The Mitsubishi F-2 "Viper Zero" is a Japanese multirole fighter aircraft currently used by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force that was derived by the General Dynamics' F-16 Fighting Falcon, and was designed by both the Japanese Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and the American Lockheed Martin. The aircraft began production in 1996 and was introduced in service in the beginning of the 21st century. The F-2 got its nickname from the unofficial nickname of the F-16, The "Viper", and the "Zero" from the Mitsubishi A6M Zero.

Everything started with the FS-X program which was initially given the company designation of Mitsubishi SX-3. In 1984, General Dynamics had offered enlarged version of the F-16 to the USAF and considered entering it as a low-cost alternative in the ATF (Advanced Tactical Fighter) competition. Neither came to the point of realization, however this concept became the starting point for the F-2's development.

The aircraft was meant to replace Japan's F-4EJ fighters, and to supplement the F-15J, its main air superiority fighter.

The F-2 made its first flight in 1995. Later that year, the Japanese government approved an order of 141 but was to 130. It was to enter service in 1999; but because of structural problem, it was moved to a year later. Because of issues with cost-efficiency, orders were again curtailed to 98 with four prototypes in 2004.

The aircraft was also known for its operational history of intercepting Russian aircraft.

The aircraft is powered by a single F-110-IHI-129 afterburning turbofan which produces 17,000 pounds of thrust each dry, or about 29,500 pounds of thrust with the afterburner activated. It has a top speed of 2,124 km/h (1,320 mph, 1,147 kn), or at Mach 2.0 at a high altitude, and with a thrust-to-weight ratio of 0.994.

The aircraft is armed with a single 20mm JM61A1 cannon, 4 Mitsubishi AAM-3 air-to-air missiles, and 4 ASM-2 anti-ship missiles, with two drop tanks.

Just note that you can change the armament, whenever you wanted to.

GUIDES :

AG-1 = Activation of anti-ship missiles

AG-2 = Activation of AAM-3 missiles

AG-3 & 4 = Detach drop tanks

BTW, Enjoy ;)