The T-2 was conceived across two major production marks which themselves were led by the original XT-2 prototypes. The T-2(Z) "Zenkigata" (also "T-2A") was the initial mark and represented the basic two-seat unarmed pilot trainer. The JASDF took delivery of 28 of this type. The T-2(K) "Kokigata" (also "T-2B") then followed and served as the definitive two-seat weapons trainer and these appeared in 62 examples, all delivered to the JASDF.
The T-2(K) exhibited a length of 58 feet, 6 inches, a wingspan of 25 feet, 10 inches and a height of 14 feet, 4.25 inches. The airframe sported an empty weight of 13,660lbs and a maximum take-off weight nearing 28,220lbs. Power was served through 2 x Ishikawa-Harima TF40-801A afterburning turbofan engines developing 4,700lbs thrust on dry and 7,140lbs thrust with reheat engaged. This provided the aircraft with a maximum speed of 1,056 miles per hour, a ferry range of 1,785 miles and an operating service ceiling of 50,000 feet. Internally, the T-2(K) was outfitted with the J/AWG-11 search/ranging radar system developed by Mitsubishi and was similar in scope and function to the systems as fitted in British naval F-4 Phantoms (the AN/AWG-11 of the Phantom FG.1). The unarmed T-2(Z) trainers did not feature the radar installation.
The T-2 was an advanced jet-powered trainer in its primary guise but also retained some limited combat qualities about her. This included 1 x 20mm JM61A1 internal Gatling cannon for close-in fighting. There were also three hardpoints (one at fuselage centerline and one under each wing assembly) for external munitions as well as jettisonable fuel stores. Additionally, the wingtips were wired to support short-ranged missiles.
In all, Mitsubishi produced 90 T-2 aircraft with the final example delivered in 1988. One T-2 was used in the experimental CCV ("Experimental Configuration Vehicle") vehicle intended to test triplex fly-by-wire controlling. Two other T-2 airframes were set aside to serve as the prototype for the upcoming SF-X fighter - resulting in the related Mitsubishi F-1 development. T-2 trainers were used operationally up until their official retirement in 2006, the same time that the F-1 fighters were also given up for good. These were both replaced by the modern and more advanced Mitsubishi F-2 inspired by the F-16 Fighting Falcon C/D line through a joint development effort between Japan and the United States. Beyond the arrival of the F-2, Japan modernized its fleet of F-4 Phantoms to the newer F-4EJ "Kai" standard and obtained a production license for the excellent McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle air superiority fighter. The Mitsubishi F-2 directly replaced both the T-2 trainers (in the advanced trainer role) and F-1 fighters (in the strike fighter role).
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