TRDI Photo Japan is slated to carry out maiden flight of its ATD-X stealth fighter demonstrator in first quarter of 2016, Japan Time...
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| TRDI Photo |
Japan is slated to carry out maiden flight of its ATD-X stealth fighter demonstrator in first quarter of 2016, Japan Times reported quoting a defense ministry official.
The program which began in 2009 aims to validate indigenous capability to develop a fifth generation fighter featuring stealth, supercruise, thrust vectoring and integrated avionics.
Development was carried out by Defense Ministry's Technical Research and Development Institute (TRDI), with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) as industrial partner.
The ATD-X demonstrator will lead to the development of the F-3 stealth fighter whose first prototype would fly by 2025. Production of the F-3 is slated for 2027, which will replace the present JASDF fleet of F-2 fighter, a Japanese specific license build Lockheed Martin F-16, and eventually the Boeing F-15J.
Maiden flight of the ATD-X has been delayed by 2 years. The first flight in 2015 was delayed following issue with an engine control software.
With a length of 14 meters and wingspan of 9 meters, the ATD-X is powered by two indigenous IHI XF5-1 turbofans engines.
The ATD-X features a 3D thrust vectoring capability using 3 paddles on each engine nozzle. The F-3 will feature an axis-symmetric thrust vectoring like the Su-30/35 fighters.
Maiden flight of the ATD-X has been delayed by 2 years. The first flight in 2015 was delayed following issue with an engine control software.
With a length of 14 meters and wingspan of 9 meters, the ATD-X is powered by two indigenous IHI XF5-1 turbofans engines.
The ATD-X features a 3D thrust vectoring capability using 3 paddles on each engine nozzle. The F-3 will feature an axis-symmetric thrust vectoring like the Su-30/35 fighters.
