JASDF’s TAC Meet Patch – 201 Hikotai

The JASDF’s TAC Meet is held every year mainly at Komatsu Airbase, Nyutabaru Airbase and traing areas.

Five pilots, who has no experience of attending the TAC Meet, from every squadron will form a three aircraft group for the competition. One aircraft and one pilot are the backups. Pilots will be devided into two groups to comptete with the Tactical FIghter Training Group, which is the aggressors of the JASDF.

Every year, every squadrons will not only show off the gorgeous aircraft scheme, but also come up with various stunning patch.

One of the noticeable squadron is the 201 Hikotai.  The 201 Hikotai was founded in 1963 as a transition squadron of F-104 implementing training course. It was once dismissed in 1974. But re-engaged in 1986 deployed with F-15.

This squadron is based at Chitose Air Base, Hokkaido. The Japanese squadron usually uses local heros or local animals representing their squadron. So, the 201 Hikotai’s symble is the Ursus arctos which live in Hokkaido area.

 

201 Hikotai 2004 Tac Air Meet Patch

201 Hikotai 2009 Tac Air Meet

201 Hikotai 2001 Tac Air Meet

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In the memory of F-2s’ lost in the tsunami

Last week’s Japan earthquake really shocked me. I became interested in Japanese culture in recent years. I seems to be able understand more about their culture after this tragic event, like why they want to be famous at such young age and why they have novel like Japan Sinks.

Anyway, this color profile is for F-2 23-8114 from  21 Hikotai, 4 Kokudan, JASDF Matsushima AFB. This base is hit by the tsunami. This plane hits the building.

One of Japanese samurais Date Masamune was the founder Sendai, where Matsushima AFB is located. So, this squadron always treat Date Masamune as their idol. They painted many special schemes with the image of Date Masamune on F-2s. I will continuously make more color prints for those F-2s. But for now, only this one is finished.