Mitsubishi F-2A (Production 1&2)
Project XIII

- F-2A is a derivative of F-16 made by Mitsubishi, to protect Japanese skies alongside F-15. And it has coolest nickname Viper Zero!
- It has multiple upgrades, featuring 25% bigger wing area, to accommodate bigger carrying weight, and lower landing speed. Horizontal stabilizers are also bigger. The canopy is changed for more protection against bird strikes.
- Most interesting to me is that it's radome is wider to accommodate the first AESA radar (F15 following right after). Also, it has all new electronics.
- 504 which I made, is first, alongside 503 (light blue, no camo) to enter service. Now located in Tsuiki base, and part of the 8th squadron.
Reflection on a kit:
- So, I got this kit second hand, it's almost 20 years old, decals were yellow but with a bit of sunlight I managed to get them whitened.
- I was really worried about quality of this kit, but this is probably the best kit Ive assembled, but I do usually make kits that are not that good of a quality (not on purpose, just happens that jet I like is not made by good company).
Colors were really hard to get right, nothing I've found on market was exactly like JASDF F-2, so light blue is combination of 4 different blues, and dark blue is 2 different shades (you can dm me about it).
- This is also first jet where I tried adding magnets to the armaments and Im really happy with them, probably gonna add them to all other builds if it makes sense.