Difference between revisions of "T-2 Early"

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{{About
 +
| about = Japanese jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other variants
 +
| link = F-1 (Family)
 +
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=t2_early
 
|code=t2_early
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|StoreImage_{{PAGENAME}}_003.jpg}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Fire and Ice"]].
+
Throughout the late '60s, the JSDAF came to note that their Fuji T-1 subsonic light trainer failed miserably at preparing pilots for the mach 2+ heavy frontline fighters currently in use with the JSDAF, such as the [[F-104J]] and the [[F-4EJ Phantom II]]. At first, Japan considered acquiring foreign aircraft, but that idea quickly died down as the USA only offered the T-38 Talon and SEPECAT started asking for exhorbitant licensing fees for their [[Jaguar (Family)|Jaguar]]. Realizing that foreign trainers were out of the question, a new set of developement programs were started to develop new indeginous supersonic jets for Japan: First, the T-X program to field a supersonic trainer aircraft, and later the SF-X program stemming from it, to develop a single-seat attack aircraft on the basis of the T-X aircraft. Developement of both aircraft was handed to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries after a fierce design proposal competition from Mitsubishi, Kawasaki, and Fuji. The first prototype of the new trainer "T-2" rolled off the production line on April 28, 1971, and conducted many static and ground tests before performing its first flight on July 20th of that year. After testing came to an end, production was authorized, and 90 T-2s were built, divided across 28 "T-2(Z)s", or "''Zenkigata'' (early type)" and 62 "T-2(K)s", or "''Kokigata'' ([[T-2|late type]])". The aforementioned SF-X program to develop a strike aircraft based on the T-X would result in the [[F-1]].
 +
 
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a somewhat peculiar premium vehicle. It was introduced in [[Update "Fire and Ice"]], however, it was removed from the Gaijin store at the end of the [[wt:en/news/8225-shop-may-sale-in-the-gaijin-store-en|2023 May Sale]] approxomately 6 months later, making it one of shortest selling pack premium in War Thunder history. It was briefly made available for purchase with Golden Eagles {{GE}} for the [[wt:en/news/8365/current/|2023 "T-2 First Flight Anniversary"]] event a few months later and for the [[wt:en/news/8993-shop-the-t-2-early-is-available-on-the-anniversary-of-its-first-flight-en|2024 "T-2 First Flight Anniversary"]] event. The T-2 Early is a early prototype model of the tech-tree [[T-2]] supersonic fighter trainer, and is identical to it in all performance aspects. As such, it should be played in an identical manner: The aircraft has above-average speed and handling characteristics for its tier, along with decent missiles, however the biggest downside is the lack of any countermeasures, making the T-2 Early in the hands of less experienced pilots easy prey for the powerful all-aspect missiles at its tier such as the [[AIM-9L]] and the [[R-60M]]. Pilots flying the T-2 Early must exercise caution, maintain good situational awareness, and pick their engagements correctly to avoid dying to missiles.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 12: Line 19:
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
−
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
[[File:T-2 duckmcmallardson 001.png|250px|thumb|right|T-2 on coastal patrol.]]
 +
The {{PAGENAME}} was designed and built for one main purpose, and that was to train pilots in flight at around Mach 1.4 in preparation for flying faster Mach 2+ fighters such as the F-4EJ, F-104, and the Mitsubishi F-1. With a long narrow body, short main wings without fuel tanks and an all-moving tailplane, this aircraft was built streamlined like the F-104 to get you from point A to point B in the shortest amount of time possible and not spend too much time manoeuvring. While excelling as an interceptor, this fighter will still hold its own in a manoeuvring fight, granted as long as under-wing armaments are limited to the Sidewinder missiles and not the heavy bombs.
 +
 
