Fuji T-3

Fuji T-3
Country	Japan
Role	Primary trainer
First flight	1978
Number Built	50

The Fuji T-3 is a primary military trainer aircraft used by the Japan Air Self Defense Force, manufactured by Fuji Heavy Industries. Its first flight was in 1978. In the course of its service life, 50 units were produced. It has been replaced by the Fuji T-7.

Source: Fuji T-3 on Wiki

Fuji T-3 Trainer Walk Around
Photographer	Meindert de Vreeze
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	45

Fuji T-3 Trainer 01

Fuji T-3 Trainer 02

Fuji T-3 Trainer 03

Fuji T-3 Trainer 04

Fuji T-3 Trainer 05

Fuji T-3 Trainer 06

Fuji T-3 Trainer 07

Fuji T-3 Trainer 08

Fuji T-3 Trainer 09

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Origins and Development

The Fuji T-3 was a primary trainer used by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). It was a direct evolution of the Fuji KM-2, which itself was a Japanese-modified version of the American Beechcraft T-34 Mentor. Entering service in 1978, the T-3 was designed to be the very first aircraft a student pilot would fly. It replaced the aging Beechcraft T-34A and served for over 25 years as the “gatekeeper” to the Japanese cockpit, ensuring students mastered basic airmanship before moving on to jet trainers like the T-4.

Attribute	Technical Specification (Fuji T-3)
Role	Primary Trainer
Crew	2 (Student and Instructor in tandem)
First Flight	January 17, 1978
Length	8.04 meters (26 ft 5 in)
Wingspan	10.0 meters (32 ft 10 in)
Powerplant	1 x Lycoming IGSO-480-A1F6 air-cooled flat-six
Horsepower	340 hp (254 kW)
Maximum Speed	377 km/h (234 mph / 204 knots)
Service Ceiling	8,170 meters (26,800 ft)

Design Characteristics

Tandem Seating: Unlike the side-by-side Bulldog you looked at earlier, the T-3 retained the tandem seating (one behind the other) arrangement of the T-34. This better prepares students for the feel of a fighter cockpit.
The KM-2 Heritage: The T-3 utilized the airframe of the Fuji KM-2 but was simplified for military training. It featured a more powerful engine and updated avionics compared to the original Beechcraft design.
Rugged Construction: Built to withstand the rigors of student landings, the T-3 featured a tricycle landing gear and a low-wing, all-metal semi-monocoque fuselage.
Supercharged Engine: The Lycoming engine was supercharged, allowing the aircraft to maintain better performance at higher altitudes compared to naturally aspirated trainers.

Operational History and Retirement

Primary Gateway: For decades, every JASDF pilot began their journey in the T-3 at the 11th and 12th Flying Training Wings.
Retirement: The T-3 was officially retired in 2007. It was replaced by the Fuji T-7, which looks remarkably similar but is powered by a much more powerful turboprop engine.
Legacy: The T-3 is remembered for its crisp handling and high reliability. Several are preserved in Japanese aviation museums, such as the Hamamatsu Air Park.