Out of these efforts emerged the T-4, a clean-sheet indigenously-developed trainer aircraft. These advances contributed to the design being certified for a total lifespan of 7,500 flight hours. Extensive use of computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) techniques was also applied. A robust, damage-tolerant and long-lived structure was also specified for the trainer in order to achieve this, it was decided to make limited use of composite materials in the form of carbon fiber and kevlar in areas such as the radome and elements of the rear wing, tail unit, and undercarriage. Reportedly, the selection of a twin-engine configuration for the trainer was one of the easiest decisions taken, being made not just for engine power but from a high priority being placed upon safety. The design had to incorporate other political desires as well there was a great value placed upon powering the type with the first all-Japanese production turbofan engine, the Ishikawajima-Harima F3-IHI-30. Furthermore, the economics for operating the type was to be comparable to the leading international competitors at that time. Easy handling was also required so that trainees could convert from the piston-engined Fuji T-3 after accumulating only 70 flying hours. As such, the type had to demonstrate a range of transonic aerodynamic effects, as well as achieving a high level of manoeuvrability, a relatively-low operating cost, and high reliability levels. The design produced by Kawasaki had to satisfy aspects of the JASDF's training regime that was previously performed by multiple aircraft. Kawasaki's design team was headed by the aeronautics engineer Kohki Isozaki, as well as working in close conjunction with planners at the Japanese defense agency. The initial program planned for a production run of 220 aircraft and an entry into service date of 1988. Furthermore, there was also a desire for the prospective trainer aircraft to take over some of the syllabus that was being handled by the contemporary Mitsubishi T-2, a supersonic trainer and basis of the Mitsubishi F-1 fighter aircraft. The MT-X program had been launched to procure a replacement for the aging Lockheed T-33 and Fuji T-1 jet trainer aircraft then in service in the Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF). The first XT-4 prototype flew on 29 July 1985, while the first production aircraft was delivered during September 1988.ĭuring November 1981, Kawasaki was selected as the main contractor to design and manufacture a suitable trainer aircraft, which was initially designated as the KA-850, to meet the needs of Japan's MT-X program, having beaten out rival bids from Mitsubishi and Fuji.

In addition to its primary training mission, the T-4 has been used by the JASDF's Blue Impulse aerobatic team as well as liaison duties with most fighter units.

Its sole operator is the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), in part due to historic restrictions on the exporting of military hardware. The Kawasaki T-4 is a Japanese subsonic intermediate jet trainer aircraft developed and manufactured by the commercial conglomerate Kawasaki Heavy Industries.

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