Kawasaki T-4 Blue Impulse 2013/2014 - Hasegawa 1:48

[Julien]

Kawasaki T-4 Blue Impulse 2013/2014

Hasegawa 1:48

Even though most would associate Kawasaki with the Motorcycles they make, Kawasaki are one of those mega Japanese companies which seem to make everything! They make Ships, Trains, Cars, Motorcycles Engines; and importantly for us Aircraft.

The Kawasaki T-4 is know as an Intermediate Jet Trainer. It is used exclusively by the Japanese Air Self Defence Force. The JASDF realised in the late 1970s that they needed to replace their existing Jet Trainers (The Lockheed T-33 & Fuji T-1) with a single type. This aircraft was to be known as the MT-X programme. In 1981 Kawasaki was selected as the main contractor under this programme. It was planned to build 220 aircraft with an in-service date of 1988.

Given the requirements of the programme for an advanced two seat trainer it is no shock that the final result looks very similar to other two seat trainers. In total 208 production aircraft were built along with 4 prototypes. Deliveries started in 1988 as per the plan! At least 5 of these aircraft were lost at Matsushima AB during the devastating Tsunami in 2011.


Blue Impulse
The most visible presence the T-4 makes is that it has been used since 1995 by the Blue Impulse Aerobatic Display Team of the Japanese Air Self Defence Force.

The Blue Impulse Team were formed in 1960 Flying the then F-86 Sabre, in 1982 they transitioned to the Mitsubishi T-2; and then in 1995 to the Kawasaki T-4. The team fly seven T-4s though only six display at one time. The aircraft are painted blue and white following previous schemes. They are equipped with white, red, blue and yellow smoke systems.

The Kit
The T-4 kit has been around in various boxing from Hasegawa since the 1990s. The moulds have held up very well and all parts are very crisp with no signs of any flash. Construction starts as with most aircraft with the cockpit. Two pilot figures are provided and the kit representation of the Stencel S-III-S Ejection seats are very good, the seats contain 10 parts each. Decals are provided for the instrument panels and side consoles.

Next up are the intake trunks and exhausts. The intake trunks are fairly deep and end at a engine fan part. The intakes consist of 6 parts each, the main intake trunking has a seam but I am not sure how much you will see of this. The exhaust consist of 4 parts with the last stage being one piece so there is no seam there. The cockpit is then installed inside the fuselage halves along with the exhausts and plastic grommets for the tail planes. The fuselage can then be joined up and the intake trunking parts added.

Following this The wings are added, the modeller will need to decide if they are going to add the drop tanks and open the holes as needed. I have seen the Blue Impulse flying with and without tanks so it is up to the modeller to decide if they want them or not. The wings are fitted with large tabs which slot together inside the fuselage making this joint very strong. The large under fuselage insert is then added. Again a pair of plastic grommets needs to be added for the landing gear. Finally the landing gear and various fuselage intakes and bumps are added. Lastly the canopy can be fixed in the open or closed position.

Canopy
The canopy is very clear. On the main canopy however there is a centre line seam which the modeller will need to remove.

Decals
Decals are provided to make any of the team aircraft numbered 1 to 6 for the 2012 or 2013 Airshow seasons. The decals look glossy and in register. Some of the wing chevrons in blue for the top and white for the underside are provided though I am sure most will mask and paint these as not all of the blue is provided as decal and it will be difficult to match paint to the decal blue as you have to mix the paint colour. This shade of Blue Impluse Blue is not available direct unlike the T-2 colours which were available from Gunze.

Conclusion

Overall recomended for Japanese aircraft fans, Blue Impulse Fans or if you fancy building something different.

Review sample courtesy of
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