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Justin Bronk
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Mitsubishi F-2AJapan's take on the F-16

November 28, 2018 · in Aviation · · 7 · 3.2K

Hi all!

This is one I did a little while back - the Japanese Air Self Defense Forces (JASDF) Mitsubishi F-2A from Hasegawa. It's a very nice kit and much like Israeli F-15s and F-16s offers a nice colourful alternative to USAF ghost grey schemes!

Developed from the F-16 at vast expense, the aircraft is around 20% larger than the Viper with improved Japanese AESA radar and electronics. However, the result was extremely expensive and by the time it entered service was less capable than the latest F-16 Block 60/62.

I'm not terribly happy with the eventual finish on this - sadly my attempts to de-saturate the blues limited the eventual quality. A lesson for another time!

Build video here for those who are interested:
https://youtu.be/Uyy6qOhCtDA

Reader reactions:
3  Awesome

5 additional images. Click to enlarge.


7 responses

  1. Your effort looks good to me! I’ve always liked the platform of this version.

  2. Nice work Justin. I like how it looks. Sometimes we are too critical of our own stuff. I'm guilty as charged of this.

    I see what you are saying after looking at the pictures about how this plane is about 20 percent larger than a F-16. It really shows up in the picture that was taken from directly above. The wing appears larger and the elevator seems to be a cross between the F-15 and a F-22.
    Thanks for sharing this with us.

  3. I cannot pick out any flaws, although I'm a newbie anyway. That scheme looks like fun to complete. It looks great.

  4. Looks excellent! I just bought one of these in 1/72 - love the color scheme, and our theme for 2020 show is Japan: Rise - Fall - Rebirth. I'm thinking this is my pick for that show!

  5. The color scheme looks fine, nice job!

  6. 🙂 … Greetings … 🙂 :
    At last I get to see one in model form … thanks Justin.
    The size can bee seen and compared to that of the F-16.
    The color scheme really make it stand out.
    Nice work.

  7. Hello:
    Great build and a wonderful choice of music too! Again sweet work...

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