Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series Die-cast Model

Mitsubishi F-2A –13-8558, 8th Squadron, Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), Tsuiki Air Base, Japan, 2020, "8th Squadron 60th Anniversary"

1:72 Scale.  Length: 8.50".  Wingspan: 5.75"


Limited production of approximately 1000 models worldwide

In June 2010 Mitsubishi F-2A 03-8557 c/n M1057 was delivered to the JASDF. In March 2011 it was re-registered as 13-8557. On October 5, 2014 13-8557 transferred to the 8th Wing/8th TFS based at Tsuiki since mid-2016. The 8th Wing’s 6th and 8th TFS’s make up the JASDF Western Air Defense Force. Prior to acquiring the F-2 the 8th TFS flew the F-4E Phantom II. In 2020 the 8th celebrated its 60th Anniversary and 13-8557 was given a paint scheme with a predominant Panther face and claw marks.

During the 1980s the U.S. military wasn’t interested in an updated version of the F-16 Fighting Falcon so they passed on the opportunity. Japan was replacing some of their fleet and decided to develop the F-16 Agile Falcon in cooperation with Mitsubishi and Lockheed Martin. Production began in 1996 with the first aircraft being delivered in 2000. The new aircraft was named the F-2 and soon earned the nickname “Viper Zero”. Although the F-2 looks similar to the original F-16 it is larger in almost every aspect.

The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a single-engine fighter aircraft built by General Dynamics, that later became Lockheed Martin. Originally designed as an air superiority day fighter, it evolved into a successful all-weather multi-role aircraft that can perform various kinds of missions. First flown on January 20, 1974, the F-16 entered operational service with the USAF in January of 1979. It has an internal M61 Vulcan 20mm cannon and multiple locations for mounting missiles, bombs and other mission equipment. Although it is no longer being purchased by the USAF, improved versions of the F-16 are still being produced for export customers. Over 4,500 F-16s have been built for the U.S. Air Force and the air forces of twenty-five other nations.


Hobby Master is a manufacturer of high quality, pre-built, diecast models. Each model is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using specifications of the original aircraft or vehicle. They are made with die-cast metal and some plastic components.

This model of an F-2A features: