War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

AIM-9M Sidewinder

2024-02-16T02:14:57Z

U46121936: fixed a typo

== Description ==
The AIM-9 Sidewinder is a renowned family of short-range air-to-air missiles used by global air forces. Among its varations, the AIM-9M, introduced in the 1980s, stands out. This version was tailored to offer enhanced resistance to IR countermeasures, making it harder for enemy aircraft to evade or deceive. The AIM-9M also features a reduced-smoke rocket motor, minimizing the risk of the launching aircraft being spotted. Its deployment in various conflicts has cemented its reputation as a formidable air-to-air weapon.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|ah_1z}}
* {{Specs-Link|av_8b_plus_italy}}
* {{Specs-Link|harrier_gr7}}
* {{Specs-Link|f_15a}}
* {{Specs-Link|f_15j}}
* {{Specs-Link|f_16c_block_50}}
* {{Specs-Link|f_15a_iaf}}
* {{Specs-Link|f_16d_block_40_barak_2}}

== General info ==
The most Notable characteristics are:

# '''IRCCM''': The AIM-9M's guidance system was uses a form of IRCCM called Suspended Animation to provide increased resistance to infrared countermeasures. This form of IRCCM shuts off the seeker and relies of INS (Inertial Navigation System). This feature makes it harder for adversary aircraft to deploy flares or other means to deceive or divert the missile.
# '''Reduced-smoke Rocket Motor''': The AIM-9M comes with a motor that produces less visible smoke. This characteristic is vital tactically, as it reduces the chances of the missile giving away the position of the launching aircraft.
# '''Reliability''': Over the years and through various upgrades, the Sidewinder family has developed a reputation for reliability, and the AIM-9M embodies this trait.

=== Effective damage ===
It has a 4.06kg warhead, making at average but still reliable at crippling or downing enemy planes with its warhead.

=== Comparison with analogues ===
In terms of flight characteristics, the missile is identical to the [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]]

The IRCCM this missile uses (Suspended Animation) which currently can only be found on helicopter AAMs. The AIM-9M is unique in this fact in game as it's the only missile that can be carried on Jets that use this form of IRCCM.

The other comparable missiles of this generation are the [[Matra R550 Magic 2]] and [[r-73]]. Both of these also have IRCCM, however they use a type of IRCCM called FOV Gating, where once it is fired, the inner FOV of the seeker is much lowered to reduce the chance of getting defeated.

{| class="wikitable"
!'''Missile Characteristics'''
!'''AIM-9M'''
!'''R-73'''
!'''Magic 2'''!!'''AIM-9L'''
|-
|'''Mass'''
|84 kg
|105 kg
|89 kg||84 kg
|-
|'''Guidance'''
|IR
|IR
|IR||IR
|-
|'''Aspect'''
|All-Aspect
|All-Aspect
|All-aspects||All-Aspect
|-
|'''Seeker Head'''
|Uncaged (radar slavable)
|Uncaged (radar slavable)
|Uncaged (radar slavable)||Uncaged (radar slavable)
|-
|'''Lock range (rear-aspect)'''
|11 km
|11 km
|6 km||11 km
|-
|'''Lock range (all-aspect)'''
|3 km
|3.4 km
|3 km||3 km
|-
|'''ECCM'''
|Yes
|Yes
|Yes
|No
|-
|'''ECCM Type'''
|Suspended Animation
|FOV Gating
|FOV Gating
|N/A
|-
|'''Thrust Vectoring'''
|No
|Yes
|No
|No
|-
|'''Launch range'''
|18 km
|30km
|10 km||18 km
|-
|'''Maximum speed'''
|2.5 M
|2.5 M
|3 M||2.5 M
|-
|'''Maximum overload'''
|30 G
|40 G
|35 G||30 G
|-
|'''Missile guidance time'''
|60 s
|25 s
|25 s||60 s
|-
|'''Explosive Mass'''
|4.06 kg TNTeq
|5.96 kg TNTeq
|9.6kg TNTeq||4.06 kg TNTeq
|}
== Usage in battles ==
The AIM-9M should be used to target enemy fighters. It's potential of destroying a target becomes exponentially higher when firing at a clueless or unsuspecting enemy, such as AFK players or those who don't know you are coming.

When an enemy is flaring, or ready to flare the missile, shooting it from side aspect is generally most reliable, with rear aspect being fairly reliable and front aspect not being reliable at all.

=== Pros and cons ===
'''Pros:'''

* Suspended Animation: Knowledge about how this type of IRCCM works is required to have a chance at evading this missile; meaning: Very easy to score kills
* Long range for it's class of missile. Can reliably be fired from 2.5km when chasing a supersonic target at low altitude. Up to 4.5km when at altitude, and even 6-7km if conditions allow for it.
* Very maneuverable, it is extremely hard to dodge this missile kinetically.

'''Cons:'''

* It becomes "dumb" if the target keeps flaring, trying to hit the enemy based on right before seeker shut off due to flares.
* Not very useful in a dogfight as it doesn't pull hard enough against a close range maneuraling target

== History ==
Despite the successful development and service of the [[AIM-9L Sidewinder|AIM-9L]], the team at China Lake still believed that there were still more capabilities that could be implemented into the missile that didn't fit within the AIM-9L development scope. When the US government came back and asked what else in the missile could be improved, the team set to work on the AIM-9L Product Improvement Package (PIP) that focused on adding these no capabilities.<ref name="Westrum_Sidewinder9M">Westrum 2013, 197</ref>

The primary improvement was better resistance to countermeasures, and as such a counter-countermeasure was implemented into the missile. One method was through the use of optical filters, which combined with the missile's own processing power in the installed computer chip meant it could not only filter out countermeasures, but also terrain and clouds, letting the missile focus on the optical signature of its target.<ref name="Westrum_Sidewinder9M" /> A low-smoke motor was also installed to reduce its visibility when fired.<ref name="AirVector_Sidewinder">Goebel 2023</ref>

The new and improved missile was designated '''AIM-9M''' and would be put into production in 1981.<ref name="Westrum_Sidewinder9M" /> More than 7,000 AIM-9M missiles would be produced, with different subtypes developed, labeled sequentially from "AIM-9M-1" to "AIM-9M-10", for improvements such as better ability to distinguish countermeasures from an aircraft and new component improvements.<ref name="Designation_Sidewinder">Parsch 2008</ref>

===Future Sidewinder variants===
The next significant AIM-9 variant to be developed was the ''AIM-9R'', which attempted to evolve the AIM-9 design with the use of a charge-coupled device (CCD) detector, allowing the missile to use an imaging system to track the target. However, cost overruns, staff mismanagement, use of expensive and complicated components, and the fact the imaging system could not work in the night caused the backers of the program to lose faith and the missile was cancelled by the US Navy in December 1991.<ref name="Westrum_9R">Westrum 2013, 198-203</ref>

[[File:AIM-9X_F-15C_2002.jpg|x150px|left|thumb|none|An AIM-9X Sidewinder on an F-15C.]]
The most recent Sidewinder variant to see use is the ''AIM-9X'', which uses the Mk 36 motor and WDU-17/B warhead from the AIM-9M, but the airframe had been redesigned with smaller fins and canards for lower drag and better flight performance. Rollerons have been removed from the Sidewinder's design as the flight control system was sophisticated enough to no longer need them. The WPU-17/B propulsion section uses a jet-vane steering system to steer the Sidewinder with thrust-vectoring. The result was a more compact missile that could fit within a fighter's internal bay, such as the F-22 and F-35.<ref name="Designation_Sidewinder" /> The biggest improvement of the AIM-9X over the predecessors was the guidance, using a seeker that was developed for the AIM-132 {{Annotation|ASRAAM|Advanced Short-Range Anti-Air Missile}} with an imaging infrared array, cooled by a Stirling-cycle cryocooler.<ref name="AirVector_Sidewinder" /> The AIM-9X also introduced an "Off-Boresight" capability, allowing the missile to be used with the Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) to acquire target with the pilot's helmet.<ref name="AirVector_Sidewinder" /><ref name="Designation_Sidewinder" /> Continually seeing development as late as 2019,<ref name="Drive_AIM9X">Rogoway et al. 2019</ref> the AIM-9X looks to be the main Sidewinder model for the 21st century aerospace.

== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the article about the variant of the weapon;''
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''

=== References ===

;Citations
<references />

;Bibliography

* Goebel, Greg. 2023. "The Falcon & Sidewinder Air-To-Air Missiles." Air Vectors. Last modified June 01, 2023. [https://www.airvectors.net/avusaam_1.html#m6 Website] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20220107173258/https://www.airvectors.net/avusaam_1.html Archive]).
* Parsch, Andreas. 2008. "AIM-9." Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles. Last modified July 09, 2008. [http://www.designation-systems.info/dusrm/m-9.html Website]
* Rogoway, Tyler and Josephy Trevithick. 2019. "The AIM-9X Sidewinder May Finally Evolve Into A Completely New And Longer-Range Missile". The Drive. Last modified September 03, 2019. [https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/29158/the-aim-9x-sidewinder-may-finally-evolve-into-a-completely-new-and-longer-range-missile Website] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20211123183940/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/29158/the-aim-9x-sidewinder-may-finally-evolve-into-a-completely-new-and-longer-range-missile Archive]).
* Westrum, Ron. 2013. ''Sidewinder; Creative Missile Development at China Lake''. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press.

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

2023-09-20T23:00:36Z

2023-09-20T22:18:36Z

U46121936: /* Missiles */

==Description==
The '''AIM-9 ''Sidewinder''''' is an American short-range air-to-air missile.

== Missiles ==

;Infrared homing

* [[AIM-9B Sidewinder]]
* [[AIM-9B FGW.2 Sidewinder]] - (German license built AIM-9B)
* [[AIM-9D Sidewinder]]
* [[AIM-9E Sidewinder]]
* [[AIM-9G Sidewinder]]
* [[AIM-9H Sidewinder]]
* [[AIM-9J Sidewinder]]
* [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]]
* [[AIM-9P Sidewinder]]
* AIM-9M Sidewinder

;Semi-active radar homing

* [[AIM-9C Sidewinder]]

== Derivatives ==

* [[R-3S]] - (Soviet copy AIM-9B)
** [[PL-2]] - (Chinese copy R-3S)
** [[R-3R]] - (Semi-active radar homing R-3S)
* [[RB24]] - (Swedish AIM-9B)
* [[RB24J]] - (Swedish AIM-9P-3)
* [[RB 74]] - (Swedish AIM-9L)
* [[Flz Lwf 63/80]] - (Swiss version of AIM-9P-3)

== Media ==


;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|Vr1mCaBoDWk|'''Every Sidewinder compared: AIM-9B to AIM-9L''' - ''Jaek_''}}

[[Category:Family pages]]

AIM-9J Sidewinder

2023-09-20T17:21:45Z

U46121936: /* Pros and cons */

{{About
| about = American air-to-air missile '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = AIM-9 Sidewinder (Family)
}}
== Description ==

[[File:WeaponImage AIM-9J Sidewinder.png|thumb|left|420px|The AIM-9J Sidewinder missile (scale is approximate)]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' is an American [[Air-to-air_missiles#Infrared_homing_.28heat-seeking.29_missiles|infrared homing air-to-air missile]]. It was introduced in [[Update 1.97 "Viking Fury"]].

The USAF's AIM-9J was an improved [[AIM-9E Sidewinder|AIM-9E]]. It had partial solid-state electronics, a longer-burning gas generator (increasing flight time), and more powerful actuators which drove new square-tipped double-delta canards. The latter feature doubled the single-plane "G"-capability of the missile. About 10,000 AIM-9Js were eventually built from 1972 on, mostly by converting existing AIM-9B/E missiles.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


{{Navigation-Start|Vehicles equipped with this weapon}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Jet fighters'''}}{{Specs-Link|f-5e}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f_16a_block_10}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-4}}{{Specs-Link|f-4e}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4f}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-4f_late}}
{{Navigation-Line|F-104}}{{Specs-Link|f-104g}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104g_china}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104g_italy}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|f-104s}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Strike aircraft'''}}
{{Navigation-Line|A-7}}{{Specs-Link|a_7d}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|a_7k}}

{{Navigation-End}}

== General info ==


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Missile characteristics
|-
| '''Mass''' || 76 kg
|-
| '''Guidance''' || IR
|-
| '''Aspect''' || Rear-aspect
|-
| '''Lock range (rear-aspect)''' || 5.5 km
|- J
| '''Launch range''' || 18 km
|-
| '''Maximum speed''' || 2.5 M
|-
| '''Maximum overload''' || 20 G
|-
| '''Missile guidance time''' || 40 secs
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 7.62 kg TNTeq
|-
|}

=== Effective damage ===


Like most Sidewinders, the missile features a 4.5 kg warhead that makes it an effective air-to-air missile. In general, a direct hit will either destroy or critically damage an enemy aircraft. If a near miss is achieved, the damage will be sharply decreased.

