Chris Pocock has been covering the defense beat for AIN for over 30&nbsp;years. He is a British citizen and a graduate of the University of Cambridge. Chris worked in the air cargo business for ten years before becoming a full-time writer in 1983. He subsequently edited two air cargo journals before becoming AIN’s Defense Editor. He retired from that position in 2018, but still contributes to the publication. Chris has written extensively on aerial reconnaissance, including four books on the history of the U-2 spyplane. He also lectures on this and other topics related to intelligence-gathering in the Cold War.

Defense Correspondent

Chris Pocock

Japan’s new fighter testbed was officially unveiled on January 28 and will make its first flight this month, officials said. Development of the X-2 has been led by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, in what was previously known as the Advanced Technology Demonstrator-Experimental (ATD-X) program. The Japanese government’s Technical Research and Development Institute (TRDI) released <a href="http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2014-07-14/japan-reveals-stealth-fighter-demonstrator">images of the demonstrator</a> 18 months ago, and organized the event at Komaki last week.&nbsp;&nbsp;

 


Neither the TRDI nor Mitsubishi released much new detail about the aircraft. However, the three-dimensional thrust-vectoring system was apparent for the first time, as a trio of deflectors on each exhaust. They apparently operate independently, in similar fashion to the X-31, a joint German-U.S. demonstrator that flew from 1990 to 1995.

 


Standard stealth design features were apparent at the unveiling, including forward-body and engine intake shaping, edge alignment, and smooth surface treatments. The X-2 is powered by twin XF5-1 turbofans that have specially developed by Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries (IHI). Other new technologies that form part of the development reportedly include an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and optically signalled flight controls.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

 


The X-2 has been under development for more than 10 years, and was first shown in mock-up form at the Japan aero show in 2008. Government officials previously predicted a first flight in 2014. A development cost of about $330 million has been quoted by Japanese media. This seems low, and presumably does not include the engine or avionics.

 


A production version designated F-3 could eventually replace the JASDF’s co-developed F-2 fighters, TRDI officials said, although a decision whether to proceed willnot be taken before 2018. In November 2014, the TRDI made public a series of design iterations for the F-3. Of note, Japan is <a href="http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2011-12-22/japan-selects-f-35-local-assembly">planning to buy 42 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters</a>, with all except the first four to be produced in country.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Japan’s New Fighter Testbed To Fly This Month

Official unveiling of the T-X shows 3D thrust vectoring, stealth features.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charles Alcock

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

German company still aims to certify higher-spec VoloCity model in 2027

Volocopter Launches Ultralight Version Two-Seat eVTOL

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

The utility turboprop single flew from Idaho to Germany to be at the Aero Friedrichshafen show

Kodiak 900 Makes European Debut as TBM 980 Deliveries Grow

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Second biennial show will be held from March 22 to 24 in Singapore 

BAAFEx Show Targets Asia-Pacific Business Aviation Growth

Charlotte Bailey

Textron’s latest midsize jet is making a demonstration tour of Europe 

Cessna Citation Ascend Makes European Public Debut

New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

More In Aircraft

Volocopter Launches Ultralight Version Two-Seat eVTOL

German company still aims to certify higher-spec VoloCity model in 2027

Kodiak 900 Makes European Debut as TBM 980 Deliveries Grow

The utility turboprop single flew from Idaho to Germany to be at the Aero Friedrichshafen show

BAAFEx Show Targets Asia-Pacific Business Aviation Growth

Second biennial show will be held from March 22 to 24 in Singapore

Cessna Citation Ascend Makes European Public Debut

Textron’s latest midsize jet is making a demonstration tour of Europe

Aero F Show Takes Its Bizav Partnership to a New High

Steep rise in business aviation exhibitors for German air show

Cirrus Sees Strong European Demand For Vision Jets

Upcoming EASA type certification expected later this year

Vertical Achieves Full Piloted eVTOL Aircraft Transition

UK eVTOL developer becomes second in world to accomplish testing milestone

Lyte Aviation Announces SkyClinic VTOL Aircraft Concept

Indian leasing group Vman has provisionally agreed to buy 10 aircraft

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN