• Die-cast metal.
• Superb detailing in 1/72 scale.
• Pre-painted with pad applied markings.
• Fully assembled.
• Comes with crew figures
• Display stand included.
• Option to display model with wheels up or down.
• Minimum use of plastic.

During the 1980s General Dynamics, the developer of the F-16, proposed another
version of the F-16 called the F-16 Agile Falcon. The US military opted not to get involved
because they were busy upgrading their present fleet as well as developing the new F-
22/JSF. Japan had decided to purchase the F-16 to replace its aging F-1 aircraft but then
decided to develop the F-16 Agile Falcon concept. The new aircraft for the JASDF (Japan
Air Self Defense Force) would be the F-2 and manufactured with a 60/40 split between
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Lockheed Martin. Lockheed Martin bought General
Dynamics in 1993. Production started in 1996 with the first aircraft being delivered in
2000. 94 of the F-2 aircraft are scheduled to be manufactured. It might look like an
F-16 but the Mitsubishi F-2 is a completely new fighter. The general shape may say F-16
and a few things that the F-2 and the F-16 have common are the engine, landing gear, air
intake door and the 20 mm gun. But the F-2 has a longer and wider nose to
accommodate phased-array radar with 25% larger wing. It is made from a composite
material to reduce weight and radar signature, a larger tail plane and larger air intake.
The pilot canopy is a stronger three-piece construction. The F-2 is equipped with a
drogue chute just like the NATO version of the F-16. The single seat fighter is the F-2A
while the two seat version is a trainer that is fully Combat capable.

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force is the aviation branch of the Japan Self-Defense
Force. The JASDF is tasked with the defense of Japanese airspace that is divided into 4
sectors or regions. The Western Air Defense Force regional headquarters are located in
Kasuga, Fukuoka Prefecture. The WADF is comprised of the 5th AW located at
Nyutabaru AB, 8th AW located at Tsuiki AB, Western Aircraft Control & Warning Wing
and the 2nd Air Defense Missile Group. The 8th Air Wing is comprised of the 6th
Squadron that is equipped with F-2 aircraft and 304th Squadron flying F-15. Tsuiki AB is
also home to the 2nd Air Defense Missile Group.
From May 26 - 29, 2009 the JASDF Air Command held their war technique competition,
very similar to “Tiger Meets”. It is various teams competing in aircraft against aircraft
mock dog fights and attacks on ground targets to determine the proficiency of the pilot
and aircraft. In 2009 3 F-2’s from Tsuiki AB attended the meet that took place near
Shikoku Island. At the closing of the competition they determine the best pilot and best
team.