=== Comparison with analogues ===

Compared to other Sidewinders, the AIM-9J is miles better than the preceding AIM-9E, and is on a similar playing field to the Navy's AIM-9H, being slightly less suited for ranged launches, but superior in dogfight scenarios.

{| class="wikitable"
!Missile Characteristics !! AIM-9J !! AIM-9E !! AIM-9H
|-
| '''Mass''' || 76 kg || 76 kg || 88 kg
|-
| '''Guidance''' || IR || IR || IR
|-
| '''Aspect''' || Rear || Rear || Rear
|-
| '''Seeker Head''' ||Uncaged|| Uncaged || Uncaged (radar slavable)
|-
| '''Lock range (rear-aspect)''' || 5.5 km || 5.5 km || 5.5 km
|-
| '''Launch range''' || 18 km || 18 km || 18 km
|-
| '''Maximum speed''' || 2.5 M || 2.5 M || 2.5 M
|-
| '''Maximum overload''' || 20 G || 10 G || 18 G
|-
| '''Missile guidance time''' || 40 s || 20 s || 60 s
|-
| '''Explosive Mass''' || 7.62 kg TNTeq || 7.62 kg TNTeq || 3.53 kg TNTeq
|}
When comparing the AIM-9J to the most common analogues such as [[R-60]] and [[Matra R550 Magic 1|R550 Magic]], the AIM-9J tends to fall in the middle to high range of effectiveness, most accurately described as Jack of all trades, master of none. Mid-range TNT load, decent launch range, good acceleration and a perfectly sufficient seeker make it a good all-rounder, usable in a wide variety of engagements.

== Usage in battles ==


'''Overview'''

The AIM-9J is a great tool for any situation where a gun cannot suffice or the pilot has no time to engage. After having used other infrared missiles, the AIM-9J takes virtually no time to get used to.

'''Deploying the AIM-9J in combat'''

The AIM-9J is best used when having to chase an enemy fighter that is accelerating away from you, or is outside of effective gun range. Timing is key to success when using the AIM-9J, since unlike any other type of armament, the AIM-9J requires 1 second to warm up before readiness for launch, after which the missile seeker will remain active for 20 seconds. The AIM-9J is most effective in distances from 0.75-3 km at altitudes below 4 km, or 1-4 km above 4 km of altitude. Furthermore, it is recommended to only fire the AIM-9J against the targets rear, preferably with an active afterburner to ensure continuous tracking towards the AIM-9J's upcoming flight. However, when attempting to engage a target moving on a tangent to the launch aircraft, it is recommended to lead the missile slightly towards the target, to ensure the track is sustained throughout the flight.The only threat to the AIM-9J worth mentioning are heavily turning targets, due to its maximum G-load of 20G, therefore making it not an impossible task to dodge the AIM-9J.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Great 20G maximum overload
* Tracks targets well
* Seeker has a good FOV

'''Cons:'''

* Does not follow hard turning targets well
* Seeker cannot be slaved to an aircraft’s radar

== History ==

===Development===
As the [[AIM-9E Sidewinder]] was entering the Southeast Asia in the conclusion of Operation ''Rolling Thunder'',<ref name="DTIC_AIM-9Jpg1">Siemann 1974, p.10-11</ref> the development for the next generation of Sidewinders was undergoing in the US Air Force. In November 1968, the testing for an AIM-9E "Extended Performance" missile began. The missile, designed to give pilots a more capable close-range heat-seeking weapon against a manoeuvring target, would be designated the '''AIM-9J'''.<ref name="DTIC_AIM-9Jpg2">Siemann 1974, p.15-16</ref> The missiles featured a new "double delta canards (stabilizing fins) and a torque feedback servo unit (a signal processing device)", which helped improve capabilities in higher G-forces.<ref name="DTIC_AIM-9Jpg3">Siemann 1974, p.16</ref> Other improvements were in its integration of solid-state electronics and a longer burning gas generator to increase its flight time.<ref name="KoppAUSAIM9">Kopp 2014</ref><ref name="ParschAIM9">Parsch 2008</ref>

The new AIM-9J was tested extensively during the "AIM-9J End Game II Development Program" in August 1970,<ref name="DTIC_AIM-9Jpgx">Siemann 1974, p.x</ref> which was suspended after results found that improvements were still needed. The AIM-9J testing was resumed in 04 April 1972 under the program "Combat Snap",<ref name="DTIC_AIM-9Jpg17">Siemann 1974, p.17</ref> with conclusions in July 3rd that the AIM-9J improvements were suitable, but requiring a more in-depth testing before it can fully replace the [[AIM-9B Sidewinder|AIM-9B]] and AIM-9E currently in service.<ref name="DTIC_AIM-9Jpg21">Siemann 1974, p.21</ref> Production of the AIM-9J commenced, with more than 6,700 of the missile variant built or rebuilt from older AIM-9B units.<ref name="KoppAUSAIM9" />

===AIM-9J in combat===
To prove the AIM-9J in combat, the missiles were soon sent to the Southeast Asian theater under the Combat Snap evaluation program, Phase IIA. The first unit to receive the new AIM-9J was the 432nd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing. Once training was completed and the approval to use the weapon in combat was given on 31 July 1972, the unit would soon see combat service in the ongoing Operation ''Linebacker''. The first flight into combat with AIM-9J would be on 02 August 1972.

