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Japan’s F-2 Support Fighter
By Eric Hehs
12 November 2015

The F-2 Support Fighter is a single-engine multirole fighter aircraft operated by the Japan Air Self Defense Force, or JASDF. The aircraft, the successor of Mitsubishi F-1 fighter in Japan, was jointly developed in the mid- to late 1980s and jointly produced in the early 1990s by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, a predecessor to Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, and other Japanese and US companies. Based on the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the F-2 was designed to meet the unique requirements of the JASDF. Although capable of both air-to-air and air-to-surface missions, the F-2 has been optimized for air-to-surface missions due to its primary mission of protecting Japan’s sea lanes.

The F-2 incorporated a number of pioneering technologies. For example, it was the first production fighter to be equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array, or AESA, radar. The F-2’s wings were also constructed using fifty-five percent composite material by weight. Many of the aircraft’s innovative systems, including the fly-by-wire flight control system and integrated electronic warfare system, were developed in Japan.

Production

A total of ninety-eight F-2s were built, including four prototype XF-2 aircraft. The initial flight test program began in 1996 and ended in 2000, the same year that the first production F-2 was delivered to the JASDF. The last airframe was delivered in 2011. F-2s were produced in two versions: the single-seat F-2A and the two-seat F-2B. The two-seat version is used primarily for pilot training.

F-16 Comparisons

From a distance, the F-2 looks very similar to an F-16. Side-by-side, however, the differences are more apparent. The F-2’s wing area is approximately twenty-five percent larger than that of an F-16, and the F-2’s wingspan is more than five feet wider. The F-2’s larger wing allows it to carry more fuel internally and host two additional weapon stations. The horizontal tails, fuselage, and nose on the F-2 are also larger than those on an F-16. Unlike the F-16, the F-2 has a bow frame canopy. All F-2s also have a drag chute—which enable the aircraft to land on shorter runways—whereas drag chutes are optional on the F-16.

Improvements

An improvement program was launched shortly after the first production F-2s were delivered to take advantage of newly developed technologies. Some of the more prominent upgrades were the incorporation of the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM), the AAM-4 active radar missile developed by Mitsubishi, and a JASDF-compatible datalink. Most recently, in August 2015, the JASDF announced that it will outfit its F-2 fleet with the Lockheed Martin AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod.

Operational Units

The JASDF operates three F-2 tactical fighter squadrons and one F-2 training squadron. The 3rd Air Wing at Misawa Air Base in northern Japan is home to the first operational F-2 squadron, the 3rd Tactical Fighter Squadron. The squadron formally switched from F-1 fighters to the F-2 in March 2001. The 3rd TFS is also involved in researching and developing tactics for the F-2 fleet, including fighter tactics training courses.

The 3rd TFS was joined in March 2009 by the 8th TFS, which was the final F-2 squadron formed by the JASDF. The 8th TFS formerly flew the F-4E. The 3rd and 8th TFS are both responsible for the air defense of northern Japan. The 8th Wing and 6th TFS at Tsuiki Air Base in southern Japan are responsible for air defense of western Japan.

The 4th Wing at Matsushima Air Base, on the east coast of Japan, was home to the 21st Fighter Training Squadron, which trained F-2 pilots in the F-2B. The base was heavily damaged by a Tsunami in 2011 and all eighteen of the base’s F-2Bs were damaged by sea water. F-2 students and instructor pilots moved their operations temporarily to Misawa Air Base, where they borrowed F-2Bs from the 3rd and 8th Squadrons. The damaged F-2Bs are being repaired by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Lockheed Martin. The 21st FTS is expected to return to normal training operations at Matsushima in 2017.

Japan’s F-2 Support Fighter | Code One Magazine

2015_F2_001_P004_007_3_1267828237_4444.jpg

The F-2 Support Fighter is a multirole, single-engine fighter aircraft operated by the Japan Air Self Defense Force, or JASDF.

Photo by Satoshi Akatsuka

2015_F2_005_P010_PH01_1267828237_6420.jpg

The JASDF operates three F-2 tactical fighter squadrons and one F-2 training squadron.

Photo by Ito Hisami

2015_F2_010_P004_007_4_1267828237_4048.jpg

Many of the F-2's systems, including the fly-by-wire flight control system and integrated electronic warfare system, were developed in Japan.

Photo by Satoshi Akatsuka

2015_F2_015_P008_PH03_1267828237_6290.jpg

A total of ninety-eight F-2s were built, including four prototype XF-2 aircraft. The initial flight test program began in 1996 and ended in 2000, the same year that the first production F-2 was delivered to the JASDF. The last airframe was delivered in 2011.

Photo by Ito Hisami

2015_F2_020_P016_PH04_1267828237_3635.jpg

The F-2 is powered by a single General Electric F110-GE-129 engine, which produces more than 29,000 pounds of thrust.

Photo by Ito Hisami

2015_F2_025_P016_PH08_1267828237_1052.jpg

All F-2s carry a drag chute for landing. The chute is used regularly in icy conditions common in Japanese winters.

Photo by Ito Hisami

2015_F2_030_P022_PH12_1267828237_1666.jpg

The F-2 carries a variety of ordnance, including the ASM-2 antishipping missile that was developed in Japan.

Photo by Ito Hisami

2015_F2_035_P016_PH01a_1267828237_2386.jpg

The F-2 incorporated a number of new technologies for its time. For example, it was the first production fighter to be equipped with an active electronically scanned array radar. The wings on the F-2 are made of fifty-five percent composite material by weight.

Photo by Ito Hisami
 
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2015_F2_040_P022_PH01_1267828237_7370.jpg

F-2 can carry a wide range of weapons and pods.

Photo by Ito Hisami

2015_F2_045_P004_007_2_1267828237_5728.jpg

When the JASDF commemorated its sixtieth anniversary on 1 July 2014, many squadrons painted their aircraft in commemorative markings. This F-2 is from the 3rd TFS at Misawa.

Photo by Satoshi Akatsuka

2015_F2_050_P024_PH01_1267828237_1755.jpg

The F-2 is the first fighter aircraft in JASDF that adopted a glass cockpit. The F-2 cockpit has three full color multifunction displays showing radar, weapon information, terrain map, and electronic warfare information. The control stick is on the side of cockpit as in the F-16, F-22, and F-35.

Photo by Ito Hisami

2015_F2_055_P026_PH01a_1267828237_5142.jpg

From a distance, an F-2 looks very similar to an F-16. When side-by-side, however, the differences are more apparent. The F-2 has a wing area that is approximately twenty-five percent larger than that of an F-16. The F-2 wingspan is more than five feet longer.

Photo by Ito Hisami

2015_F2_060_P028_PH01_1267828237_1139.jpg

The larger wing of the F-2 allows more internal fuel storage and two more weapon store stations. The leading edge sweep on the F-2 is about seven degrees less than the F-16’s sweep. The F-2 fuselage is approximately seventeen inches longer. The horizontal tails on the F-2 are also larger. The F-2 nose is larger. The F-2 canopy has a bow frame.

Photo by Takemura Yuichi

2015_F2_065_P014_PH02_1267828237_9930.jpg

The JASDF operates three F-2 tactical fighter squadrons and one F-2 training squadron. The 3rd Air Wing at Misawa AB in northern Japan is home to the first operational F-2 squadron, the 3rd Tactical Fighter Squadron, which formally switched from F-1 fighters to the F-2 in March 2001. The 3rd TFS is also involved with researching and developing tactics for the F-2 fleet. Members of the 3rd conduct fighter tactics training courses as well.

Photo by Ito Hisami

2015_F2_070_P025_PH01_1267828237_2239.jpg

This F-2A was given a special paint scheme to honor the 60th Anniversary of the JASDF. The design consisted of a 60th Anniversary badge located on the sides of the intake. The vertical tail displayed the national flag of Japan with cherry blossoms and a diagonal 60th Anniversary lettering next to it.