 +
The sleekness of the aircraft lends itself to flying fast, and speed should be maintained when flying, especially during air-to-air combat, as a slow-flying {{PAGENAME}} is a relatively easy target due to poor manoeuvrability at slow speeds. To help in instances where the aircraft must fly at slower speeds (landing, bombing and ground rocket attack), slats and spoilers help create a higher lift capacity and roll rate, preventing the aircraft from stalling and plummeting.
 +
 
 +
Air-to-air combat should be avoided when carrying bomb loads, as this will significantly decrease manoeuvrability. During a ground attack, all efforts should be made to get to the target as soon as possible and release the heavy ordnance and then proceed to any aerial combat in the near vicinity.
 +
 
 +
Damage to the aircraft, especially to the wings, will typically result in the destruction of the aircraft. Due to their relatively small size, any loss in surface area will cause the fighter to over-lift on the good side, sending the aircraft into a roll and then potentially into a flat spin.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
Line 31: Line 45:
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
[[File:T-2 sgko 001.png|250px|thumb|right|T-2 in a power-climb on an intercept path.]]
  
 
==== Details ====
 
==== Details ====
Line 84: Line 100:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
 
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
−
! 17m fuel || 20m fuel  
+
! 17m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 56m fuel
−
!30m fuel|| 45m fuel
 
−
!56m fuel
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| 810 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
 
| 810 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
−
| 7,479 kg || 7,635 kg  
+
| 7,479 kg || 7,635 kg || 8,161 kg || 8,949 kg || 9,566 kg || 13,500 kg
−
|8,161 kg|| 8,949 kg  
 
−
|9,566 kg|| 13,500 kg
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
 
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
Line 97: Line 109:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Condition || 100% || WEP
 
! Condition || 100% || WEP
−
! 17m fuel || 20m fuel  
+
! 17m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 56m fuel || MTOW
−
!30m fuel|| 45m fuel  
 
−
!56m fuel|| MGW
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| ''Stationary'' || 1,950 kgf || 3,105 kgf
 
| ''Stationary'' || 1,950 kgf || 3,105 kgf
−
| 0.83 || 0.81  
+
| 0.83 || 0.81 || 0.76 || 0.69 || 0.65 || 0.46
−
|0.76|| 0.69  
 
−
|0.65|| 0.46
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| ''Optimal'' || 2,010 kgf<br>(200 - 400 km/h) || 3,437 kgf<br>(1,000 km/h)
 
| ''Optimal'' || 2,010 kgf<br>(200 - 400 km/h) || 3,437 kgf<br>(1,000 km/h)
−
| 0.92 || 0.90  
+
| 0.92 || 0.90 || 0.84 || 0.77 || 0.72 || 0.51
−
|0.84|| 0.77  
 
−
|0.72|| 0.51
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 116: Line 122:
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
−
''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
+
 
 +
* 38 mm bulletproof glass - situated between the fore and aft cockpits
 +
 
 +
The {{PAGENAME}} fighter, like many more modern aircraft, have shed most of its armour instead of more speed and agility. The only armour outfitted on this aircraft is the 38 mm bulletproof glass situated between the fore and aft cockpit, giving the rear pilot a pretty good chance of surviving an impact or bullet strike which might take out the front pilot. Beyond that, the aircraft's survivability is a mix of engineering and the pilot's skill. Damage sustained to the wings will not affect fuel loss as no tanks are mounted here; they are only mounted within the aircraft's fuselage. While many aircraft can absorb a huge amount of ammunition rounds in the fuselage before losing something important when it comes to the {{PAGENAME}} fuselage hits typically result in a hit to the engines, oil coolers, fuel, pilots or the radar. This is where pilot skill and manoeuvring come into play to make it very difficult for an enemy pilot to get a firing solution. High-G manoeuvres within this aircraft may hurt the speed and manoeuvrability; however, it may save the pilot's lives by causing many missiles such as the AIM Sidewinders to miss due to their lower g-turn threshold.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
Line 130: Line 139:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
−
* 1 x 20 mm JM61A1 cannon, belly-mounted (500 rpg)
+
* 1 x 20 mm JM61A1 cannon, chin-mounted (750 rpg)
 +
 
