan (wing) is made up of two Hikotais (Squadrons), 3 Hikotai and 8 Hikotai.
Both are assigned to Misawa Air Base in northern portion of the island of Honshu. The
Mitsubishi F-1 first flew in November 1976 and very soon after equipped several
squadrons. In 1983 JASDF squadrons began to use individual markings so the 8 Hikotai
of 3 Kokudan chose the Black Panther (Kurohyou) as well as using “Black Panthers” as
their name. A Black Panther is usually found on the aircraft tail and just behind the
cockpit.

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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