Photo by Ito Hisami

2015_F2_075_P026_PH06_1267828237_7300.jpg

The last F-2 was delivered to the JASDF in 2011. F-2s were produced as single-seat F-2A fighters and dual-seat F-2B. The two-seat version is used primarily for pilot training.

Photo by Ito Hisami

@Nihonjin1051 @Khafee @Windjammer @MastanKhan @Malik Abdullah
 
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View attachment 273149
F-2 can carry a wide range of weapons and pods.

Photo by Ito Hisami

View attachment 273150
When the JASDF commemorated its sixtieth anniversary on 1 July 2014, many squadrons painted their aircraft in commemorative markings. This F-2 is from the 3rd TFS at Misawa.

Photo by Satoshi Akatsuka

View attachment 273151
The F-2 is the first fighter aircraft in JASDF that adopted a glass cockpit. The F-2 cockpit has three full color multifunction displays showing radar, weapon information, terrain map, and electronic warfare information. The control stick is on the side of cockpit as in the F-16, F-22, and F-35.

Photo by Ito Hisami

View attachment 273152
From a distance, an F-2 looks very similar to an F-16. When side-by-side, however, the differences are more apparent. The F-2 has a wing area that is approximately twenty-five percent larger than that of an F-16. The F-2 wingspan is more than five feet longer.

Photo by Ito Hisami

View attachment 273153
The larger wing of the F-2 allows more internal fuel storage and two more weapon store stations. The leading edge sweep on the F-2 is about seven degrees less than the F-16’s sweep. The F-2 fuselage is approximately seventeen inches longer. The horizontal tails on the F-2 are also larger. The F-2 nose is larger. The F-2 canopy has a bow frame.

Photo by Takemura Yuichi

View attachment 273154
The JASDF operates three F-2 tactical fighter squadrons and one F-2 training squadron. The 3rd Air Wing at Misawa AB in northern Japan is home to the first operational F-2 squadron, the 3rd Tactical Fighter Squadron, which formally switched from F-1 fighters to the F-2 in March 2001. The 3rd TFS is also involved with researching and developing tactics for the F-2 fleet. Members of the 3rd conduct fighter tactics training courses as well.

Photo by Ito Hisami

View attachment 273155
This F-2A was given a special paint scheme to honor the 60th Anniversary of the JASDF. The design consisted of a 60th Anniversary badge located on the sides of the intake. The vertical tail displayed the national flag of Japan with cherry blossoms and a diagonal 60th Anniversary lettering next to it.

Photo by Ito Hisami

View attachment 273156
The last F-2 was delivered to the JASDF in 2011. F-2s were produced as single-seat F-2A fighters and dual-seat F-2B. The two-seat version is used primarily for pilot training.

Photo by Ito Hisami

@Nihonjin1051 @Khafee @Windjammer @MastanKhan @Malik Abdullah


Hi,

This aircraft is a great example of how one nation meets the uitlity of its air defense not with the induction of a world proven platform---but modifies it to meet its own needs---in a lsightly larger form.

It comes down to is that the mind was not satisfied with the size of the F16----.

f16.png


Basically what it means is that this bowl of chicken doodle soup does not satisfy the visual aesthetics of our requirement---now the thought would be to what prompted that frame of thought---.

And just in the opposite----pakistan air force---the second most active user of the F16's in combat---comes up with a slightly smaller version of the F16 in the form of JF17----.

It would be interesting to find out the compulsion behind these two design changes---what transpired!!!!
 
Last edited:
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@Indus Falcon

This over here is indeed a fascinating example of design change mindset-----what would need my need

The interesting thing is that both the parties are facing the same kind of threat----the Japanese would be facing the SU30's and J11 etc---the Paks would be facing the SU30's and Mig29 etc.

Both the countries are smaller in size to their adversaries---both have access to similar weapons and same aircraft---and when they have a choice of their own---they both go two different ways---one slightly smaller than the median---the other slightly larger---.

Would the pakistani example been any bigger if there was a more powerful engine available---!
 