The AIM-9J first victories were in September 9th, when four F-4D Phantoms of "Olds" Flight from the 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS) encountered a [[MiG-21F-13|MiG-21]] and two [[MiG-19PT|MiG-19]] around Phuc Yen airfield. Though the MiG-21 was shot down with [[M61 (20 mm)|20 mm cannon fire]] by Olds 03, three AIM-9Js were launched by Olds flight lead (Aircraft Commander Captain John A. Madden and Weapon System Officer (WSO) Captain Charles B. DeBellevue) and accounted for the two MiG-19 shot down (one struck by the missile, the other pre-detonated a distance away but the plane was found crashed and burning at Phuc Yen airfield later that day). This battle also means that Captain DeBellevue becomes the second, and highest-scoring, air force ace of Vietnam with a total of six enemy aircraft shot down.<ref name="DTIC_AIM-9Jpg23">Siemann 1974, p.23</ref><ref name="Futrell1">Futrell 1976, p.104-105</ref>

The third AIM-9J victory was done on September 16th, when "Chevy" Flight of [[F-4E Phantom II|F-4E]] from the 555th encountered a MiG-21 flying at low altitude at around 700 feet above ground level.<ref name="DTIC_AIM-9Jpg24">Siemann 1974, p.24</ref><ref name="Futrell2">Futrell 1976, p.106</ref> A total of eight AIM-9J missiles were fired by Chevy lead and Chevy 03, with Chevy 03's last missile finally striking the MiG-21 (Chevy 03's aircrew were pilot Captain Calvin B. Tibbett and WSO 1st Lt. William S. Hargrove). The seven missed missiles revealed a problem in the AIM-9J that the missile's maximum range at low altitude was less than was expected. The last AIM-9J victory was on October 15th when Chevy flight located a MiG-21 that took off from Phuc Yen airfield. Chevy 01 (aircrew of pilot Majors Ivy J. McCoy and WSO Frederick W. Brown) fired off three [[AIM-7E Sparrow|Sparrow]] missiles at the target, with all missing. This was followed up by Chevy 03 firing three AIM-9Js, with the last one impacting the MiG-21.<ref name="Futrell3">Futrell 1976, p.110-111</ref> With the Vietnam cease-fire on 24 January 1973, the AIM-9J's combat tally for that conflict comes to a conclusion.<ref name="DTIC_AIM-9Jpg24range">Siemann 1974, p.24-26</ref>

===Performance evaluation in Vietnam===
From its first engagement in September to the end of Operation ''Linebacker'' in December 1972, there were 31 attempted launches of the AIM-9J Sidewinder. Of these attempts, only four resulted in a confirmed hit on the enemy target (23 misses, four failed to launch).<ref name="DTIC_AIM-9Jpg26">Siemann 1974, p.26</ref> Though this gives the AIM-9J a 13% hit rate, this compares favorably in the track record of the AIM-7E-2 Sparrow (5%) and the AIM-9E Sidewinder (8%).<ref name="DTIC_AIM-9Jpg29">Siemann 1974, p.29</ref>

== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[AIM-9 Sidewinder (Family)]]

== External links ==


=== References ===

;Citations
<references />

;Bibliography

* Futrell, R. Frank; et al. ''United States Air Force in Southeast Asia 1965–1973: Aces and Aerial Victories''. Air University; Headquarters USAF, 1976.
* Kopp, Carlo. "The Sidewinder Story: The Evolution of the AIM-9 Missile." ''Air Power Australia'', 27 Jan 2014, [http://www.ausairpower.net/TE-Sidewinder-94.html Website].
* Parsch, Andreas. "AIM-9." ''Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles'', Designation-Systems.Net, 09 July 2008, [http://www.designation-systems.info/dusrm/m-9.html Website].
* Siemann, John W. ''Project CHECO Southeast Asia Report. COMBAT SNAP (AIM-9J Southeast Asia Introduction)''. Defense Technical Information Center, 24 Apr 1974.

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

AIM-9P Sidewinder

2023-09-20T17:19:42Z

U46121936: /* Pros and cons */

AIM-9P Sidewinder

2023-09-20T17:18:51Z

U46121936: /* Vehicles equipped with this weapon */

2023-09-20T17:05:00Z

U46121936: /* Custom loadout options */

{{About
| about = Japanese jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other variants
| link = F-1 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=t2
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
|cockpit=cockpit_t2.jpg
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.87 "Locked On"]].

After World War II, Japan was left without any modern jet fighters for defensive purposes. Around 1955 the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) put into motion the development of a supersonic jet aircraft due to the Fuji T-1 trainer's lack of proper training in supersonic flight. Japan had purchased front-line Mach 2 fighters such as the F-104 Starfighter and the [[F-4C_Phantom_II|F-4EJ]] Phantom. However, their pilots had difficulty handling them, and a new trainer aircraft was needed.

Built as a trainer aircraft, the trainee pilot and instructor sat in tandem with the instructor in the rear-raised seat. With an instructor pilot in the aircraft, Japan was now ready to train its pilots in high-speed fighter usage properly. The {{PAGENAME}} paved the way for Japan's development and production of their first supersonic military fighter, the Mitsubishi F-1.

The {{PAGENAME}} features dual Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries TF40-IHI-801A engines, which are license-built Rolls-Royce Turbomeca Adour turbofans, the same utilised in the Jaguar fighters. The {{PAGENAME}}, for the most part, was manufactured with aircraft aluminium alloys. However, it did selectively use titanium for extra strength in certain areas. Shaped more like a dart than the stout Jaguar, the {{PAGENAME}} was built for speed, though to help with manoeuvrability, the wings do not house fuel tanks and feature leading-edge root extensions (LERX) and full-span leading-edge slats on the wings to aid in creating a higher angle of attack or higher lift capacity, especially helpful during slow flight. The {{PAGENAME}} opted to eliminate ailerons and instead utilise twin spoilers for roll control. Like many modern fighters, the tail portion of the aircraft featured an all-moving tailplane and airbrakes were outfitted to allow for slowing the aircraft down either in manoeuvres or when preparing for landing.

[[File:T-2 sgko 002.png|250px|thumb|left|{{PAGENAME}} fighter on the hunt in air-to-air attack configuration.]]

