The Mitsubishi T-2 is a two-engined two-seat jet trainer manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and was operated by the Japan Air Self Defense Force from 1975 – 2006. The flight instructor sat behind the student in a raised seat that allowed him to visually monitor the student’s actions. There was a windblast screen between them that created separate clamshell canopies for each person. T-2s were also used by a dedicated Aggressor Squadrons until they were replaced by F-15 Eagle.
The Aerobatic Team Blue Impulse were part of the 21st Squadron 4th Air Wing presently are attached to 11th Squadron 4th Air Wing. Established in 1960 and equipped with F-86s the team re-equipped with the Mitsubishi T-2 in 1980 and eventually to the Kawasaki T-4 in 1995. Mitsubishi T-2 59-5111 is nicknamed Triple Sticks referring to the triple 1s. The T-2 was retired in 2006 with 72-5111 being sent to the JASDF Air Park as a museum piece. There were 90 T-2s built.