Kawasaki T-4

T-4
Kawasaki T-4 landing at Hamamatsu (2010)
Role Intermediate trainer aircraft
National origin Japan
Manufacturer Kawasaki
First flight July 29, 1985
Introduction 1988
Primary user Japan Air Self-Defense Force
Produced +208

The Kawasaki T-4 is a Japanese subsonic intermediate jet trainer aircraft used by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. In addition to training duties it is used by the JASDF's Blue Impulse aerobatic team.[1] The first XT-4 prototype flew on July 29, 1985. The first production aircraft was delivered in 1988.

Design and development

A T-4 at Gifu Air Field

In November 1981, Kawasaki was selected as main contractor to design and produce an aircraft relating to the MT-X program. This program was launched to replace the Lockheed T-33[2] and Fuji T-1 jet trainer aircraft in service in the Japan Air Self Defense Force.[3] The initial program planned a run of 220 aircraft and entry into service in 1988.[4] The first production T-4 flew on 28 June 1988 and deliveries to the JASDF began in September 1988.

Fighter units of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force are equipped with T-4s as trainer/liaison aircraft.

Variants

  • XT-4: Prototype. 4 built.
  • T-4: 208 built.[5]

Operators

T-4 at Chitose Air Base (2013)
T-4 of 304th Squadron at Tsuiki Air Field (2010)
T-4 of Central Air Command Support Squadron, at Iruma Air Base (2013)
 Japan

Accidents

  • Aircraft 16-5654 was written off on March 12, 1991.[6]
  • Aircraft 06-5653 crashed off Hokkaido on July 1, 1991 with one fatality.[7][8]
  • Blue Impulse aircraft 46-5727 and 46-5720 were both destroyed on July 4, 2000.[9][10][11] Three crew were killed.[12]
  • Blue Impulse aircraft 46-5731 and 46-5745 collided during a January 29, 2014 training flight near Matsushima. Both aircraft safely returned to base.[13][14]

Specifications (T-4)

T-4 of 301st Squadron at Hyakuri Air Base (2017)

Data from Jane's Aircraft Recognition Guide

General characteristics

Performance

Armament
Two hardpoints for external fuel tanks

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

Related lists

References

  1. ↑ Blue Impulse aerobatic team aerobaticteams.net Retrieved February 4, 2017
  2. ↑ T-4 Intermediate Trainer Kawasaki Heavy industries Retrieved February 4, 2017
  3. ↑ Kawasaki T-4 Basic and advanced trainer Military-Today Retrieved February 4, 2017
  4. ↑ "Actualités du monde aérospatial : Japon" [News of the world aerospace: Japan]. Le moniteur de l'aéronautique (in French). 49: 9. November 1981.
  5. ↑ Kawasaki T-4 Subsonic Intermediate Jet Trainer Military Factory Retrieved February 8, 2017
  6. ↑ Aircraft accident 12-Mar-1991 T-4 06-5653 Aviation Safety Network Retrieved February 5, 2017
  7. ↑ Aircraft accident 01-Jul-1991 T-4 06-5653 Aviation Safety Network Retrieved February 5, 2017
  8. ↑ Japan Ejection History Retrieved February 5, 2017
  9. ↑ Aircraft accident 04-Jul-2000 T-4 46-5727 Aviation Safety Network Retrieved February 5, 2017
  10. ↑ Aircraft accident 04-Jul-2000 T-4 46-5720 Aviation Safety Network Retrieved February 5, 2017
  11. ↑ Blue Impulse planes missing July 5, 2000 Japan Times Retrieved February 5, 2017
  12. ↑ ASDF base resumes aerobatics training after crash-prompted hiatus March 13, 2001 Japan Times Retrieved February 5, 2017
  13. ↑ Aircraft accident 29-Jan-2014 T-4 46-5731 Aviation Safety Network Retrieved February 5, 2017
  14. ↑ Aircraft accident 29-Jan-2014 T-4 46-5745 Aviation Safety Network Retrieved February 5, 2017
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