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Government of Japan-RQ-4 Block 30 (I) Global Hawk Remotely Piloted Aircraft

Transmittal No: 15-62
WASHINGTON, Nov 20, 2015 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Japan for RQ-4 Block 30 (I) Global Hawk remotely piloted aircraft and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $1.2 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on November 19, 2015.

The Government of Japan has requested a possible sale of:

Major Defense Equipment (MDE):
Three (3) RQ-4 Block 30 (I) Global Hawk Remotely Piloted Aircraft with Enhanced Integrated Sensor
Suite (EISS)

Eight (8) Kearfott Inertial Navigation System/Global Positioning System (INS/GPS) units (2 per aircraft
with 2 spares)
Eight (8) LN-251 INS/GPS units (2 per aircraft with 2 spares)

Also included with this request are operational-level sensor and aircraft test equipment, ground support equipment, operational flight test support, communications equipment, spare and repair parts, personnel training, publications and technical data, U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated value of MDE is $.689 billion. The total estimated value is $1.2 billion.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States. Japan is one of the major political and economic powers in East Asia and the Western Pacific and a key partner of the United States in ensuring regional peace and stability. This transaction is consistent with U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives and the 1960 Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security.

The proposed sale of the RQ-4 will significantly enhance Japan’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities and help ensure that Japan is able to continue to monitor and deter regional threats. The Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) will have no difficulty absorbing these systems into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be Northrop Grumman Corporation in Rancho Bernardo, California. The purchaser requested offsets but at this time agreements are undetermined and will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and contractor.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of contractor representatives to Japan to perform contractor logistics support and to support establishment of required security infrastructure.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

Government of Japan-RQ-4 Block 30 (I) Global Hawk Remotely Piloted Aircraft | The Official Home of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency
 

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Japanese H-IIA set for Telstar 12V launch
November 23, 2015 by William Graham

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H-IIA Launch:

Japan will make its first dedicated commercial satellite launch Tuesday, with an H-IIA rocket carrying a Canadian communications spacecraft, Telstar 12V, into orbit. The launch is scheduled to depart Japan’s Tanegashima Space Centre at 15:23 (06:23 UTC), the opening of a 104-minute launch window.

Despite having made one hundred orbital launch attempts to date – the first of which occurred in 1966, with the first success coming in 1970 – Japan has been slow to enter the commercial launch market.

Tuesday’s mission is the first to carry a commercial satellite as its primary payload and only the second to carry a large commercial satellite at all – the first being 2012’s deployment of South Korea’s Arirang-3 as a secondary payload to the Shizuku (GCOM-W) climate observatory.

During the mid-1990s, Hughes Space and Communications signed a contract with Japan’s National Space Development Agency (NASDA) – then one of two national space agencies of Japan that have since merged to form the Japan Space Exploration Agency (JAXA) – and Rocket Systems Corporation, the Mitsubishi-led alliance of companies responsible for the development of the H-II rockets, that would have seen ten commercial H-IIA launches conducted between 2000 and 2005; however this contract was later cancelled after the poor reliability of the H-II vehicle dented Hughes’ confidence in its successor.

The contract for Tuesday’s launch of Telstar 12V for Canada’s Telesat was signed in September 2013 shortly after Telesat placed an order with Airbus Defence and Space to build the satellite. Telstar 12V is based on Airbus’ Eurostar 3000 satellite bus.

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The Telstar 12V spacecraft, which is also known as Telstar 12 Vantage, is a 4,900-kilogram (10,800 lb) spacecraft intended to replace the sixteen-year-old Telstar 12 satellite in operation at an orbital slot of 15 degrees West. Telstar 12 was originally built as Orion 2 for Orion Network Systems, which was acquired by Loral Skynet a few months before the satellite launched. Telstar 12 lifted off from Kourou, French Guiana, atop an Ariane 4 rocket on 19 October 1999.

The satellites in the former Orion fleet were subsequently renamed, with Orion 1 becoming Telstar 11 and Orion 2 becoming Telstar 12. The Orion 3 satellite, which was stranded in a low orbit after the failure of its Delta III carrier rocket, was not renamed even though prime contractor Hughes were in talks with NASA about flying a Shuttle mission to correct its orbit.

