UK-Japan-Italy Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) News & Analysis

[DWG]

Mitsubishi F-2 Viper Zero took its nickname from the legendary A6M Zero.

Nickname from whom? 'Viper Reisen' or 'Falcon Reisen' would seem a more natural name from the Japanese side, 'Viper Zero' sounds more like an English language fan construction. Both the LockMart and Mitsubishi websites simply call it the F-2, and as the article suggesting Reppu notes, the JSDF has no provision for naming aircraft beyond type designator and numerical sequence.

 

[Ares]

Nickname from whom? 'Viper Reisen' or 'Falcon Reisen' would seem a more natural name from the Japanese side, 'Viper Zero' sounds more like an English language fan construction. Both the LockMart and Mitsubishi websites simply call it the F-2, and as the article suggesting Reppu notes, the JSDF has no provision for naming aircraft beyond type designator and numerical sequence.

Most of the nicknames for Japanese military aircraft are unofficial and not given at the manufacturer level. The authorities decide through public contest, or the operators simply name them through tacit agreement. The name Viper Zero is an example of the latter, and Reppu is likely an extension of that.