 +
[[File:T-2 der thunderer 001.jpg|250px|thumb|right|[[T-2]] sporting a user-created skin.]]
 +
The JM61A1 20 mm Vulcan cannon is a monster and, at the same time, a headache for new pilots not used to it. Unlike most other machine guns and cannons in the game (or in real life, for that matter), trigger depression here does not immediately produce flying bullets. Due to the characteristics of the JM61A1 cannon, it requires an initial spool-up time or spin of the cannon barrels before ammunition can be fired. The high rate of fire can easily melt the barrel, however with the rotating barrels, each barrel can cool off enough before it is its turn again to prevent damage. To initiate this, trigger depression will result in a .25 second delay before the ammunition begins to fire to allow for the barrels to get to proper rotating speed. Once it gets going, 750 rounds of ammunition do not last very long.
 +
 
 +
When targeting an aircraft, for example, the pilot must remember this formula to be successful while leading an aircraft or before an aircraft passes through the crosshairs, start squeezing the trigger about .5 to .25 seconds before that event, and the cannon rounds should land on target. Waiting until a target passes through the crosshairs (unless tailing them) will result in a miss as they will be out of the sights before the cannon starts firing.
 +
 
 +
Trigger discipline is necessary when using this cannon as due to its rate of fire (about 6,000 RPM, ~100 RPS or 7.5 seconds of ammunition) will easily blow through the 750 rounds carried by the {{PAGENAME}}.
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
−
''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''
+
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
|-
 +
! !! width="6%" | 1 !! width="6%" | 2 !! width="6%" | 3 !! width="6%" | 4 !! width="6%" | 5 !! width="6%" | 6 !! width="6%" | 7
 +
| rowspan="7" width="25%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_F-1.png]]</div>
 +
|-
 +
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
 +
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[JM117 cone 45 (750 lb)|750 lb JM117 cone 45]] bombs
 +
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets
 +
| || 19 || 19 || || 19 || 19 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP]] rockets
 +
| || 4 || 4 || || 4 || 4 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[AIM-9B Sidewinder]] missiles
 +
| 1 || || || || || || 1
 +
|-
 +
! [[AIM-9E Sidewinder]] missiles
 +
| 1 || || || || || || 1
 +
|-
 +
! [[AIM-9P Sidewinder]] missiles
 +
| 1 || || || || || || 1
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
 
 +
* Without load
 +
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
 +
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
 +
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
 +
* 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,500 lb total)
 +
* 5 x 750 lb JM117 cone 45 bombs (3,750 lb total)
 +
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 +
* 16 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
 +
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,500 lb total)
 +
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 5 x 750 lb JM117 cone 45 bombs (3,750 lb total)
 +
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 +
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 16 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
[[File:T-2 takemoto 001.png|250px|thumb|right|T-2 outfitted with FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets, Sidewinders and the obligatory 20 mm Vulcan cannon.]]
 +
This aircraft doesn't have any countermeasures (like flares, RWR). Any aircraft with air-to-air missiles will pose a threat to you. Although you can use rockets instead of flares, their effect is very limited. Moreover, the T-2 has no IRST system. Any plane with SARH missiles will pose a threat to you (F-4C, MiG-21, F-8E). Unless you see the other side firing missiles at you, you will not be able to detect the launch before being hit.
 +
Offensively, the damage caused by the JM61A1 gun is seriously insufficient. The gun's shooting axis is off centre, near the lower left position.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
−
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''
+
[[File:T-2 jonigustavo 001.png|250px|thumb|right|The dart-shaped T-2 hugging the terrain in attempt to catch enemy fighters unaware.]]
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
*
+
* Faster and better acceleration than many jets at its BR
 +
* High climb rate
 +
* 2 pilots (not as vulnerable to pilot snipes)
 +
* Devastating JM61A1 rotary cannon with a decent ammo pool
 +
* Variety of air-to-ground and multirole payloads
 +
* Decent PD radar that can detect up to 60 km away, useful in large maps to find targets
 +
* The high Angle-of-Attack in certain maneuvers can be very useful defensively and offensively
 +
* Very fast for its BR
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
*
+
* A lack of any [[:Category:Countermeasures|Countermeasures]] make it an easy kill in its BR, where [[air-to-air missiles]] are common
 +
* Poor energy retention, low-speed manoeuvrability and large turning radius make avoiding missiles and dogfighting extremely challenging if often impossible
 +
* A lack of [[Ballistic Computer]] limits the use of the air-to-ground munitions
 +
* The JM61A1 rotary cannon may take getting used to as it doesn't fire immediately but has a short spool up time before it starts firing
 +
* Burns through fuel at an astronomical rate
 +
* Both engines overheat at constant use with the afterburner
 +
* Lacks RWR
 +
* Relatively low thrust-to-weight ratio
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
Line 159: Line 237:
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=t2_early Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 165: Line 246:
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
  