Loral Skynet merged with Telesat Canada in late 2007 to form Telesat, which is owned by Loral Space and Communications and Canada’s Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP).

The Telstar name of the satellites originates from AT&T’s satellite fleet, which was acquired by Loral in a 1997 merger that formed Loral Skynet.

The original Telstar was an experimental low orbit communications satellite operated by AT&T’s Bell Telephone Laboratories in conjunction with NASA and the British and French national telecommunications companies.

When it launched in July 1962, Telstar was the first commercial satellite to be placed into orbit and it was followed by a second spacecraft, Telstar 2, however geostationary satellites proved more practical and AT&T abandoned plans for an operational Telstar constellation.

When AT&T began to build its own fleet of geostationary satellites in the early 1980s, the company chose to revive the name of its first satellites, with three Telstar 3 spacecraft designated Telstar 301, 302 and 303.

These were followed by Telstars 401, 402 and 402R – the latter a replacement for the 402 spacecraft which had failed just minutes after launch. When the constellation passed to Loral the numbering changed back to a sequential system, with Telstar 402R – being the only remaining operational satellite – renamed Telstar 4.

The new Telstar 12V satellite carries 52 Ku-band transponders to replace the 38 carried by its predecessor and is expected to provide a further fifteen years of service to the same regions. These include Europe, most of South America, the eastern parts of Central America, Canada and the United States, the north coast of Africa, the Middle East and South Africa.

Tuesday’s mission will be a rare outing for the H-IIA’s 204 configuration, the most powerful version of the rocket to be flown.

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Equipped with four SRB-A3 boosters in place of the two used on the standard 202 configuration, the H-IIA 204 has only flown once before, delivering the Kiku VIII, or Engineering Test Satellite 8 (ETS-8) into geostationary transfer orbit in December 2006.

The Telstar launch also marks the debut of upgrades to the rocket’s second stage aimed at increasing the vehicle’s payload capacity and improving its ability to fly geosynchronous missions.

Changes to the second stage include a more efficient turbopump cooling system that will require less of the vehicle’s oxidiser supply and modifications to the attitude control system allowing evaporating propellant to be used to provide a small forward thrust during coast phases in order to keep the rockets propellants at the rear of their tanks – a function previously performed by firing reaction control thrusters.
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The rocket has been equipped with a higher capacity battery to power its avionics systems and a more powerful communications antenna. The second stage is also being painted white and a roll manoeuvre introduced to aid cooling during coast phases.

These changes are primarily geared towards enabling the rocket to perform longer missions that require extended periods of coasting, such as direct insertions into geostationary orbit, or missions to transfer orbits with higher perigees.

The second stage engine has been modified to allow it to be throttled to 60% thrust, allowing the final insertion burn to be performed more accurately.

For Tuesday’s launch, the target orbit is a high-perigee Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit, with a perigee of 2,700 kilometres (1,678 miles, 1,458 nautical miles), an apogee of 36,585 kilometres (22,733 miles, 19,754 nautical miles) and 20.1 degrees inclination to the Equator. The rocket that will be used, H-IIA F-29, is making the twenty-ninth flight of the H-IIA rocket and the forty-first across all members of the H-II family.

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The launch will begin with the ignition of the rocket’s LE-7A first stage engine, followed by the four SRB-A3 strap-on boosters. Booster ignition will occur as the countdown reaches zero – a time designated X-0 in Japanese nomenclature but identical to the T-0 seen with Western launches – at which point the rocket will begin its ascent into space.

Performing a series of manoeuvres to place itself onto the proper trajectory for its geosynchronous transfer orbit, H-IIA F-29 will fly under the power of its core stage engine and the four solid boosters for approximately 116 seconds, at which point the boosters will burn out, having expended their propellant.

The first pair of boosters will separate from the core vehicle 127 seconds after launch, with the second pair being jettisoned three seconds later. The first stage will continue to burn its liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellant, with the next flight event being separation of the payload fairing from the nose of the vehicle at four minutes and ten seconds elapsed time.
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The first stage engine will cut off six minutes and forty seconds after liftoff, with the spent stage separating eight seconds later and the second stage igniting six seconds after that.

