The Blue Impulse used the T-2 until 1995. This T-2 no longer flies, but it is still statically displayed at an airshow in Matsushima Air Base. The T-2 is originally a supersonic trainer and its painting is like this.
Matsushima Air Base, 2002/07
The Blue Impulse is the nickname for the 11th Flight Squadron, 4th Air Wing in Matsushima Air Base, which is the flight demonstration team of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). They officially started to fly in 1958, equipped with the F-86F Saber. They currently have the T-4 as their third type of the aircraft. The second type was the T-2.
The Blue Impulse used the T-2 until 1995. This T-2 no longer flies, but it is still statically displayed at an airshow in Matsushima Air Base. The T-2 is originally a supersonic trainer and its painting is like this.
Matsushima Air Base, 2002/07
I like the airshows in Matsushima Air Base very much because the Blue Impulse flies twice. This picture was taken right after the first flight in the morning. Mechanics checked and fueled the aircraft to prepare for the second flight in the afternoon.
The Blue Impulse officially equipped with the T-4 in 1996. They usually fly six T-4s, but unfortunately they did only four at that time in the aftermath of the serious crash in July 2000.
Matsushima Air Base, 2002/07
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Copyright © 2003-2007 Y. Ito. All rights reserved. Last updated on 2007/01/14.