−
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
+
* [[T-2]]
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* [[F-1]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 174: Line 254:
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
  
−
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
+
* [[wt:en/news/7912-development-pre-order-t-2-early-pack-en|[Devblog] Pre-order: T-2 Early Pack]]
−
* ''other literature.''
 
  
 +
{{Manufacturer MHI}}
 
{{Japan jet aircraft}}
 
{{Japan jet aircraft}}
 
{{Japan premium aircraft}}
 
{{Japan premium aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 15:14, 20 July 2024

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Chinese A-5C Pack
This page is about the Japanese jet fighter T-2 Early. For other variants, see F-1 (Family).
T-2 Early
t2_early.png
GarageImage T-2 Early.jpg
StoreImage T-2 Early 003.jpg
T-2 Early
Japan flag.png Japan
VI Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
10.0 9.7 9.7
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
Show in game

Description

Throughout the late '60s, the JSDAF came to note that their Fuji T-1 subsonic light trainer failed miserably at preparing pilots for the mach 2+ heavy frontline fighters currently in use with the JSDAF, such as the F-104J and the F-4EJ Phantom II. At first, Japan considered acquiring foreign aircraft, but that idea quickly died down as the USA only offered the T-38 Talon and SEPECAT started asking for exhorbitant licensing fees for their Jaguar. Realizing that foreign trainers were out of the question, a new set of developement programs were started to develop new indeginous supersonic jets for Japan: First, the T-X program to field a supersonic trainer aircraft, and later the SF-X program stemming from it, to develop a single-seat attack aircraft on the basis of the T-X aircraft. Developement of both aircraft was handed to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries after a fierce design proposal competition from Mitsubishi, Kawasaki, and Fuji. The first prototype of the new trainer "T-2" rolled off the production line on April 28, 1971, and conducted many static and ground tests before performing its first flight on July 20th of that year. After testing came to an end, production was authorized, and 90 T-2s were built, divided across 28 "T-2(Z)s", or "Zenkigata (early type)" and 62 "T-2(K)s", or "Kokigata (late type)". The aforementioned SF-X program to develop a strike aircraft based on the T-X would result in the F-1.

The Mitsubishi T-2 Early is a somewhat peculiar premium vehicle. It was introduced in Update "Fire and Ice", however, it was removed from the Gaijin store at the end of the 2023 May Sale approxomately 6 months later, making it one of shortest selling pack premium in War Thunder history. It was briefly made available for purchase with Golden Eagles Ge icon.png for the 2023 "T-2 First Flight Anniversary" event a few months later and for the 2024 "T-2 First Flight Anniversary" event. The T-2 Early is a early prototype model of the tech-tree T-2 supersonic fighter trainer, and is identical to it in all performance aspects. As such, it should be played in an identical manner: The aircraft has above-average speed and handling characteristics for its tier, along with decent missiles, however the biggest downside is the lack of any countermeasures, making the T-2 Early in the hands of less experienced pilots easy prey for the powerful all-aspect missiles at its tier such as the AIM-9L and the R-60M. Pilots flying the T-2 Early must exercise caution, maintain good situational awareness, and pick their engagements correctly to avoid dying to missiles.