For the Telstar launch, the H-IIA’s second stage will be called upon to perform three burns of its LE-5B engine. The first of these will last four minutes and thirteen seconds, establishing an initial parking orbit.

Eleven minutes and 29 seconds after this burn is completed, the stage will restart for its second burn, lasting four minutes and one second, to enter geostationary transfer orbit. The third and final burn will be performed at apogee, to raise the perigee of the orbit.

An extended coast phase will occur between the second and third burns as the vehicle ascends towards its orbit’s apogee. Three hours, 55 minutes and 53 seconds after the end of its second burn, the LE-5B will ignite for a one-minute burn to increase the perigee of the orbit. Three minutes and 26 seconds after the end of the final burn, Telstar 12V will separate from the H-IIA to complete the four hour, 26 minute and 56 second launch.

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The launch will be conducted by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

The H-IIA will lift off from Pad 1 of the Yoshinobu Launch Complex at Japan’s Tanegashima Space Centre.

Built in the 1990s for the H-II rocket, Pad 1 is the oldest of two that comprise the Yoshinobu complex – the second was built in the early 2000s to allow additional H-IIA launches.

However, it was not used until 2009 when the H-IIB rocket made its maiden flight. Since then all H-IIA launches have used Pad 1, with all H-IIB rockets flying from Pad 2.

Rockets are prepared for launch in an off-pad assembly building and transported vertically to the launch pad atop a mobile launch platform.

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A clean pad approach is used with both launch pads; all umbilical connections are made to two towers on the launch platform that are transported with the rocket, with lightning towers the only large permanent structures at the pad. For some years an old fixed service tower stood unused at Pad 1, left over from the earlier H-II, however this has now been demolished.

Tuesday’s launch will be the seventy-first orbital launch of 2015 – including three failed launches that did not achieve orbit and February’s Vega launch which was not catalogued as orbital despite achieving orbit during a series of tests at the end of a successful suborbital primary mission.

It is the fourth and final launch of the year for Japan, with H-IIA launches in February and March having carried Information Gathering Satellite (IGS) reconnaissance spacecraft into orbit and an H-IIB launch in August deploying the Kounotori 5 (HTV-5) resupply mission to the International Space Station.

Japan’s next orbital launch is expected to be of an H-IIA early next year, carrying the ASTRO-H x-ray observatory. Telesat does not have any further launches scheduled at present, however the company recently announced that it was planning to acquire a new satellite, to be named Telstar 19V, with an order expected to be placed in the next few weeks.

(Images via JAXA and Astrium).
Japanese H-IIA set for Telstar 12V launch | NASASpaceFlight.com
 
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The H-IIA rocket to be used for this launch (s/n F29) seen at MHI's plant on 28/08/15. The second stage has been painted white to reduce LH2 boil-off during the 4+ hours coasting required for this launch.

This is the 2nd H-IIA to use the 204 configuration and the first one to use a 4 meter diameter fairing (4S type)
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Watch it live!!!!!
 
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Japan, Nigeria military deepen synergiesr.


THE Nigerian and Japanese military have agreed to share ideas and experience to enhance their capacities.
The agreement was reached when Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin, hosted the President of Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force Command and Staff College, Vice Admiral Umio Otsuka at his office in Abuja.

Olonisakin said the Nigerian Military stood a good chance to learn a lot from Japan in view of the Japanese advancement in science and technology and its proficiency in the production of military hardware.

He noted that the visit of the Japanese top military officer would further deepen the synergy of purpose and existing cooperation between the two friendly countries.

Earlier in his remark, Otsuka pledged his country’s continuous cooperation with Nigeria, especially in its war against terror which he noted is a global phenomenon which required global effort to stamp out.

He commended the Nigerian Armed Forces on their fight against insurgence.

Otsuka noted that his visit to Nigeria has afforded him the opportunity of cross regional experience.


