Kawasaki T-4

The intermediate jet trainer built for advanced pilot instruction.

Overview

Kawasaki Japan ICAO: T4 1988–2003 $18 million (1988)

The Kawasaki T-4 is a twin-engine subsonic jet trainer developed for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. Introduced in the late 1980s, it provides advanced pilot training before transition to frontline fighters. The aircraft is also used by demonstration teams.

Live Fleet Activity (T4)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × Ishikawajima-Harima F3-IHI-30
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
2 × 3,670 lbf · 16 kN
Avionics
Inertial Guidance System (Honeywell-built laser gyroscopes) / Air Data Computer (Sperry-supplied transducers)
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
2
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
42 ft 8 in  ·  13.00 m
Tail height
15 ft 1 in  ·  4.60 m
Fuselage diameter
2 ft 11 in  ·  0.90 m
Wing span
32 ft 7 in  ·  9.94 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
16,500 lb  ·  7,500 kg
Max landing weight
11,700 lb  ·  5,300 kg
Max payload
8,150 lb  ·  3,700 kg
Fuel capacity
590 gal · 2,200 L · 1,800 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
560 kt  ·  644 mph  ·  1,037 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
159 kt  ·  183 mph  ·  294 km/h
Range
901 nm  ·  1,040 mi  ·  1,670 km
Fuel burn
—
Ceiling
50,000 ft  ·  15,200 m
Rate of climb
10,000 ft/min  ·  51 m/s
Takeoff distance
1,800 ft  ·  550 m
Landing distance
2,200 ft  ·  670 m
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Japan Air Self Defense Force Kawasaki T 4 Blue Impulse Demonstration

Live fleet activity details

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Operational Context

Kawasaki T-4 — intermediate jet trainer

The T-4 first flew in 1985 and entered service in 1988. It was developed to replace older jet trainers and provide a stepping stone to advanced combat aircraft. The design features a straight wing and tandem seating for instructor and student.

Powered by two Ishikawajima-Harima F3 turbofan engines producing approximately 3,700 pounds of thrust (16.5 kN) each, the T-4 cruises at around 400 knots (741 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 16,000 pounds (7,257 kg). The aircraft is equipped with basic training avionics and limited weapons capability.

The T-4 remains central to Japan’s pilot training system. It is also flown by the Blue Impulse aerobatic team. The aircraft continues in service with a strong safety record.