Hobby Master 1/72 HA3406 Japna T-2 Trainer 21st Fighter Traning Squadron "Special Marking", 2003
The Mitsubishi T-2 is a two-engined two-seat jet trainer manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and was operated by the Japan Air Self Defense Force from 1975 – 2006. The flight instructor sat behind the student in a raised seat that allowed him to visually monitor the student’s actions. There was a windblast screen between them that created separate clamshell canopies for each person. T-2s were also used by a dedicated Aggressor Squadrons until they were replaced by F-15 Eagle.
The Mitsubishi T-2 Trainer was used by the 4th Kokudan (Wing) / 21st Hikotai (Fighter Training Squadron) at Mitsushima, AB to train pilots for the Mitsubishi F-2 Fighter that had been developed from the T-2. In 2003 the T-2s began to be retired so the 21st Hikotai painted one of the T-2s in a special scheme. It had two purposes; one to mark 28 years using the T-2 and the 40th anniversary of the 21st Squadron. The last T-2 retired in March 2006.