X-2 prepares for Defense Ministry test

The Japanese X-2 demonstrator is preparing for a Defense Ministry test that will evaluate the stealth characteristics of the aircraft. The test could begin as early as this month, with more tests to be carried out by the end of the Fiscal Year. The tests will determine if Japan should attempt to develop their own stealth fighter, or if they should seek help from partner nations.

TOKYO -- The Ministry of Defense will conduct its initial field test of Japan's first domestically developed stealth fighter jet as early as this month.

The X-2 prototype stealth jet, whose development team is led by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, made its maiden flight in April, demonstrating the plane's capability to fly without a hitch.

asia.nikkei.com...

a reply to: Zaphod58

It's a nice looking plane.

a little small though.

a reply to: grey580

It's small because it's only a demonstrator. They're learning about stealth, and the tricks to use, so they didn't build a full size aircraft. The fighter they design based on these lessons is expected to be somewhere around F-22, or J-20 sized.