General info

Flight performance

Arrestor gear
Accelerates braking by grabbing the brake cable on the deck of the aircraft carrier
Air brakes
Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps
Drogue parachute
Reduces braking distance when landing on any runway
Max speed
at 10 975 m1 710 km/h
Turn time33 s
Max altitude15 200 m
Engine2 х Ishikawa-Harima TF40-801A
TypeJet
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight14 t
T-2 on coastal patrol.

The T-2 Early was designed and built for one main purpose, and that was to train pilots in flight at around Mach 1.4 in preparation for flying faster Mach 2+ fighters such as the F-4EJ, F-104, and the Mitsubishi F-1. With a long narrow body, short main wings without fuel tanks and an all-moving tailplane, this aircraft was built streamlined like the F-104 to get you from point A to point B in the shortest amount of time possible and not spend too much time manoeuvring. While excelling as an interceptor, this fighter will still hold its own in a manoeuvring fight, granted as long as under-wing armaments are limited to the Sidewinder missiles and not the heavy bombs.

The sleekness of the aircraft lends itself to flying fast, and speed should be maintained when flying, especially during air-to-air combat, as a slow-flying T-2 Early is a relatively easy target due to poor manoeuvrability at slow speeds. To help in instances where the aircraft must fly at slower speeds (landing, bombing and ground rocket attack), slats and spoilers help create a higher lift capacity and roll rate, preventing the aircraft from stalling and plummeting.

Air-to-air combat should be avoided when carrying bomb loads, as this will significantly decrease manoeuvrability. During a ground attack, all efforts should be made to get to the target as soon as possible and release the heavy ordnance and then proceed to any aerial combat in the near vicinity.

Damage to the aircraft, especially to the wings, will typically result in the destruction of the aircraft. Due to their relatively small size, any loss in surface area will cause the fighter to over-lift on the good side, sending the aircraft into a roll and then potentially into a flat spin.

Characteristics Max speed
(km/h at 10,975 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 1,679 1,664 15200 33.6 34.9 119.4 109.2 900
Upgraded 1,753 1,710 32.4 33.0 162.5 140.0
T-2 in a power-climb on an intercept path.

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
1,365 485 735 525 450 ~10 ~4
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 650 < 580 < 650 N/A

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Basic mass Wing loading (full fuel)
Ishikawa-Harima TF40-801A 2 6,584 kg 452 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Gross
Weight
Weight (each) Type 17m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 45m fuel 56m fuel
810 kg Afterburning low-bypass turbofan 7,479 kg 7,635 kg 8,161 kg 8,949 kg 9,566 kg 13,500 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
Condition 100% WEP 17m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 45m fuel 56m fuel MTOW
Stationary 1,950 kgf 3,105 kgf 0.83 0.81 0.76 0.69 0.65 0.46
Optimal 2,010 kgf
(200 - 400 km/h) 		3,437 kgf
(1,000 km/h) 		0.92 0.90 0.84 0.77 0.72 0.51

Survivability and armour

Crew2 people
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear485 km/h
  • 38 mm bulletproof glass - situated between the fore and aft cockpits

The T-2 Early fighter, like many more modern aircraft, have shed most of its armour instead of more speed and agility. The only armour outfitted on this aircraft is the 38 mm bulletproof glass situated between the fore and aft cockpit, giving the rear pilot a pretty good chance of surviving an impact or bullet strike which might take out the front pilot. Beyond that, the aircraft's survivability is a mix of engineering and the pilot's skill. Damage sustained to the wings will not affect fuel loss as no tanks are mounted here; they are only mounted within the aircraft's fuselage. While many aircraft can absorb a huge amount of ammunition rounds in the fuselage before losing something important when it comes to the T-2 Early fuselage hits typically result in a hit to the engines, oil coolers, fuel, pilots or the radar. This is where pilot skill and manoeuvring come into play to make it very difficult for an enemy pilot to get a firing solution. High-G manoeuvres within this aircraft may hurt the speed and manoeuvrability; however, it may save the pilot's lives by causing many missiles such as the AIM Sidewinders to miss due to their lower g-turn threshold.

