I know orig
I think the idea is to test all of the relevant functions with this demonstrator/prototype and then lead to a F-3 fighter aircraft for actual production beginning in the 2020s.
Samurai?
This aircraft (and perhaps 1-2 more) would be used for a research prototype to determine whether Japan can produce the advanced technologies for a fifth generation aircraft that are viable.
The demonstrator is going to have 3D thrust vectoring using three paddles on each nozzle similar what Roockwell used on the X-31. An axis-symmetric thrust vectoring engine would be being developed for production aircraft.
Also, this prototype would have fly-by-optic flight control, using optic fiber instead of wires which means data transfer would be immune to electromagnetic measures.
It's going to have a new AESA radar called the 'Multifunction RF Sensor', with broad spectrum agility. Additional capabilities to be tested are new and capabilities for ECM, ESM, communications, and perhaps microwave weapon functions.
The Japanese want to also develop a "Self Repairing Flight Control Capability," to allow the aircraft to automatically detect failures or damage in its flight control and use other control surfaces, calibrate to retain controlled flight,
Pretty impressive plans.
Initially they had static models that were smaller...but I thought this was a full sized demonstrator? The current prototype of the aircraft size is:
I think the idea is to test all of the relevant functions with this demonstrator/prototype and then lead to a F-3 fighter aircraft for actual production beginning in the 2020s.
Samurai?
This aircraft (and perhaps 1-2 more) would be used for a research prototype to determine whether Japan can produce the advanced technologies for a fifth generation aircraft that are viable.
The demonstrator is going to have 3D thrust vectoring using three paddles on each nozzle similar what Roockwell used on the X-31. An axis-symmetric thrust vectoring engine would be being developed for production aircraft.
Also, this prototype would have fly-by-optic flight control, using optic fiber instead of wires which means data transfer would be immune to electromagnetic measures.
It's going to have a new AESA radar called the 'Multifunction RF Sensor', with broad spectrum agility. Additional capabilities to be tested are new and capabilities for ECM, ESM, communications, and perhaps microwave weapon functions.
The Japanese want to also develop a "Self Repairing Flight Control Capability," to allow the aircraft to automatically detect failures or damage in its flight control and use other control surfaces, calibrate to retain controlled flight,
Pretty impressive plans.
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SamuraiBlue
Captain
The one in the picture is the one that will make the maiden flight I presume. Maiden flight of ATD-X is at the moment scheduled sometime in August this year if I remember correctly.
As for F-3 there are no planned schedule for the 6 th generation fighter. Some speculate maiden flight of the prototype will be around mid 2020's and production model to roll out in 2030s but I would say your guess would be as good as mine at this point for this plane.
As for F-3 there are no planned schedule for the 6 th generation fighter. Some speculate maiden flight of the prototype will be around mid 2020's and production model to roll out in 2030s but I would say your guess would be as good as mine at this point for this plane.
Okay...so the ATD-X is not going to turn into the F-3?
Then what will the ATD-X turn into? I know the JAFSDF needs to replace those F-15s and F-2s at some point. Is the ATD-X supposed to develop into a production bird?
SamuraiBlue
Captain
ATD-X is just a technical demonstrator to evaluate present Japan's technical capabilties.
There are various parts that had been appropriated from existing plane like the canopy which was taken from T-4 trainer it also does not have any weapon bay capabilty so they would need to heavily modify it even if they what to make it into a production model.
The technology on the other hand would be adopted into the newly designed F-3 production model which will no doubt be a wonderful plane to see.
There are various parts that had been appropriated from existing plane like the canopy which was taken from T-4 trainer it also does not have any weapon bay capabilty so they would need to heavily modify it even if they what to make it into a production model.
The technology on the other hand would be adopted into the newly designed F-3 production model which will no doubt be a wonderful plane to see.
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Brumby
Major
I don't get a sense that there is an active plan or program to fill the gap that is expected from the aging fleet of F-2's and F-15's. The current procurement of F-35's is not of the quantity that would address this situation especially with rising tensions in the region and increasing intrusion into contested airspace. Has the bureaucrats dropped the ball on this one? Conversely, the navy seems to have a plan and getting on with the program.
SamuraiBlue
Captain
Well I believe Japanese analysis had reached conclusion that neither PRC or Russian air force would pose an immediate threat that cannot be handled by present capability. They probably came to this conclusion 5~7 years ago going over their budget appropriation placing emphasis on amphibious capabilities with even these past two years they had made request for another Izumo class DDH, AAV7s and on top developing two more Advanced Atago class DDG.
If they felt an immediate threat in aerial capability they would have placed more emphasis on developing F-3 placing more budget in development.
You can call it an armchair analysis's babbling but that is what I believe is happening.
I think futur F-3 more big as this demonstrator, 20/25 t maximum and minimum 7 t of weapons, 9/10 hard points for radar annouced a APG-81 equivalent, 1200 modules don't forget " old daddy " F-15 with her big nose can have a 1500 modules ( APG-63 V3 ) but similar range.
42 F-35 ordered very few for 2 Sqns, normaly a Sqn have 20 fighters and a part 2/3 ? stay for Test in US for some years.
Main mision for F-2 ASuW as her predecessor the F-1 upgrades now with JDAM and AAM-4 half of the fleet originaly used AIM-7.
42 F-35 ordered very few for 2 Sqns, normaly a Sqn have 20 fighters and a part 2/3 ? stay for Test in US for some years.
Main mision for F-2 ASuW as her predecessor the F-1 upgrades now with JDAM and AAM-4 half of the fleet originaly used AIM-7.
SamuraiBlue
Captain
F-2s are also armed with type 93 ASM and will soon be armed with XASM-3 hypersonic anti ship missile.
As for F-3 from what I have read of the skin radar system that is presently under research at TRDI I believe this plane will be the first to be equipped with this new technology.
I also believe a plasma actuator prototype may be tested at this point.
For those of you who doesn't know what a ;
Here is a picture showing how a plasma actuator have effect on air flow against a wing surface at high attack angle compared to a wing without one.
(Photo by JAXA)
As you can see the picture on the right where the actuator is turned on the air flows more closer to the wing which will provide more lift and control compared to the one on the left.
At the moment Japan's super computer Kei is doing various simulation so they can optimize the effect of this technology on a wing at various speed, altitude and shape of wing.
This technology is the first step in developing what is know as a plasma wave rider that can revolutionize reentry vehicles of the future.
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