JASDF F-2 Cobra Zero

[HarryPhishnuts]

This is part one of a 2 part Whiff build. I'm doing a "face-swap" between a 1/72 Hasagawa F-18C ( aka Cobra Zero) and a 1/72 Hasagawa F-2 (aka USN F-16)

Background: In the mid-80s the JASDF was looking for a replacement for its F-1. After much deliberation around creating a new aircraft from scratch it was decided to work with the US and base the replacement on either the USAF F-17 Cobra US Navy F-16 Wraith.  By 1987 JASDF decided on working with Northrop on a version of the F-17 enhanced and modified for JASDF requirements. Negotiations with Northrop over work share and the US Government over technology sharing pushed the project out so that development work didn't start until 1989.  While still basically the same overall design as the F-17, the new F-2 features a Japanese avionics suite including the first AESA radar in an operational fighter. Other changes included use of composites for many of the wing and tail assemblies as well as optional conformal fuel tanks. First flight was in 1995 and was accepted into operation service in 2000.

[kerick]

This looks like quite an interesting project!

[HarryPhishnuts]

So in this scenario I'm imaging that the F-17 that the F-2 is based on is similar to the F-18L so looking at mockups of that I need to get rid of the wing-fold and external control surface actuators. Rescribing isn't my strong suit but we'll see how it goes.

[Captain Canada]

Neat idea(s).

[HarryPhishnuts]

So the Hasagawa F-18 is a pretty basic kit. The intakes are supposed to be blocked by just a piece of flat plate, that or just look straight through to the back of the exhaust cans. Wasn't crazy about either option so I decided to add the front of the engine compressor by using some exhaust nozzles from the spares and just glue them in place. Maybe not totally accurate but gets the idea across.

[Wardukw]

Nice Harry mate 👍 👌
You've got me wondering now just how much smurf poop I've destroyed using it to hold parts for painting 🙃 😅

[HarryPhishnuts]

smurf poop

I've never heard it called that before. I can't wait to tell my wife I've got to run to the hardware store to get some more Smurf-Poop 

[DogfighterZen]

 

[Wardukw]

smurf poop

I've never heard it called that before. I can't wait to tell my wife I've got to run to the hardware store to get some more Smurf-Poop 

😄😄😄....Blutac had been called that here for yrs ..no idea who came up with the name but I've even asked for it at stationary stores by that monica 😆
Normally tho ..the poop word is replaced with another 4 letter word..can ya guess 

[PolluxDeltaSeven]

This is part one of a 2 part Whiff build. I'm doing a "face-swap" between a 1/72 Hasagawa F-18C ( aka Cobra Zero) and a 1/72 Hasagawa F-2 (aka USN F-16)

Background: In the mid-80s the JASDF was looking for a replacement for its F-1. After much deliberation around creating a new aircraft from scratch it was decided to work with the US and base the replacement on either the USAF F-17 Cobra US Navy F-16 Wraith.  By 1987 JASDF decided on working with Northrop on a version of the F-17 enhanced and modified for JASDF requirements. Negotiations with Northrop over work share and the US Government over technology sharing pushed the project out so that development work didn't start until 1989.  While still basically the same overall design as the F-17, the new F-2 features a Japanese avionics suite including the first AESA radar in an operational fighter. Other changes included use of composites for many of the wing and tail assemblies as well as optional conformal fuel tanks. First flight was in 1995 and was accepted into operation service in 2000.

I'm looking forward to see the end result !

I've built one JASDF Hornet myself, but it's waiting for its painting for over a year now ! 
But I'm sure you're a faster builder than I am !

Mine is based on the Italeri kit, that I fully rescribe (it was supposed to be a quick built, but I got carried away). The Hasegawa kit sounds like a much more better base !