The {{PAGENAME}} is an aggressive fighter aircraft and features a single 20 mm Vulcan cannon which requires a brief spin-up before ammunition begins to fire, thus does not have an instantaneous fire with trigger depress, which will take a pilot time to get used to and preplan shots to allow for the gun to spool-up in time to get shots off at a high-speed target. AIM-9E Sidewinder air-to-air missiles round out the air attack arsenal and are highly effective missiles. However, a clever (and lucky) pilot can outmanoeuvre the Sidewinders, though, typically, the enemy fighter is then left in a compromising situation and can be easily dispatched with the cannon.

Rockets mounted on the {{PAGENAME}} bridge the gap between air-attack and ground-attack, allowing the fighter to either hammer bombers with the rockets or ground targets such as trucks, anti-aircraft batteries and ships. For a dedicated ground attack, the {{PAGENAME}} can be outfitted with two different bombs, namely the 500 and 750 lb bombs of which are the aerodynamic LDGP form type bombs. Though not built to be a fighter-bomber like the [[F-4C_Phantom_II|F-4C]], the Japanese fighter loses some of its hard-earned manoeuvrability while carrying bombs (hence the fuel tanks not being in the wings), however once released, the {{PAGENAME}} can be back in the aerial mix as long as it has the speed to do so.

Though developed as a training aircraft, the {{PAGENAME}} is a formidable foe that is fast, sleek and can carry a one-two punch which can easily knock out enemy aircraft unfortunate enough to race through the Japanese fighters crosshairs.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

[[File:T-2 duckmcmallardson 001.png|250px|thumb|right|{{PAGENAME}} on coastal patrol.]]
The {{PAGENAME}} was designed and built for one main purpose, and that was to train pilots in flight at around Mach 1.4 in preparation for flying faster Mach 2+ fighters such as the F-4EJ, F-104, and the Mitsubishi F-1. With a long narrow body, short main wings without fuel tanks and an all-moving tailplane, this aircraft was built streamlined like the F-104 to get you from point A to point B in the shortest amount of time possible and not spend too much time manoeuvring. While excelling as an interceptor, this fighter will still hold its own in a manoeuvring fight, granted as long as under-wing armaments are limited to the Sidewinder missiles and not the heavy bombs.

The sleekness of the aircraft lends itself to flying fast, and speed should be maintained when flying, especially during air-to-air combat, as a slow-flying {{PAGENAME}} is a relatively easy target due to poor manoeuvrability at slow speeds. To help in instances where the aircraft must fly at slower speeds (landing, bombing and ground rocket attack), slats and spoilers help create a higher lift capacity and roll rate, preventing the aircraft from stalling and plummeting.

Air-to-air combat should be avoided when carrying bomb loads, as this will significantly decrease manoeuvrability. During a ground attack, all efforts should be made to get to the target as soon as possible and release the heavy ordnance and then proceed to any aerial combat in the near vicinity.

Damage to the aircraft, especially to the wings, will typically result in the destruction of the aircraft. Due to their relatively small size, any loss in surface area will cause the fighter to over-lift on the good side, sending the aircraft into a roll and then potentially into a flat spin.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 10,975 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,679 || 1,664 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 33.6 || 34.9 || 119.4 || 109.2 || rowspan="2" | 900
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,753 || 1,710 || 32.4 || 33.0 || 162.5 || 140.0
|-
|}

[[File:T-2 sgko 001.png|250px|thumb|right|{{PAGENAME}} in a power-climb on an intercept path.]]

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| 1,365  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 735 || 525 || 450 || ~10 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 650 || < 580 || < 650 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="6" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Ishikawa-Harima TF40-801A || 2
| colspan="3" | 6,584 kg || colspan="3" | 452 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="5" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 17m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 56m fuel
|-
| 810 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
| 7,479 kg || 7,635 kg || 8,161 kg || 8,949 kg || 9,566 kg || 13,500 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="6" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 17m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 56m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 1,950 kgf || 3,105 kgf
| 0.83 || 0.81 || 0.76 || 0.69 || 0.65 || 0.46
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 2,010 kgf (200 - 400 km/h) || 3,437 kgf (1,000 km/h)
| 0.92 || 0.90 || 0.84 || 0.77 || 0.72 || 0.51
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}


* 38 mm bulletproof glass - situated between the fore and aft cockpits

The {{PAGENAME}} fighter, like many more modern aircraft, have shed most of its armour instead of more speed and agility. The only armour outfitted on this aircraft is the 38 mm bulletproof glass situated between the fore and aft cockpit, giving the rear pilot a pretty good chance of surviving an impact or bullet strike which might take out the front pilot. Beyond that, the aircraft's survivability is a mix of engineering and the pilot's skill. Damage sustained to the wings will not affect fuel loss as no tanks are mounted here; they are only mounted within the aircraft's fuselage. While many aircraft can absorb a huge amount of ammunition rounds in the fuselage before losing something important when it comes to the {{PAGENAME}} fuselage hits typically result in a hit to the engines, oil coolers, fuel, pilots or the radar. This is where pilot skill and manoeuvring come into play to make it very difficult for an enemy pilot to get a firing solution. High-G manoeuvres within this aircraft may hurt the speed and manoeuvrability; however, it may save the pilot's lives by causing many missiles such as the AIM Sidewinders to miss due to their lower g-turn threshold.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|JM61A1 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 20 mm JM61A1 cannon, chin-mounted (750 rpg)

[[File:T-2 der thunderer 001.jpg|250px|thumb|right|{{PAGENAME}} sporting a user-created skin.]]
The JM61A1 20 mm Vulcan cannon is a monster and, at the same time, a headache for new pilots not used to it. Unlike most other machine guns and cannons in the game (or in real life, for that matter), trigger depression here does not immediately produce flying bullets. Due to the characteristics of the JM61A1 cannon, it requires an initial spool-up time or spin of the cannon barrels before ammunition can be fired. The high rate of fire can easily melt the barrel, however with the rotating barrels, each barrel can cool off enough before it is its turn again to prevent damage. To initiate this, trigger depression will result in a .25 second delay before the ammunition begins to fire to allow for the barrels to get to proper rotating speed. Once it gets going, 750 rounds of ammunition do not last very long.

When targeting an aircraft, for example, the pilot must remember this formula to be successful while leading an aircraft or before an aircraft passes through the crosshairs, start squeezing the trigger about .5 to .25 seconds before that event, and the cannon rounds should land on target. Waiting until a target passes through the crosshairs (unless tailing them) will result in a miss as they will be out of the sights before the cannon starts firing.