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB2 084 Sl icon.png
RB7 225 Sl icon.png
SB6 626 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts850 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 400 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 900 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 130 / 370 / 600 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 220 / 220 / 220 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Mods booster.png
New boosters
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Mods ammo.png
JM61A1_belt_pack
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
M82
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon block rocket large.png
RL-4
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
JLAU-3/A
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
JM61A1_new_gun
Mods pilon bomb.png
JM117
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-9E
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-9P

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: JM61A1 (20 mm)

The T-2 Early is armed with:

  • 1 x 20 mm JM61A1 cannon, chin-mounted (750 rpg)
T-2 sporting a user-created skin.

The JM61A1 20 mm Vulcan cannon is a monster and, at the same time, a headache for new pilots not used to it. Unlike most other machine guns and cannons in the game (or in real life, for that matter), trigger depression here does not immediately produce flying bullets. Due to the characteristics of the JM61A1 cannon, it requires an initial spool-up time or spin of the cannon barrels before ammunition can be fired. The high rate of fire can easily melt the barrel, however with the rotating barrels, each barrel can cool off enough before it is its turn again to prevent damage. To initiate this, trigger depression will result in a .25 second delay before the ammunition begins to fire to allow for the barrels to get to proper rotating speed. Once it gets going, 750 rounds of ammunition do not last very long.

When targeting an aircraft, for example, the pilot must remember this formula to be successful while leading an aircraft or before an aircraft passes through the crosshairs, start squeezing the trigger about .5 to .25 seconds before that event, and the cannon rounds should land on target. Waiting until a target passes through the crosshairs (unless tailing them) will result in a miss as they will be out of the sights before the cannon starts firing.

Trigger discipline is necessary when using this cannon as due to its rate of fire (about 6,000 RPM, ~100 RPS or 7.5 seconds of ammunition) will easily blow through the 750 rounds carried by the T-2 Early.

Suspended armament

The T-2 Early can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Hardpoints F-1.png
500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs 1 1 1 1 1
750 lb JM117 cone 45 bombs 1 1 1 1 1
FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets 19 19 19 19
Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets 4 4 4 4
AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles 1 1
AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles 1 1
AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles 1 1
Default weapon presets
  • Without load
  • 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
  • 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
  • 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
  • 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,500 lb total)
  • 5 x 750 lb JM117 cone 45 bombs (3,750 lb total)
  • 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 16 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
  • 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,500 lb total)
  • 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 5 x 750 lb JM117 cone 45 bombs (3,750 lb total)
  • 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 16 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets

Usage in battles

T-2 outfitted with FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets, Sidewinders and the obligatory 20 mm Vulcan cannon.

This aircraft doesn't have any countermeasures (like flares, RWR). Any aircraft with air-to-air missiles will pose a threat to you. Although you can use rockets instead of flares, their effect is very limited. Moreover, the T-2 has no IRST system. Any plane with SARH missiles will pose a threat to you (F-4C, MiG-21, F-8E). Unless you see the other side firing missiles at you, you will not be able to detect the launch before being hit. Offensively, the damage caused by the JM61A1 gun is seriously insufficient. The gun's shooting axis is off centre, near the lower left position.

Pros and cons

The dart-shaped T-2 hugging the terrain in attempt to catch enemy fighters unaware.

