Military Trainers
Alenia Aermacchi M-346
ICAO: M346
Overview
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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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.
Sources and references used for research and fact-checking.