Trigger discipline is necessary when using this cannon as due to its rate of fire (about 6,000 RPM, ~100 RPS or 7.5 seconds of ammunition) will easily blow through the 750 rounds carried by the {{PAGENAME}}.

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

[[File:T-2 takemoto 001.png|250px|thumb|right|{{PAGENAME}} outfitted with FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets, Sidewinders and the obligatory 20 mm Vulcan cannon.]]
{{main|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|JM117 cone 45 (750 lb)}}
{{main|AIM-9B Sidewinder|AIM-9E Sidewinder|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance presets:

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
* 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,500 lb total)
* 5 x 750 lb JM117 cone 45 bombs (3,750 lb total)
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 16 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets

==== Custom loadout options ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="6%" | 1 !! width="6%" | 2 !! width="6%" | 3 !! width="6%" | 4 !! width="6%" | 5 !! width="6%" | 6 !! width="6%" | 7
| rowspan="7" width="25%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_F-1.png]]</div>
|-
! 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! 750 lb JM117 cone 45 bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
| || 19 || 19 || || 19 || 19 ||
|-
! Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
| || 4 || 4 || || 4 || 4 ||
|-
! AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
| 1 || || || || || || 1
|-
! AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
| 1 || || || || || || 1
|-
|-
!AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
|1
|
|
|
|
|
|1
|
|}

== Usage in battles ==
''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''

[[File:T-2 YMSK 001.jpg|250px|thumb|right|{{PAGENAME}} taxiing for take-off.]]
=== Pros and cons ===

[[File:T-2 jonigustavo 001.png|250px|thumb|right|The dart-shaped {{PAGENAME}} hugging the terrain in attempt to catch enemy fighters unaware.]]

'''Pros:'''

* Faster and better acceleration than many jets at its BR
* High climb rate
* 2 pilots (not as vulnerable to pilot snipes)
* Devastating JM61A1 rotary cannon with a decent ammo pool
* Variety of air-to-ground and multirole payloads
* Decent PD radar that can detect up to 60 km away, useful in large maps to find targets
* The high Angle-of-Attack in certain maneuvers can be very useful defensively and offensively

'''Cons:'''

* A lack of any [[:Category:Countermeasures|Countermeasures]] make it an easy kill in its BR, where [[air-to-air missiles]] are common
* Poor energy retention, low-speed manoeuvrability and large turning radius make avoiding missiles and dogfighting extremely challenging if often impossible
* A lack of [[Ballistic Computer]] limits the use of the air-to-ground munitions
* The JM61A1 rotary cannon may take getting used to as it doesn't fire immediately but has a short spool up time before it starts firing
* Burns through fuel at an astronomical rate
* Both engines overheat at constant use with the afterburner

== History ==


Soon after WW2, Japan was mostly offered jet fighter aircraft from the USAAF / USAF, such as the later versions of the [[F-86F-40_(Japan)|F-86 Sabre]], to protect itself from threats such as North Korea, which was at the time in conflict with the United States (in the 1950s). In the late '50s and '60s, Japan had already developed its first modern jet-aircraft, the Fuji T-1, which was mainly used as a trainer aircraft. But by the '70s, it was obsolete; Japan needed a new trainer aircraft, which could train pilots for near Mach 2 speeds.

During the time between 1964-1965, engineers at Mitsubishi began working on a project called "T-X", which would be either a 1 or 2 seater aircraft that would later be developed into another project for a ground attack aircraft called the "SF-X".

Simultaneously, the United States offered Japan the T-38, and Britain/France offered the SEPECAT Jaguar for investigation. Japan thought of a project of license-building these aircraft, which has later failed due to issues between SEPECAT and the Japanese Imperial Family.

In 1967, Japanese aircraft manufacturers Fuji, Kawasaki and Mitsubishi proposed their designs for the XT-2, of which Mitsubishi's design was accepted. The prototype (pre-production model) would be built in 1971, seeing its maiden flight on July 20 1971, flown by Dr. Kenji Ikeda.

The XT-2 became the first Japanese-built aircraft to break the sound barrier in level flight. It was put into final production later that year.

The variants of the final model, the T-2 were: T-2Z (early model that later ended up being modified for the SF-X program), T-2A and T-2B (trainer models) and the T-2K, the armed model, carrying a 20 mm M-61 Vulcan fast-firing autocannon. The aircraft was produced until 1988 and was retired in 2006 along with its fighter variant, the F-1 when it was replaced by its successor, the Kawasaki T-4 (the Mitsubishi F-2 Viper Zero replaced the F-1).

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=t2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|2RX3Y1-HJHE|'''The Shooting Range #142''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:29 discusses the Mitsubishi T-2.}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[T-2 Early]]
* [[F-1]]

;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

* [[Jaguar A]]
* [[Jaguar GR.1]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6063-development-mitsubishi-t-2-the-supersonic-stork-en|[Devblog] Mitsubishi T-2: The Supersonic Stork]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/445750-mitsubishi-t-2/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{Manufacturer MHI}}
{{Japan jet aircraft}}

T-2

2023-09-20T17:03:31Z

U46121936: Added AIM-9P Missiles to the T-2 Since the sons of attila update

{{About
| about = Japanese jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other variants
| link = F-1 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=t2
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
|cockpit=cockpit_t2.jpg
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.87 "Locked On"]].

After World War II, Japan was left without any modern jet fighters for defensive purposes. Around 1955 the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) put into motion the development of a supersonic jet aircraft due to the Fuji T-1 trainer's lack of proper training in supersonic flight. Japan had purchased front-line Mach 2 fighters such as the F-104 Starfighter and the [[F-4C_Phantom_II|F-4EJ]] Phantom. However, their pilots had difficulty handling them, and a new trainer aircraft was needed.

Built as a trainer aircraft, the trainee pilot and instructor sat in tandem with the instructor in the rear-raised seat. With an instructor pilot in the aircraft, Japan was now ready to train its pilots in high-speed fighter usage properly. The {{PAGENAME}} paved the way for Japan's development and production of their first supersonic military fighter, the Mitsubishi F-1.