Japan, Nigeria military deepen synergiesr. | CAJ News Africa

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100 Percent of Targets Destroyed: Japan Is Testing New Missile in US


The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) has successfully test-fired the Chu-SAM Kai surface-to-air missile, destroying 100 percent of its targets at the White Sands Missile Range in southern New Mexico, the United States Army website reports.

Over the summer of 2015, the JGSDF conducted ten flight tests intercepting various targets, including a GQM-163A Coyote target system used to simulate supersonic cruise missiles.

The Chu-SAM Kai is an advanced version of the Chu-SAM medium range surface-to-air missile system domestically developed and produced in Japan. It is a multi-segment propellant missile launched from a road-mobile vertical launch container and has been undergoing evaluation and testing since 2014.

“Development of Chu-SAM(KAI) is aimed at increasing the capability against threats such as cruise missile. By applying advanced sensor and network technologies, Chu-SAM (KAI) increases a defense area against cruise missile, while reduces acquisition cost,” Japan’s Ministry of Defense (MOD) explains [sic].

Like the Chu-SAM, the Chu-SAM Kai air defense system is based “on 8×8 cross country trucks, including command center, radar unit, launcher, and transloader. The trucks are not armored and the system is not protected in any way,” according to the website weaponsystems.net. Each unit is equipped with six missiles.

The Chu-SAM can track up to 100 targets simultaneously and target 12 at the same time. With a speed of about Mach 2.5, it can engage fighter jets, helicopters, and cruise missiles. The exact capabilities of the Chu-SAM Kai, however, remain unknown.”Kai is a complex system in which each sensor is networked to intercept anti-aircraft threats,” said Kazuhiro Tobo, Chu-SAM Kai test commander with the Technical Research & Developmental Institute. ”We don’t have the kind of ranges in Japan needed to satisfy the requirements of the Chu-SAM Kai tests.”

Overall, 15 JGSDF batteries (each consisting of about 30 soldiers) are participating in the drills known within the Japanese military as Annual Service Practice (ASP). The ASP is scheduled to last until the end of November. Since the summer, new JGSDF units have been rotating in and out of the practice ranges every week.

“The units are being evaluated to see how they react to and conduct war and air combat. They’re validating their training and their systems, ”according to Anthony Garcia, Hawk/Chu-SAM branch chief with the Unit Training and Certification Division, Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security.

According to Colonel Koji Maekawa, this year’s JGSDF ASP commander: “In Japan, we do not have any ranges to conduct live fire exercises. The Annual Service Practice is very important for us to keep an alliance between the U.S. and Japan.”

The U.S. military has been quite impressed with the professionalism of their Japanese counterparts. “The Japanese test team we work with is excellent; they are highly experienced and trained to know what they need to succeed,” noted Henry Sedillo, White Sands Missile Range’s Chu-SAM Kai Test Officer.



100 Percent of Targets Destroyed: Japan Is Testing New Missile in US | The Diplomat

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ANGLICO, JGSDF conduct combined arms shoot during Dawn Blitz


Marines with 3rd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company and soldiers with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force conducted a combined arms shoot with naval gunfire, attack rotary aircraft and 120mm mortars during Exercise Dawn Blitz 2015 on San Clemente Island, Sept. 1.

The purpose of the combined arms shoot was to strengthen the U.S. and its ally’s skill set.

“There is an art and science of integration of combined arms and particularly as it’s concerned with our allies,” said Capt. Kevin Fernandez, supporting arms liaison team leader with ANGLICO.

One American destroyer and one Japanese destroyer shot five-inch naval gunfire on San Clemente Island. The naval ships were shooting targets and marking targets for the Marines and the JGSDF as well as marking targets for the rotary aircraft.

Coalition participation has been incorporated to provide realistic training that leverages capabilities provided by each participant and strengthens relationships necessary to jointly respond to crises and protect collective maritime interests.

While Japanese procedures are slightly different than the Marines’, ANGLICO Marines were able to improve their interoperability with the JGSDF during the live-fire shoot.

