Mitsubishi F-1"90-8226" 8th Sqn., 3rd Wing, JASDF, Misawa AB, Japan Scale 1/72 HA3402

Mitsubishi F-1"90-8226" 8th Sqn., 3rd Wing, JASDF, Misawa AB, Japan Scale 1/72 HA3402 Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA3402 Mitsubishi F-1"90-8226" 8th Sqn., 3rd Wing, JASDF, Misawa AB, Japan Die-cast metal. Superb detailing in 1/72 scale. Pre-painted with pad applied markings. Fully assembled. Weapons that are not permanently attached. Comes with crew figures Display stand included. Option to display model with wheels up or down. Minimum use of plastic. The Mitsubishi F-1 is a single-seat attack aircraft that evolved from the Mitsubishi T-2 supersonic jet trainer. Its primary task in the Japanese Self Defense Force is anti- shipping with an air-to-air capability. The F-1 entered service in April 1978 and production ended in March 1987. 160 aircraft were planned, but only 77 were built. The F-1 had several upgrades to extend its service life. The F-1 has slowly been replaced by the Mitsubishi F-2 and upgraded F-4EJ "Kai" Phantom II's. In 2006 six F-1's were retired. The 3 Kokudan (wing) is made up of two Hikotais (Squadrons), 3 Hikotai and 8 Hikotai. Both are assigned to Misawa Air Base in northern portion of the island of Honshu. The Mitsubishi F-1 first flew in November 1976 and very soon after equipped several squadrons. In 1983 JASDF squadrons began to use individual markings so the 8 Hikotai of 3 Kokudan chose the Black Panther (Kurohyou) as well as using “Black Panthers” as their name. A Black Panther is usually found on the aircraft tail and just behind the cockpit.