Hasegawa 02526 - 1:72 F-15J Eagle A.D.T.W. 70th Anniversary

Plastic model kit of the F-15J Eagle fighter “A.D.T.W. 70th Anniversary” in 1:72 scale

Hasegawa 02526 is a kit for self-assembly representing the F-15J Eagle air-superiority fighter operated by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. The F-15J is the Japanese licence-built version of the American F-15 and formed the backbone of Japan's fighter force for decades.

This is a limited edition with a new decal sheet, representing an aircraft in a commemorative livery marking the 70th anniversary of the flight test and development wing (A.D.T.W.) at Gifu Base. The kit includes parts to build the aircraft in its modernized configuration.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with airframe parts
• Clear parts for the canopy
• Parts for the modernized configuration
• Waterslide decal sheet for the commemorative marking (aircraft “942”, Gifu Base, 2025)
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Catalogue number: 02526
• Manufacturer: Hasegawa
• Assembled length: approx. 267 mm, wingspan: approx. 179 mm
• Difficulty level: intermediate

Note: The kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Assembly:

This is a model of moderate difficulty. The cockpit and canopy are best painted and prepared before the fuselage is closed. Because of the elaborate multi-colour commemorative livery, careful placement of the decals has a strong effect on the final result.

The commemorative scheme is given in the instructions together with paint suggestions. For an even base under the decals a gloss coat is recommended (it prevents decal silvering), and the model can be finished with a satin varnish. Metal pitot tubes and other small parts available separately in our shop can further sharpen the detail.

Tools required:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Modelling knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement
• Brushes in various sizes
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• A wash to bring out the detail

About the aircraft – McDonnell Douglas F-15 / F-15J Eagle:

The F-15 Eagle is an American air-superiority fighter that entered service in the 1970s and remains one of the most successful aircraft of its class. The design features two engines, a large wing area and excellent air-combat performance.

The F-15J is the version built under licence in Japan for the country's air defence. These aircraft were for many years the principal equipment of Japanese fighter squadrons and were progressively upgraded. Aircraft of the test and development wing are used for trials and the introduction of new equipment, and on anniversaries they are sometimes painted in special commemorative schemes.

Original aircraft specifications (F-15J Eagle):

• Crew: 1 pilot
• Powerplant: two afterburning turbofan engines
• Wingspan: approx. 13.05 m
• Length: approx. 19.43 m
• Maximum speed: approx. Mach 2.5
• Armament: a 20 mm cannon and air-to-air guided missiles

About the manufacturer – Hasegawa:

Hasegawa is a Japanese manufacturer of model kits based in Shizuoka, a city regarded as the centre of the Japanese modelling industry. The company has been active since the 1940s and has developed its range of injection-moulded plastic kits since the 1960s. Hasegawa is best known for its aircraft models in 1:72 and 1:48 scale, valued for finely reproduced, subtly recessed panel lines and good parts fit. A hallmark of the brand is its frequent limited editions with dedicated decal sheets representing specific, often commemorative aircraft. The range also includes ship, vehicle and car models as well as modelling accessories. Hasegawa kits are recognised and available among modellers worldwide.