Kawasaki T-4

History

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) needed a modern successor to its aging Lockheed T-33 medium jet trainer line and commissioned Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) to design, develop and manufacture a new local solution. This work produced the Kawasaki "T-4", of which four prototypes were built to the "XT-4" design standards, and recorded its first flight on July 29, 1985. Since then, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force has delivered some 208 prototypes, and Japan is the sole operator of the series.

Commissioned in 1988.

As an advanced jet trainer, the T-4 is intended as a transitional product for student pilots transitioning from a basic turboprop trainer to a full-fledged jet fighter. As such, the T-4 Sportjet delivers power and demonstrates high-performance capabilities.

Composite materials are used in its structure to reduce weight while still maintaining the robustness the aircraft needs to perform combat-like maneuvers.

Such is the quality and performance of the design, it is considered the mount of choice for the Blue Impulse aerobatic team in Japan. The team transitioned from the earlier T-2 jet to the T-4. Previously, the team relied on North American F-86 Sabre Jets (F models).

The plane's two crew members, students and instructors, were placed side by side amidships under a one-piece, light-frame canopy. Ahead of the unit is an elongated nose cone assembly, and the fuselage usually tapers aft. A vertical tail and a pair of horizontal planes complete the tail. Retractable tricycle landing gear allows ground operation.

The main planes of the wings are centrally mounted on both sides of the fuselage and have underwing hardpoints for fuel delivery. The main plane has also been swept back to improve aerodynamic efficiency at high speeds.

Dimensions include a length of 42.7 feet, a wingspan of 32.6 feet, and a height of 15 feet. Curb weight is 8,360 lbs and MTOW is 16,530 lbs.

Propulsion is provided by 2 Ishikawajima-Harima F3-IHI-30 series turbofan engines, each producing 3,520 pounds of thrust. They are drawn in through rounded rectangular air intakes located on either side of the cockpit and expelled through ports in the lower rear of the aircraft.

Performance specs include a top speed of 645 mph and a range of up to 1,035 miles.

Kawasaki sells the T-4 - the hallmark of a good jet trainer - on the strengths of stability and maneuverability.

Despite its Cold War origins, the T-4 is still in service with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force today (2017).

Specification

Basic

Production

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes