A Little Japanese ATD-X/X-2 Video "Porn"

The ATD-X/X-2 Shinshin demonstrator continues to do taxi tests. There has been a moderate delay in the program and its not likely to be handed over to the Japanese Ministry of Defense by the end of the month. Sadly.

The latter video actually has the aircraft with afterburners on.

She is a beaut.

And, yes, I wish GD would QUICKLY (with a blink tag) reach out to Mitsubishi to use the X-2 as the basis for a T-X entry, especially with the three month delay in the RFP, but that's as likely as porcine stealth bombers.

a reply to: anzha

Both Japanese programs are going very slowly to ensure no mistakes are made. It's about as slow as I've seen programs go, but at least they aren't making the same mistakes others have, trying to rush. *cough*Boeing*cough*

a reply to: Zaphod58

It seems to be going about the same speed as the ATF, iirc. That was a loooong time ago though. They did an extensive amount of taxi tests before the first flight.

a reply to: anzha

I think this is going to turn out to be a great fighter and trainer. Can't help but think that it looks like a Bug and a Raptor made it together. With Mitsubishi's experience, this baby should export pretty well. Ever since the export ban was lifted, I'm sure they've been itching to sell some real hardware. This is a great entry.

And along with the MRJ, solidifies Mitsubishi as one of the great aviation builders.

Not that we needed any reminding....

Japan has begun talks with Lockheed and Boeing to develop an indigenous fifth generation fighter, most likely based on the X-2. The hope is that with help from one of them they can keep costs down.

originally posted by: Zaphod58
Japan has begun talks with Lockheed and Boeing to develop an indigenous fifth generation fighter, most likely based on the X-2. The hope is that with help from one of them they can keep costs down.

Are you talking about technology transfer rather than process/production costs? We learned manufacturing slickness and cost out from the Japanese!

We run a few Mitusbishi Heavy Industry turbines at work, pretty old now but certainly have a pedigree in Turbines, do you know what there latest engines are like?

a reply to: Forensick

Both. Japan isn't very good with building their own aircraft. Excellent at license building, so if they can get one of those two involved they'll be able to accelerate production as well as keep costs down.

The engines in the X-2 are pretty good for a technology demonstrator but would need a power boost for a full up fighter.

a reply to: Zaphod58

It'd make a great trainer right now though.



No, no, no...that's not an axe to grind.