Japanese Mitsubishi X2 Stealth Aircraft News
- Thread starter Jeff Head
- Start date
Skywatcher
Captain
The paint scheme makes me think of the get up for some of those JH-8, J-8II and J-10(?) prototypes.
Also keep in mind that this is used for stealth tech integration/demonstration. As of now, the ATD-X airframe is too small for practical combat purpose (outside of light attack/point-defense interception).
Is there room onboard for a weaponsbay?
SamuraiBlue
Captain
Here are the specs for the XF5 engine.
General characteristics
Now the power output may not look much to write home about but if you consider the size which is only 0.6 in diameter and 3 m in length with a thrust to weight ratio of 7.8:1 and a overall pressure ratio of 26:1 now that is what you call a spiffy little engine.
The secret behind the size verses power is hidden behind the turbine inlet temperature which can go up to 1,600°C which is unusually high by around 200°C compared to other jet engines which can only be achieved by using ceramic composite material.
If Ishikawa Heavy is able to upscale the engine, I wonder how much power output it will be able to achieve?
General characteristics
- Type: Afterburning Turbofan
- Length: 3 m
- Diameter: 0.6 m
- Dry weight: 644 kg
- Compressor: Axial, 3 stage fan, 6 compressor stage
- Combustors: Annular
- Turbine: 1 stage high pressure turbine, 1 stage low pressure turbine
- Maximum power output: 49kN/5,000 kg (11,023 pounds)
- Overall pressure ratio: 26:1
- Turbine inlet temperature: 1,600 °C
- Thrust-to-weight ratio: 7.8:1
Now the power output may not look much to write home about but if you consider the size which is only 0.6 in diameter and 3 m in length with a thrust to weight ratio of 7.8:1 and a overall pressure ratio of 26:1 now that is what you call a spiffy little engine.
The secret behind the size verses power is hidden behind the turbine inlet temperature which can go up to 1,600°C which is unusually high by around 200°C compared to other jet engines which can only be achieved by using ceramic composite material.
If Ishikawa Heavy is able to upscale the engine, I wonder how much power output it will be able to achieve?
I think they're definitely going to use the XF-5 as the basis for the powerplant for the i3 (or was it called F3?) -- but much like the rest of the ATD-X/X2, I think what everyone is interested in is how will the technology be scaled up for an actual full sized fighter aircraft and when will it arrive.
It's been said variously that F-3 may be produced around 2027 (one of the more commonly cited dates), and it will be interesting to see how the F-3 will compare with whatever quantity and generation of fighter aircraft which may be flying in the region by then.
Yes, since they took several items/parts from existing types .. the canopy and I think cockpit is from the T-4, the LG (at least the front) from a F-1/T-2 ....
I think F-3 will still be competitive in the region because I expect an exponential rise in fighter cost the "higher" it's generation gets. The majority of East Asian countries will still have substantial fleets of 4th gen fighters by then, complemented by Fifth and maybe a few 6th gen fighters.
Sounds like the same development cost saving approach they took with the YF-23.
SamuraiBlue
Captain
Here are three interesting presentation TRDI had made in 2012 which Jeff might be interested.
This one is about the XF5 that is powering the to be flown ATD-X/X-2 next month. As Wiki JP confirms the engine had finished development in 2008.
It also points out that they are doing further research on heighten the Turbine inlet temperature further to gain more power output while lowering fuel economy.
Another interesting presentation is;
Weapon bay doors and how it will be effected at high speed.
It's a rather sober research theme but essential if you what them to work correctly at high velocity while maintaining stealth.
Here is the overall presentation concerning the ATD-X/X-2;
Japan is doing the required necessary research to develop a high powered stealth fighter that is for sure. If you flip to the last page of this deck you'll find the schedule when they want to start developing the next generation fighter.(Mid H33 till Mid H38)
This one is about the XF5 that is powering the to be flown ATD-X/X-2 next month. As Wiki JP confirms the engine had finished development in 2008.
It also points out that they are doing further research on heighten the Turbine inlet temperature further to gain more power output while lowering fuel economy.
Another interesting presentation is;
Weapon bay doors and how it will be effected at high speed.
It's a rather sober research theme but essential if you what them to work correctly at high velocity while maintaining stealth.
Here is the overall presentation concerning the ATD-X/X-2;
Japan is doing the required necessary research to develop a high powered stealth fighter that is for sure. If you flip to the last page of this deck you'll find the schedule when they want to start developing the next generation fighter.(Mid H33 till Mid H38)
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With only a single flight test demonstrator in 2/3 scale, it will be interesting to see how well it flys. It does not have the "chining" of the foreward fuselage and around inlets that we might expect, however the scale model will have OVT, which will bring it into spec with the SU-35, etc?
It will have plenty of thrust for its size, and I'm sure it will be pushed as the flight envelope opens up. On a personal note, I am much more impressed than I was upon seeing the initial modeling.