Every JASDF Pilot Starts With The T-7 Trainer Aircraft

The First Plane To Fly

When becoming a pilot in the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), one must complete several training courses, starting with the basic pilot course which uses the T-7 primary trainer aircraft.

• General Overview 

Developed by Fuji Heavy Industries, the T-7 was introduced in 2003 to replace the aging T-3 trainer. Around 50 units were produced and stationed at Hofu-Kita Air Base (Yamaguchi) and Shizuhama Air Base (Shizuoka)  for flight training.

For any JASDF pilot, regardless of the type of aircraft they serve on, the T-7 is remembered as the first step towards achieving their long-dreamed pilot wing.

Since the next trainer differs depending on the type of course they pursue, the T-7 is the only aircraft that literally every JASDF pilot has flown – whether its fighter pilots scrambling their stealth jets or transport pilots conducting airlift missions, their careers all began with the T-7.

Simple, But Good To Train On

The T-7 shares a similar appearance to the navy’s T-5 trainer aircraft, which is also made by Fuji Heavy Industries, and is equipped with a Rolls-Royce turboprop engine, featuring better fuel efficiency and noise reduction.

The cockpit seats are installed in a column, whereas the T-5 seats are side by side, forcing the trainees to in front of their instructors who frequently yell at them for their errors.

Compared to its T-3 predecessor, T-7 has a more spacious cockpit design and was finally given some air conditioning, greatly improving overall comfortableness.

The plane is known for its large wings and vertical tail fin, in which contributes to excellent stability during flight, supporting the inexperienced cadet’s training.

As the existing units start to approach their service life, it is unknown whether JASDF will seek a new trainer aircraft or just purchase the same model like the navy  did with their aging T-5s.

Nonetheless, since the primary trainer aircrafts are crucial for training future pilots, the procurement plan must be thoroughly considered.