The {{PAGENAME}} features dual Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries TF40-IHI-801A engines, which are license-built Rolls-Royce Turbomeca Adour turbofans, the same utilised in the Jaguar fighters. The {{PAGENAME}}, for the most part, was manufactured with aircraft aluminium alloys. However, it did selectively use titanium for extra strength in certain areas. Shaped more like a dart than the stout Jaguar, the {{PAGENAME}} was built for speed, though to help with manoeuvrability, the wings do not house fuel tanks and feature leading-edge root extensions (LERX) and full-span leading-edge slats on the wings to aid in creating a higher angle of attack or higher lift capacity, especially helpful during slow flight. The {{PAGENAME}} opted to eliminate ailerons and instead utilise twin spoilers for roll control. Like many modern fighters, the tail portion of the aircraft featured an all-moving tailplane and airbrakes were outfitted to allow for slowing the aircraft down either in manoeuvres or when preparing for landing.

[[File:T-2 sgko 002.png|250px|thumb|left|{{PAGENAME}} fighter on the hunt in air-to-air attack configuration.]]

The {{PAGENAME}} is an aggressive fighter aircraft and features a single 20 mm Vulcan cannon which requires a brief spin-up before ammunition begins to fire, thus does not have an instantaneous fire with trigger depress, which will take a pilot time to get used to and preplan shots to allow for the gun to spool-up in time to get shots off at a high-speed target. AIM-9E Sidewinder air-to-air missiles round out the air attack arsenal and are highly effective missiles. However, a clever (and lucky) pilot can outmanoeuvre the Sidewinders, though, typically, the enemy fighter is then left in a compromising situation and can be easily dispatched with the cannon.

Rockets mounted on the {{PAGENAME}} bridge the gap between air-attack and ground-attack, allowing the fighter to either hammer bombers with the rockets or ground targets such as trucks, anti-aircraft batteries and ships. For a dedicated ground attack, the {{PAGENAME}} can be outfitted with two different bombs, namely the 500 and 750 lb bombs of which are the aerodynamic LDGP form type bombs. Though not built to be a fighter-bomber like the [[F-4C_Phantom_II|F-4C]], the Japanese fighter loses some of its hard-earned manoeuvrability while carrying bombs (hence the fuel tanks not being in the wings), however once released, the {{PAGENAME}} can be back in the aerial mix as long as it has the speed to do so.

Though developed as a training aircraft, the {{PAGENAME}} is a formidable foe that is fast, sleek and can carry a one-two punch which can easily knock out enemy aircraft unfortunate enough to race through the Japanese fighters crosshairs.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

[[File:T-2 duckmcmallardson 001.png|250px|thumb|right|{{PAGENAME}} on coastal patrol.]]
The {{PAGENAME}} was designed and built for one main purpose, and that was to train pilots in flight at around Mach 1.4 in preparation for flying faster Mach 2+ fighters such as the F-4EJ, F-104, and the Mitsubishi F-1. With a long narrow body, short main wings without fuel tanks and an all-moving tailplane, this aircraft was built streamlined like the F-104 to get you from point A to point B in the shortest amount of time possible and not spend too much time manoeuvring. While excelling as an interceptor, this fighter will still hold its own in a manoeuvring fight, granted as long as under-wing armaments are limited to the Sidewinder missiles and not the heavy bombs.

The sleekness of the aircraft lends itself to flying fast, and speed should be maintained when flying, especially during air-to-air combat, as a slow-flying {{PAGENAME}} is a relatively easy target due to poor manoeuvrability at slow speeds. To help in instances where the aircraft must fly at slower speeds (landing, bombing and ground rocket attack), slats and spoilers help create a higher lift capacity and roll rate, preventing the aircraft from stalling and plummeting.

Air-to-air combat should be avoided when carrying bomb loads, as this will significantly decrease manoeuvrability. During a ground attack, all efforts should be made to get to the target as soon as possible and release the heavy ordnance and then proceed to any aerial combat in the near vicinity.

Damage to the aircraft, especially to the wings, will typically result in the destruction of the aircraft. Due to their relatively small size, any loss in surface area will cause the fighter to over-lift on the good side, sending the aircraft into a roll and then potentially into a flat spin.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 10,975 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,679 || 1,664 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 33.6 || 34.9 || 119.4 || 109.2 || rowspan="2" | 900
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,753 || 1,710 || 32.4 || 33.0 || 162.5 || 140.0
|-
|}

[[File:T-2 sgko 001.png|250px|thumb|right|{{PAGENAME}} in a power-climb on an intercept path.]]

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| 1,365  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 735 || 525 || 450 || ~10 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 650 || < 580 || < 650 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="6" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Ishikawa-Harima TF40-801A || 2
| colspan="3" | 6,584 kg || colspan="3" | 452 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="5" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 17m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 56m fuel
|-
| 810 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
| 7,479 kg || 7,635 kg || 8,161 kg || 8,949 kg || 9,566 kg || 13,500 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="6" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 17m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 56m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 1,950 kgf || 3,105 kgf
| 0.83 || 0.81 || 0.76 || 0.69 || 0.65 || 0.46
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 2,010 kgf (200 - 400 km/h) || 3,437 kgf (1,000 km/h)
| 0.92 || 0.90 || 0.84 || 0.77 || 0.72 || 0.51
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}


* 38 mm bulletproof glass - situated between the fore and aft cockpits

The {{PAGENAME}} fighter, like many more modern aircraft, have shed most of its armour instead of more speed and agility. The only armour outfitted on this aircraft is the 38 mm bulletproof glass situated between the fore and aft cockpit, giving the rear pilot a pretty good chance of surviving an impact or bullet strike which might take out the front pilot. Beyond that, the aircraft's survivability is a mix of engineering and the pilot's skill. Damage sustained to the wings will not affect fuel loss as no tanks are mounted here; they are only mounted within the aircraft's fuselage. While many aircraft can absorb a huge amount of ammunition rounds in the fuselage before losing something important when it comes to the {{PAGENAME}} fuselage hits typically result in a hit to the engines, oil coolers, fuel, pilots or the radar. This is where pilot skill and manoeuvring come into play to make it very difficult for an enemy pilot to get a firing solution. High-G manoeuvres within this aircraft may hurt the speed and manoeuvrability; however, it may save the pilot's lives by causing many missiles such as the AIM Sidewinders to miss due to their lower g-turn threshold.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|JM61A1 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 20 mm JM61A1 cannon, chin-mounted (750 rpg)

[[File:T-2 der thunderer 001.jpg|250px|thumb|right|{{PAGENAME}} sporting a user-created skin.]]
The JM61A1 20 mm Vulcan cannon is a monster and, at the same time, a headache for new pilots not used to it. Unlike most other machine guns and cannons in the game (or in real life, for that matter), trigger depression here does not immediately produce flying bullets. Due to the characteristics of the JM61A1 cannon, it requires an initial spool-up time or spin of the cannon barrels before ammunition can be fired. The high rate of fire can easily melt the barrel, however with the rotating barrels, each barrel can cool off enough before it is its turn again to prevent damage. To initiate this, trigger depression will result in a .25 second delay before the ammunition begins to fire to allow for the barrels to get to proper rotating speed. Once it gets going, 750 rounds of ammunition do not last very long.

