Memorial Day Coupon Special  Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA2718 Mitsubishi XF-2B JASDF ADTW, #63-8102, Gifu AB, Japan, 1997, Clean Configuration. 1/72 Scale Diecast Model, Size: 6.25" Wingspan, 8.5" Long, Optional Up & Down Landing Gear, Armaments & Display Stand Are Included.

The Mitsubishi F-2 is a multirole fighter derived from the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon, and manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Lockheed Martin for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, with a 60/40 split in manufacturing between Japan and the United States. The basis of the F-2's design is the F-16 Agile Falcon, an unsuccessful offer by General Dynamics to provide a low-cost alternative for the Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) competition. Production started in 1996 and the first aircraft entered service in 2000. The first 76 aircraft entered service by 2008, with a total of 98 airframes produced. Primary Role: Multirole Fighter.

The second prototype of the Mitsubishi XF-2B was 63-0004 and delivered to the Technical Research and Development Institute. In 1996 the designations F2-A was assigned for the single-seat variant and F-2B for the dual-seat. In December of 1997, the serial numbers of all four XF-2 prototypes were changed from the TRDI designations to JASDF system so 63-0004 became 63-8102. 63-8102 was turned over to the JASDF Air Development and Test Wing at Gifu in September 1997. When the F-2B went into production their serial numbers were in the 8100 range.