Mitsubishi F-1

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries · Japan · first flew 1975 · fighter

The Mitsubishi F-1 was Japan's first domestically developed supersonic combat aircraft, designed for anti-ship strike and close air support missions. It bore a strong visual resemblance to the SEPECAT Jaguar, which influenced its design.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Mid-mounted, swept
E — Engines	2 × turbofan, fuselage-mounted
F — Fuselage	17.86 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

Japanese supersonic strike fighter resembling SEPECAT Jaguar
Twin-engine mid-wing jet with side intakes
Japan Air Self-Defense Force anti-ship role

Distinguished by twin side-mounted intakes, swept mid-wings, tandem main undercarriage, and overall visual similarity to the Jaguar but with a single-seat cockpit.

Specifications

The Mitsubishi F-1 has a length of 17.86 m (59 ft).
It has a wingspan of 7.88 m (26 ft).
Its maximum speed is 1700 km/h (1056 mph).
Typical crew: 1.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Developed from the T-2 trainer, the F-1 first flew in 1975 and entered service with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force in 1978. It was Japan's first postwar indigenous supersonic military aircraft, representing a milestone in the country's defense aviation industry. Production totalled 77 aircraft, serving primarily in an anti-ship missile carrier role around Japanese waters.

Variants

Derived from the Mitsubishi T-2 trainer; a proposed F-1Kai upgrade was studied but not built. Succeeded by the Mitsubishi F-2.

Where you'll see it

Served with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force from 1978 until retirement in 2006, primarily at Misawa Air Base in northern Japan.

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