As aviation enthusiasts, we have been forced to accept that the best days of our hobby are probably behind us. As austerity measures and a changing military climate have changed air forces probably forever, we have to accept that the days of aviation diversity and a multitude of exciting spotting venues is now a thing of the past, especially when thinking of contemporary aviation. One destination still holds a fascination for enthusiasts, as it still allows us a glimpse back into a golden era of aviation, with some very attractive schemes and some unique aircraft to ogle – unfortunately, it is on the opposite side of the world. The Japan Air Self Defence Force is arguably the most interesting collection of modern military aircraft in the world today, with a heady mix of home produced and classic US aircraft, which are in the main, all very easy on the eye. If you are still in need of a little more convincing, THEY HAVE PHANTOMS! Unfortunately, for most of us, a trip to the other side of the world, to satisfy our aviation desires is very much the stuff of dreams, but thanks to the kind authority of an aviation photographer who was fortunate enough to visit Japan recently, we are able to admire these magnificent pictures.
With some of the most enigmatic aircraft in the world, the JASDF must be high on the must do list of many an aviation photographer. That was certainly the case for Belgian enthusiast Tom Wittevrongel, who had long dreamed of a visit to Japan, with the express intention of grabbing as many pictures of JASDF aircraft as possible, before some of the rarer birds disappear for good. As a family man, this was possibly just a pipe dream, as family commitments always come first and it would have to be a significant undertaking. Fortunately for Tom, an opportunity to work in Australia allowed him to take a slight detour and our first two pictures this week are some of the fruits of his labours. Looking absolutely magnificent in their JASDF plumage, these Sea Eagle Phantoms have to be some of the most attractive aircraft in the world today and Tom will have made many thousands of readers a little envious this weekend! From what Tom told me, I don’t think that the trip was without some challenges, from a travelling and logistics perspective, but the results were certainly worth the effort. On behalf of our readers, I would like to sincerely thank Tom for allowing us all to enjoy his pictures on our latest Newsletter and to add this link to his photographic site, for anyone who would like to see more of his work. You can find it by Clicking on this link. Thanks again Tom – I am most jealous!
Japan Air Self Defence Force
Any Air Force that still operates the beautiful McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II is certain to be of huge interest to the aviation enthusiast, but as we have already discussed, few get the opportunity to see these magnificent machines in the flesh. The JASDF is specifically responsible for the defence of Japanese air space, with both aircraft and an extensive network of ground based and airborne early warning radar systems. Specifically, the force only exists in a defensive capacity, although some of their aircraft have been used in logistical support in a number of UN peace-keeping operations. Historically, the JASDF formed on 1st July 1954 and from the outset, had very strong links with the United States. As a consequence of this, many of the aircraft that have served with the force are US designs, with some very famous aircraft wearing the distinctive Japanese markings. A Mutual Defence agreement was signed between Japan and the US early in 1954 and Mitsubishi quickly began overhauling former USAF F-86 fighters – the following year, the JASDF received its first Lockheed T-33 fighters, along with some T-6 Texan trainers and Curtiss C-46D Commando transporters. Significantly, 1955 saw the first JASDF flight training school form at Matsushima air base and Fuji Heavy Industries commence the licensed production of Beechcraft T-34A Mentor aircraft. The following year, the first Mitsubishi produced F-86F Sabre was delivered to JASDF and the force began to grow from this point, all with a clear allegiance to the US. Since then, the force has operated such aircraft as the Phantom, F-15 Eagle, Grumman E-2 Hawkeye, C-130 Hercules and Chinook, as well as some very interesting indigenously produced aircraft. Unfortunately for the aircraft enthusiast, JASDF aircraft are rarely seen outside Japan and hardly ever in Europe, so they remain as some of the most enigmatic aircraft in the world.
JASDF for the die-cast collector.
As the JASDF are strong users of US aircraft designs, it comes as no surprise that the die-cast manufacturing companies have been keen to introduce some of these liveries in to their ranges. The now discontinued Falcon Models brought us JASDF examples of the T-33 and F-86D, whilst Hobbymaster have brought us a multitude of Japanese liveries in their 1/72nd scale ranges. In 1/200th scale, we have seen the unusual Kawasaki EC-1 appear in the Gemini range, whilst In Flight 200 have brought us the awesome Kawasaki P-3 Orion, usually in very small production numbers. Many of these models are beautifully presented and really are something a little bit different on our display shelves. They have a very loyal band of collectors, who are extremely keen on all releases with a JASDF flavour, as well as the ad-hoc collector, who are wooed by these attractive models and find that they are difficult to resist. Whatever the reason, model releases with a JASDF connection have always proved to be popular lines. For this reason and in support of our main Newsletter feature, we have decided to make our remaining JASDF stock models the focus of our latest OFFER OF THE WEEK. Each and every one of our remaining models are being offered at a significant discount, which is a fantastic opportunity for people looking to shore up some gaps in their JASDF collections, or to experience these ultra attractive models for the very first time. There is, however, the usual warning for collectors wishing to secure one of these bargains – they are extremely low in numbers. For example, we only have two each of the beautiful 1/200th scale P-3 Orions available, whilst the beautiful F-4EJ Kai Phantom below will fly off the shelves, with just SIX examples still remaining. It will be important to place your orders early, as these beautiful models will quickly sell through and disappear from the site. Good luck and I hope you manage to get one or two of these stunning models.
Deal of the Day – Our weekly overview
The past few days has seen another successful period for our ever popular Deal of the Day feature, with collectors checking this section of our website on a daily basis and many models already finding new homes. The models that have featured over the past week are as follows – On Monday, we began the week with a real chunk of die-cast metal, in the shape of the Republic F-105 Thunderchief. The Thud is a real beast of an aircraft and a stalwart of the Vietnam War, but the model we had on offer was a colourful Bicentennial celebration scheme machine, which was serving with the US Air National Guard. As I write this, we do still have a couple of these impressive models still available. Tuesday saw us dare to delve into our Phantom stores and feature a US Marine Corps VMFA-323 ‘Death Rattler’, which was just as popular as is always the case with the Phantom – having just checked stocks and following another warehouse sweep, I can confirm that we still have TWO of these models available. Wednesday saw us offer the massive Gemini 200 Airbus A380, but these beauties went very quickly indeed, so enough said about those! We ended the week with something a little different – a ‘Black Beauty Pairing’. Black fighter aircraft are always popular with the collector and we have two of the best available for our readers right now. Both in the Corgi 1/72nd scale range, we have a WWII Hurricane IIc Nightfighter, flying top cover for a much more modern RAF No.43 Squadron Tornado F.3 fighter – both models are still available in our Deal of the Day section and are being made available at extremely attractive prices. Whatever your aviation tastes, there may well be a bargain waiting for you on the Flying Tigers Deal of the Day offers!
After an extremely turbulent week, I am very much looking forward to a rest this weekend, although I fear the dad taxi will be in full effect. Whatever you have planned, I hope that you have a good time and as ever, I sincerely thank you for reading our latest Newsletter – I would also like to sign off by again thanking Tom for allowing us to see his magnificent JASDF Phantom pictures – I can’t think of a finer way to head into a weekend.