Kawasaki T-4

Kawasaki T-4
País	Japón
Papel	Intermediate trainer aircraft
Primer vuelo	29 July 1985
Número construido	208+

el Kawasaki T-4 is a Japanese subsonic intermediate jet trainer aircraft developed and manufactured by the commercial conglomerate Kawasaki Heavy Industries. Its sole operator is the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), in part due to historic restrictions on the exporting of military hardware. In addition to its primary training mission, the T-4 has been used by the JASDF’s Blue Impulse aerobatic team as well as liaison duties with most fighter units. The first XT-4 prototype flew on 29 July 1985, while the first production aircraft was delivered during September 198

Fuente: Kawasaki T-4 on Wiki

Kawasaki T-4 Walk Around
Fotógrafo	Meindert de Vreeze
Localización	Unknow
Fotos	39

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Development and Strategic Role

The Kawasaki T-4 was developed to replace the aging Lockheed T-33 and Fuji T-1 trainers within the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). As a clean-sheet design, it was optimized for high agility and subsonic performance, allowing trainees to bridge the gap between basic propeller aircraft and high-performance fighters like the F-15J and F-2. Known for its smooth handling and reliability, the T-4 is nicknamed the “Dolphin” due to its rounded nose and aerodynamic profile.

Property	Technical Specification (Kawasaki T-4)
Papel	Intermediate Jet Trainer / Liaison
Equipo	2 (Student and Instructor in tandem)
First Flight	July 29, 1985 (XT-4 Prototype)
Longitud	13.00 meters (42 ft 8 in)
Envergadura	9.94 meters (32 ft 7 in)
Maximum Takeoff Weight	7,500 kg (16,535 lb)
Velocidad máxima	Mach 0.9 (1,038 km/h at sea level)
Service Ceiling	15,240 meters (50,000 ft)

Propulsion and Aerodynamic Features

Twin-Engine Safety: Unlike many trainers of its class, the T-4 uses two Ishikawajima-Harima F3-IHI-30 turbofans, providing redundancy and high thrust-to-weight ratios.
Transonic Airfoil: The wing features a thick-section transonic profile developed by Kawasaki to maintain stability and control at speeds approaching the speed of sound.
Maneuverability: Compact Leading-Edge Root Extensions (LERX) generate vortex lift, enhancing handling at high angles of attack and during high-G maneuvers.
Advanced Cockpit: The tandem cockpit is equipped with a Head-Up Display (HUD) and an On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS), technologies standard in modern front-line fighters.

The Blue Impulse and Global Recognition

The T-4 gained international fame as the mount for “Blue Impulse,” the JASDF’s premier aerobatic demonstration team. Replacing the supersonic Mitsubishi T-2 in 1995, the T-4 offered superior turning capability and allowed for a more tightly choreographed display sequence.

Production Total: Approximately 212 aircraft were built by a consortium including Kawasaki, Mitsubishi, and Fuji.
Liaison Role: Beyond training, most combat wings in the JASDF operate a few T-4s as “squadron hacks” for administrative transport and weather reconnaissance.
Durability: The airframe makes extensive use of carbon-fiber composites and is rated for a 7,500-hour flight life.

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