Pros:

  • Faster and better acceleration than many jets at its BR
  • High climb rate
  • 2 pilots (not as vulnerable to pilot snipes)
  • Devastating JM61A1 rotary cannon with a decent ammo pool
  • Variety of air-to-ground and multirole payloads
  • Decent PD radar that can detect up to 60 km away, useful in large maps to find targets
  • The high Angle-of-Attack in certain maneuvers can be very useful defensively and offensively
  • Very fast for its BR

Cons:

  • A lack of any Countermeasures make it an easy kill in its BR, where air-to-air missiles are common
  • Poor energy retention, low-speed manoeuvrability and large turning radius make avoiding missiles and dogfighting extremely challenging if often impossible
  • A lack of Ballistic Computer limits the use of the air-to-ground munitions
  • The JM61A1 rotary cannon may take getting used to as it doesn't fire immediately but has a short spool up time before it starts firing
  • Burns through fuel at an astronomical rate
  • Both engines overheat at constant use with the afterburner
  • Lacks RWR
  • Relatively low thrust-to-weight ratio

History

Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable).

Media

Skins

See also

External links


Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. (三菱重工業株式会社)
Ground Vehicles 
APC  Type 60 · SUB-I-II
IFV  Type 89
MCV  Type 16 (P) · Type 16 (FPS) · Type 16
RCV  RCV (P)
SPH  Type 75 · Type 99
SPAAG  Type 87
Main Battle Tanks 
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Type 74  ST-B2 · Type 74 (C) · Type 74 (E) · Type 74 (F) · Type 74 (G)
Type 90  Type 90 · Type 90 (B)
Type 10  TKX (P) · TKX · Type 10
Air Vehicles 
Jet Fighters 
F-86  F-86F-30 ▅* · F-86F-40 ▅* · F-86F-40 JASDF▅*
F-104  F-104J*
F-1  T-2 Early · T-2 · F-1
F-4  F-4EJ Phantom II* · F-4EJ ADTW* · F-4EJ Kai Phantom II*
F-15  F-15J* · F-15J(M)*
Naval Vehicles 
Patrol Boats (PT) 
No. 7 class  PT-8 (PT-808)
No. 11 class  PT-15 (PT-815)
Destroyers (DD) 
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Ayanami-class  JDS Ayanami (DD-103)
Murasame-class  JDS Murasame (DD-107)
  MHI's shipyards are positioned in Kobe, Nagasaki, and Shimonoseki
  * Licensed Production / Variants
See also  Mitsubishi Aircraft Company (1928-1945) · Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. (1938-1945) · Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Company (1884-1945)
  North American Aviation · Lockheed · McDonnell Aircraft Corporation

Japan jet aircraft
IJNAS 
Experimental  Kikka
Reconnaissance  R2Y2 Kai V1 · R2Y2 Kai V2 · R2Y2 Kai V3
IJAAS 
Fighters  Ki-200
JASDF 
Fighters  F-86F-30 ▅ · F-86F-40 ▅ · F-86F-40 JASDF▅
  F-104J
  F-4EJ Phantom II · F-4EJ ADTW · F-4EJ Kai Phantom II
  F-15J · F-15J(M)
  F-16AJ
  F-1
Trainers  T-2 Early · T-2
Foreign 
Thailand  ▄AV-8S · ▄F-5E FCU

Japan premium aircraft
Fighters  Hagiri's A5M4 · A7He1 · Ki-27 otsu Tachiarai
  Ki-44-II otsu · ▅Bf 109 E-7 · ▅F4U-1A · Ki-100-II · Ki-44-I 34
  ▅Fw 190 A-5 · A7M1 (NK9H) · Tada's Ki-61-I hei · ▅P-51C-11-NT
  J2M4 Kai · A6M5 Ko · A6M6c · J2M5 · Ki-87 · J6K1
Twin-engine fighters  Ki-96
Jet fighters  F-86F-40 JASDF▅ · T-2 Early · F-4EJ ADTW
Strike aircraft  ▄AV-8S
Bombers  Ki-21-I hei · Ki-48-II otsu · H8K3 · B7A2 (Homare 23) · ▅B-17E

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