1/72 Hasegawa F-15J Eagle [J.A.S.D.F. Interceptor] 00337

The F-15J Eagle is the main interceptor fighter of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). Japan became the third country in the world to operate the Eagle, following the United States Air Force and Israel. Previously, the JASDF had used the F-104J as its interceptor, and began evaluating candidates for its successor under the F-X program. Among many options, the F-15 was selected on December 9, 1976, and the first aircraft arrived at Gifu Air Base on March 27, 1981.

The initial F-15Js introduced to the JASDF were essentially equivalent to the U.S. Air Force’s F-15C Block 26, with some modifications unique to Japan. These included integration with Japan’s proprietary automatic warning and control system (known as the BADGE system), and the addition of a high-speed data link device (J/ASW-10) for interception control from E-2C early warning aircraft. Another notable change was the replacement of the antenna at the tip of the vertical stabilizer with a mass balance.

The JASDF first deployed the F-15J to Nyutabaru Air Base for pilot training and later began full-scale deployment to combat air wings. Currently, the F-15J is assigned to 7 squadrons:

• 201st Squadron (Chitose Air Base)
• 202nd Squadron (Nyutabaru Air Base)
• 203rd Squadron (Chitose Air Base)
• 204th Squadron (Hyakuri Air Base)
• 303rd Squadron (Komatsu Air Base)
• 304th Squadron (Tsuiki Air Base)
• 305th Squadron (Hyakuri Air Base)

Like the U.S. Air Force, the JASDF has implemented a Multi-Stage Improvement Program (MSIP) for the F-15J, gradually upgrading its equipment over the years. These upgrades have included new antennas and other external changes. Additionally, modifications are underway to enable the aircraft to carry Japan’s domestically developed AAM-3 air-to-air missile.

As Japan’s main fighter aircraft, the F-15J will continue to play a vital role in national air defense alongside future developments such as the FS-X program.

(Information based on the time of the kit’s release)

Specifications:

• Crew: 1
• Wingspan: 13.05 m
• Length: 19.43 m
• Height: 5.63 m
• Maximum Takeoff Weight: 30,845 kg
• Engine: Pratt & Whitney F100-IHI-100
• Thrust: 7,348 kg × 2 (10,800 kg × 2 with afterburner)
• Maximum Speed: Mach 2.5 at 12,200 m altitude
• Fixed Armament: JM61A 20 mm Vulcan cannon x 1