“I am very happy to learn the team leader job flow as well as learning how the Marine Corps conducts these types of missions,” said 2nd Lt. Tatsuta, Shinichi, a team leader with the JGSDF. “I will take the skills I have learned here at Dawn Blitz and take them to my country, so I can share them with my subordinates and improve myself.”

“It’s great working with the Japanese,” Fernandez said. “They are very confident fire supporters, very confident in mortars and very confident in naval guns. I am pretty proud to see our guys develop and progress in their skill sets.”

http://www.marines.mil/News/NewsDis...ct-combined-arms-shoot-during-dawn-blitz.aspx


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150901-M-XW591-001.JPG
 
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Dear Nihonjin, have you ever posted a comprehensive appraisal of JSDF capabilities? I mean with your own inputs on how it stacks up against its present/future needs. I would really like to view it.
 
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American and Japanese Admirals Honor Sailors Enshrined at Sasebo Cemetery - See more at: American and Japanese Admirals Honor Sailors Enshrined at Sasebo Cemetery | Stripes Japan
Dear Nihonjin, have you ever posted a comprehensive appraisal of JSDF capabilities? I mean with your own inputs on how it stacks up against its present/future needs. I would really like to view it.

Greetings Jacob!

Do you want a general-overview appraisal of the combined branches or is there a specific branch you would like me to appraise?
 
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American and Japanese Admirals Honor Sailors Enshrined at Sasebo Cemetery - See more at: American and Japanese Admirals Honor Sailors Enshrined at Sasebo Cemetery | Stripes Japan


Greetings Jacob!

Do you want a general-overview appraisal of the combined branches or is there a specific branch you would like me to appraise?

Hmm...now that you ask. I guess I can get a general appraisal from various sources, but not on a few specific subjects. In that case, let me put a few questions to you:

Air Force:

1. When will the F-35 be finally inducted? Is Japan fully committed to the platform?

2. What is the Air Force's medium term focus? In the sense does it envisage deployment in current/future scenarios like Syria?

Navy:

1. Is the Navy looking at Bluewater capabilities? And if so, any plans for carriers? This is, of course, related to the 2nd point above as overseas deployment might well be in the form of a carrier force.

Land Forces:

1. Is counter-insurgency part of the plan? Or does/will a separate branch handle that?

2. If Japan has any plans of developing counter-insurgency capabilities, then is it procuring stuff like MRAP vehicles etc.? And are the troops being given training in COIN?

Special Forces:

1. What is the special forces structure of Japan?

2. Are special forces being considered fr overseas deployment?

I know its a lot, but I can wait patiently for when you have time....
 
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i heard Brother Japan success tested their SSM-3 anti-ship missile

Yes, yes, it did. :)

The Korean Army Guard of Honor presented itself during the JSDF Military Band Parade 2015.

The Entire Japanese Army watches in pride and in great happiness!

@sEoulman556

12243171_1108926319125354_1273101787560919935_n.jpg


12227683_1108926045792048_4365622399470251422_n.jpg

Korean navy performance,


12241315_1108926042458715_6814608263430445975_n.jpg


12227683_1108926045792048_4365622399470251422_n.jpg

Korean navy performance,


12241315_1108926042458715_6814608263430445975_n.jpg


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The JMSDF's 1st escort fleet ---- 3rd destroyer squadron on escort duty.

The Destroyer Makinami providing fleet escort to a civilian transport,

12274423_1000444756683909_5757284632775800728_n.jpg



11986421_1000444746683910_1543147484537365498_n.jpg


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防衛省では、自衛隊員の活躍の様子を広く海外へ情報発信するため英語による動画配信しております。
 砕氷艦「しらせ」は、海上自衛隊が運用する艦艇で、南極地域観測協力を行う我が国唯一の砕氷艦です。物資及び人員の輸送が任務であり、観測・基地設営などを支援しており、横須賀基地を母港としています。
 しらせは、本日、第57次南極地域観測協力行動の実施のため、南極を目指し日本を出航したところです。本動画では、第56次南極地域観測協力行動を紹介するとともに、しらせ艦長大鋸1佐のインタビューをお届け致します。
 
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