T-7
Fuji · Japan · first flew 1998 · light aircraft
The Fuji T-7 is a single-engined turboprop primary trainer built to give Japanese air force cadets their first flying experience.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turboprop, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8.59 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Single-turboprop primary trainer
- Side-by-side cockpit under glazed canopy
- Low tapered wing with nose propeller
Look for a compact low-wing trainer with a nose-mounted propeller, a broad side-by-side canopy and a plain conventional tail.
Specifications
- The T-7 has a length of 8.59 m (28 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.04 m (33 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 376 km/h (234 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed from the earlier piston-engined KM-2 family, the T-7 replaced its predecessor's flat engine with a Rolls-Royce 250 turboprop and first flew in 1998. It was selected by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force after a competition and entered service from 2002.
Variants
The T-7 is closely related to the KM-2Kai that preceded it, sharing the same fuselage lines and side-by-side cockpit but adopting turboprop power. It has remained a single dedicated trainer version rather than spawning a large family.
Where you'll see it
It serves the Japan Air Self-Defense Force as its standard elementary trainer and has not been operated by the RAF, whose equivalent ab-initio role has been filled by types such as the Grob Tutor and Prefect.
Related aircraft
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