Mitsubishi ATD-X
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article contains information about a scheduled or anticipated future aircraft.
It may contain preliminary or speculative information, and may not reflect the final version of the aircraft.
|
ATD-X ShinShin | |
---|---|
Type | Stealth Air superiority fighter |
Manufacturer | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries |
Maiden flight | 2016 (scheduled) |
Introduction | 2014 (scheduled) |
Status | Under development |
Primary user | Japan Air Self-Defense Force |
The Mitsubishi ATD-X Shinshin is a Japanese aircraft being developed by the Ministry of Defense Technical Research and Development Institute (TRDI) for research purposes. ATD-X is an acronym meaning "Advanced Technology Demonstrator - X". The aircraft's Japanese name is 心神 (shin-shin) which means "one's mind". The main contractor is Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The aircraft's first flight is scheduled for 14 June 2016.
Contents |
[edit] Development
Japan, which wants to replace its aging fighter fleet, has also made overtures to Washington on the possibility of purchasing the American F-22 stealth fighter.[1] However, the U.S. Congress has repeatedly banned the sale of the plane to any foreign government, in an attempt to safeguard the country's advanced technology. A mock-up has already undergone preliminary ground tests in France.[clarify] Decision by the ministry to push ahead with the multi billion-yen project means developers will start working toward flight tests, with production in about 10 years, it said. The reports also say that there was a possible involvement of US Lockheed Martin in the development of ATD-X. Although Japan had hoped to begin building stealth fighter jets by 2014,[2] the program suffered a setback when the government cut development funding for the demonstrator aircraft from its FY2008 budget. Pushing a demo to become released near 2015.[3]
[edit] Design
The design of the aircraft reflects those of several American fourth and fifth generation fighters, most notably the F-22 Raptor. The ATD-X will be used as a technology demonstrator and research prototype to determine whether domestic advanced technologies for a fifth generation fighter aircraft are viable. The aircraft also features 3D thrust vectoring with 3 paddles on each engine nozzle. The nozzles on the prototype appear to be uncovered and might have a slight adverse effect on the aircraft's stealth characteristics.
[edit] Specifications (ATD-X)
[edit] References
- ^ Mitsubishi ATD-X ShinShin a Japanese Stealth Fighter. Daily Lark (2008-01-11). Retrieved on 2008-01-29.
- ^ Japan to buid stealth fighter jets by 2014. Air Force Times (2007-12-10). Retrieved on 2008-12-29.
- ^ Seiji Hirokawa (2007-02-01). Japan cuts back funds for ATD-X steath demonstrator. Flight International. Retrieved on 2008-05-01.
[edit] See also
Comparable aircraft
- F-22 Raptor
- F-35 Lightning II
- J-XX
- Korea Aerospace Industries KFX
- Medium Combat Aircraft
- Sukhoi PAK FA
[edit] External links
|