Fuji T-3 Explained

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 It is has been replaced by the Fuji T-7.

Development

The KM-2B was a further development of the Fuji KM-2 (itself a four-seat development of the T-34 Mentor with a more powerful engine) for use as a primary trainer for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). It combined the structure and engine of the KM-2 with the tandem cockpit of the T-34 Mentor. Its first flight was on 17 January 1978.^[1] Fifty were purchased by the JASDF as the Fuji T-3, and production continued until 1982.^[2]

Operational history

The Fuji T-3 served with the 11 and 12 Hiko-Kyoikudan of the JASDF. The T-3 was retired in 2007 and replaced by the Fuji T-7, a turboprop variant of the T-3, with a 400shp Allison 250 engine.^{[3] [4]}

Operators

Japan Air Self-Defense Force

Notes and References

1. Book: Donald . David . Lake, Jon . Encyclopedia of World Military Aircraft . 1996 . Aerospace Publishing. London . 1-874023-95-6.
2. Book: Donald, David . The Encyclopedia of World Aircraft. 1997. Aerospace Publishing. London. 1-85605-375-X.
3. Book: Taylor . M J H . Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory 1999/2000 Edition . 1999 . Brassey's . London. 1-85753-245-7 .
4. Web site: Introduction of the exhibits at Ozora Hiroba. 2024-11-22. Misawa Aviatin & Science Museum.