Mitsubishi F-1

The Mitsubishi F-1 was a single-seat, twin-engine supersonic strike aircraft designed and built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, and the first supersonic combat aircraft Japan developed at home. It was a combat derivative of the T-2 trainer, with the rear seat replaced by an avionics bay, a strengthened airframe and extra hardpoints. Its main roles were ground attack and anti-shipping strikes against Soviet warships, with air defence secondary. The F-1 made its maiden flight on 3 June 1975 and entered service in late 1977. Production ended in 1987 after 77 were built, and the last six were retired on 9 March 2006 in favour of the F-2.