Mitsubishi T-2B / Shadow FT.1

[Spey_Phantom]

In 1989, tha jaguar GR-1A was becoming obselete in combat. The RAF wanted a new fighter plane to replace the not to agile Tornado F.3 witch was then the RAF's most maneuvrable interseptor but was not designed for close combat and dogfights. A specification was made for a new dogfighter for the RAF. as the tornado F.3 was better in the SEAD role, the RAF started to replace the older Jaguars with this type, however, there was a need for a new air defence fighter.

In 1990, there were numerous aircraft evaluated for the RAF, including the Falcon F.1 from Lockheed, the Hornet FA.1 from Boeing and the new Grippen FA.1 from saab and BAE. but since new fighters were to expensive, BAE has offered an Air defence version of the jaguar. They teamed up with Mitsubishi in Japan and used various technology from the F-1/T-2's from Japan.

In 1992, the first BEA upgraded and rebuild jaguar rolled out of RAF Warton. It had a new wing & tail, a revised front fuselage, a radar and a new 2 seat cockpit.
BEA wanted to call it the "Super Jaguar F-Mk.5", but with the japanese cooperation, it was renamed "Shadow FT.1" (since it also had a secondary training role). The RAF ordered 78 new Shadows for use by 6 squadrons, Japan also bought 48 aircraft and designated them "F-1B/T-2B Super Kai".


The kit:

this 1/144 scale aircraft is made out of the rear fuselage from a jaguar Gr.1, the front fuselage from an F-5E, the wings and tailplanes of an F-16A, the canopy of an F-14A and a scratchbuild tailfin. the aircraft has been painted in yellow primer, awaiting full camo. the pictures are of verry poor quality, but i will post better pics later.

[NARSES2]

From some angles that reminds me of a Lockheed Lancer with square intakes

Neat little job though

Chris

[anthonyp]

That looks pretty good.  I agree with Chris, it does look a little like the Lancer.