1:72 scale diecast aircraft from the Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA2703. Mitsubishi F-2A JASDF 8 Sqn Panthers, Misawa AB, Japan.

Length 9 inches
Wingspan 6 inches

Features:
Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
Realistic panel lines, access panels and surface detailing.
Pad printed markings and placards.
Opening canopy Detailed cockpits.
Positionable landing gear.
Display stand.
Detachable placarded ordinance loads.
Concealed screwheads.

During the 1980s General Dynamics, the developer of the F-16, proposed another version of the F-16 called the F-16 Agile Falcon. The US military opted not to get involved because they were busy upgrading their present fleet as well as developing the new F-22/JSF. Japan had decided to purchase the F-16 to replace its aging F-1 aircraft but then decided to develop the F-16 Agile Falcon concept. The new aircraft for the JASDF (Japan Air Self Defense Force) would be the F-2 and manufactured with a 60/40 split between Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Lockheed Martin. Lockheed Martin bought General Dynamics in 1993. Production started in 1996 with the first aircraft being delivered in 2000. 94 of the F-2 aircraft are scheduled to be manufactured. It might look like an F-16 but the Mitsubishi F-2 is a completely new fighter. The general shape may say F-16 and a few things that the F-2 and the F-16 have common are the engine, landing gear, air intake door and the 20 mm gun. But the F-2 has a longer and wider nose to accommodate phased-array radar with 25% larger wing. It is made from a composite material to reduce weight and radar signature, a larger tail plane and larger air intake. The pilot canopy is a stronger three-piece construction. The F-2 is equipped with a drogue chute just like the NATO version of the F-16. The single seat fighter is the F-2A while the two seat version (F-2B) is a trainer that is fully combat capable.

The J.A.S.D.F 8th SQ, 3rd AW and their Mitsubishi F-2 aircraft are stationed at Misawa Air Base, Aomori Prefecture, Honshu and is one of two Japanese squadrons stationed there. The squadron is known as the �Black Panthers�. Misawa Air base was built in 1938 and is the only joint service installation in the western Pacific region for both Japanese and American military services. It is home to more than 20,000 American and Japanese military personnel and their families. Misawa is also the headquarters for the JASDF Northern Air Defense Force.