When targeting an aircraft, for example, the pilot must remember this formula to be successful while leading an aircraft or before an aircraft passes through the crosshairs, start squeezing the trigger about .5 to .25 seconds before that event, and the cannon rounds should land on target. Waiting until a target passes through the crosshairs (unless tailing them) will result in a miss as they will be out of the sights before the cannon starts firing.

Trigger discipline is necessary when using this cannon as due to its rate of fire (about 6,000 RPM, ~100 RPS or 7.5 seconds of ammunition) will easily blow through the 750 rounds carried by the {{PAGENAME}}.

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

[[File:T-2 takemoto 001.png|250px|thumb|right|{{PAGENAME}} outfitted with FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets, Sidewinders and the obligatory 20 mm Vulcan cannon.]]
{{main|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|JM117 cone 45 (750 lb)}}
{{main|AIM-9B Sidewinder|AIM-9E Sidewinder|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance presets:

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
* 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,500 lb total)
* 5 x 750 lb JM117 cone 45 bombs (3,750 lb total)
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 16 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets

==== Custom loadout options ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="6%" | 1 !! width="6%" | 2 !! width="6%" | 3 !! width="6%" | 4 !! width="6%" | 5 !! width="6%" | 6 !! width="6%" | 7
| rowspan="7" width="25%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_F-1.png]]</div>
|-
! 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! 750 lb JM117 cone 45 bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
| || 19 || 19 || || 19 || 19 ||
|-
! Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
| || 4 || 4 || || 4 || 4 ||
|-
! AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
| 1 || || || || || || 1
|-
! AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
| 1 || || || || || || 1
|-
!AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
!1
!
!
!
!
!
!1
!
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==
''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''

[[File:T-2 YMSK 001.jpg|250px|thumb|right|{{PAGENAME}} taxiing for take-off.]]
=== Pros and cons ===

[[File:T-2 jonigustavo 001.png|250px|thumb|right|The dart-shaped {{PAGENAME}} hugging the terrain in attempt to catch enemy fighters unaware.]]

'''Pros:'''

* Faster and better acceleration than many jets at its BR
* High climb rate
* 2 pilots (not as vulnerable to pilot snipes)
* Devastating JM61A1 rotary cannon with a decent ammo pool
* Variety of air-to-ground and multirole payloads
* Decent PD radar that can detect up to 60 km away, useful in large maps to find targets
* The high Angle-of-Attack in certain maneuvers can be very useful defensively and offensively

'''Cons:'''

* A lack of any [[:Category:Countermeasures|Countermeasures]] make it an easy kill in its BR, where [[air-to-air missiles]] are common
* Poor energy retention, low-speed manoeuvrability and large turning radius make avoiding missiles and dogfighting extremely challenging if often impossible
* A lack of [[Ballistic Computer]] limits the use of the air-to-ground munitions
* The JM61A1 rotary cannon may take getting used to as it doesn't fire immediately but has a short spool up time before it starts firing
* Burns through fuel at an astronomical rate
* Both engines overheat at constant use with the afterburner

== History ==


Soon after WW2, Japan was mostly offered jet fighter aircraft from the USAAF / USAF, such as the later versions of the [[F-86F-40_(Japan)|F-86 Sabre]], to protect itself from threats such as North Korea, which was at the time in conflict with the United States (in the 1950s). In the late '50s and '60s, Japan had already developed its first modern jet-aircraft, the Fuji T-1, which was mainly used as a trainer aircraft. But by the '70s, it was obsolete; Japan needed a new trainer aircraft, which could train pilots for near Mach 2 speeds.

During the time between 1964-1965, engineers at Mitsubishi began working on a project called "T-X", which would be either a 1 or 2 seater aircraft that would later be developed into another project for a ground attack aircraft called the "SF-X".

Simultaneously, the United States offered Japan the T-38, and Britain/France offered the SEPECAT Jaguar for investigation. Japan thought of a project of license-building these aircraft, which has later failed due to issues between SEPECAT and the Japanese Imperial Family.

In 1967, Japanese aircraft manufacturers Fuji, Kawasaki and Mitsubishi proposed their designs for the XT-2, of which Mitsubishi's design was accepted. The prototype (pre-production model) would be built in 1971, seeing its maiden flight on July 20 1971, flown by Dr. Kenji Ikeda.

The XT-2 became the first Japanese-built aircraft to break the sound barrier in level flight. It was put into final production later that year.

The variants of the final model, the T-2 were: T-2Z (early model that later ended up being modified for the SF-X program), T-2A and T-2B (trainer models) and the T-2K, the armed model, carrying a 20 mm M-61 Vulcan fast-firing autocannon. The aircraft was produced until 1988 and was retired in 2006 along with its fighter variant, the F-1 when it was replaced by its successor, the Kawasaki T-4 (the Mitsubishi F-2 Viper Zero replaced the F-1).

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=t2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|2RX3Y1-HJHE|'''The Shooting Range #142''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:29 discusses the Mitsubishi T-2.}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[T-2 Early]]
* [[F-1]]

;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

* [[Jaguar A]]
* [[Jaguar GR.1]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6063-development-mitsubishi-t-2-the-supersonic-stork-en|[Devblog] Mitsubishi T-2: The Supersonic Stork]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/445750-mitsubishi-t-2/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{Manufacturer MHI}}
{{Japan jet aircraft}}