This fighter jet is an example of Japanese ingenuity. They took an existing and proven fighter from the US and improved and modified it beyond their wildest dreams to create the hi-tech F-2. This aircraft was so electronically advanced when it first flew in 1995 that it had the first AESA (Active electronically scanned array radar) on a combat aircraft, the J/APG-1. This was significant because it received such a modern radar way before the ultra-advanced F-22 Raptor could receive one! The F-2 differs structurally from its mother, the F-16. It has a longer and wider nose (to accommodate the AESA radar), larger air inlet, larger wing area, use of composite materials and a 3-piece cockpit canopy (F-16 had a bubble canopy).
The F-2 has a glass cockpit with 3 large multi-function displays. It also has an integrated electronic warfare suite and the weapon stations have been increased to 13 (F-16 has 9). The weapon load and the large range of weapons employed by the F-2 is impressive. It can carry a variety of Anti-ship missiles on 4 hardpoints for offensive duties. Locally made air to air missiles which have better performance characteristics than their American equivalent are carried. The primary role of the F-16 is as a fighter and they are frequently dispatched to escort nosy Russian bombers and recon aircraft.
The one drawback of incorporating so much technology was the high cost per aircraft which made it 4 times as expensive as an F-16 Block 52. This resulted in a reduction of order and finally 94 aircraft were procured.
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