2023 Author: Bryan Walter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 22:24
Mitsubishi X-2
The Japanese Air Self-Defense Forces have released footage of the first flight of the Mitsubishi X-2 technology demonstrator fighter, formerly known as the ATD-X Shinshin (Soul). In addition, some users have posted on YouTube and amateur footage of the approach of a fighter and an escort aircraft after a test flight.
The first flight of the aircraft took place on April 22, 2016. It was originally scheduled for April 20, but it was postponed due to unfavorable weather. X-2 flew from Nagoya airfield to Gifu airbase, staying in the air for a total of about 23 minutes. During the first flight, he performed basic checks for handling, climb and descent.
The X-2 has been running on the runway at the Nagoya airfield since early March. Initially, the first flight of the aircraft was planned for the end of March. The reason for the postponement was the desire of the developers to conduct more thorough tests of all X-2 systems before the first flight. The first public demonstration of the new Japanese fighter took place at the end of January 2016.
The fighter is equipped with a controlled thrust vector. Three “petals” of each nozzle are responsible for deflecting the jet stream of its engines. The Shinshin is 14.2 meters long and has a wingspan of 9.1 meters. The aircraft, which is estimated at $ 325 million in development, is powered by two XF5-1 engines.
The X-2 was created exclusively for the development of new technologies. After the completion of the tests, the project will be closed. By the end of 2018, the Japanese government must decide to develop a new F-3 fighter that will use X-2 technology. According to preliminary plans, the first prototype of the F-3 fighter will take off in 2024-2025.
