ATD-X/X-2/F-3 predecessor has started taxi tests

a reply to: Zaphod58

MRJ?

a reply to: Zaphod58

Yup. Those trixy Japanese.

Also noted, is the X-2 a two seater? Looks like it. That'd be unique in the 5th gen.

a reply to: anzha

It's not going to be a fifth gen, only a tech demonstrator. The second seat will be for a systems engineer to run the tests of some systems, to make things easier on the pilot.

a reply to: Zaphod58

I realize its only a tech demo, but afaik all the prototypes of any others were single seats. We'll see if the Japanese retain the two seater or not in the F-3.

a reply to: Bfirez

Yup.

a reply to: TheBogmonster

I have to disagree with your assessment that the F-22 program is a failure, that sentiment floated around for quite a while. The current situation in Syria is proof that the intended purpose of the F-22 is validated.


That validation comes in the form of the S-400 system Russia has deployed in Syria-and developing the S-500 system, as we speak-the only aircraft we have that can counter that system effectively is the F-22 and F-35.


Just as the Japanese, Chinese and Russians are scrambling to catch up-further proof/validation of stealth- the U.S. is a good, what?, 20 years ahead of all competition in that arena. Stealth, engine development, sensor fusion, EW, the list goes on.


A failure? More like the greatest leap/advancement ever....JMO.

a reply to: anzha

Yes, they did, but those were prototypes not demonstrators. They were eventually going into production.

a reply to: anzha

It is not a two seater afaik.

The've "reused" some parts of other planes in the design of the demonstrator. The canopy is said to be from Kawasaki T-4 and the landing gear is from Mitsubishi T-2.

I would expect the F-3 to have a different cockpit shape, probably closer to F-22.

a reply to: moebius

It has room for a second seat to be added later. At some point they may add it in for a systems engineer, when they get to the more advanced testing phase.

The latest round of tests brought the nose gear off the ground before decelerating.

a reply to: Zaphod58

They are saying by end of the month for the flight.

originally posted by: Zaphod58
a reply to: Jukiodone

In exercises the F-22, in the role it was made for beat every fourth generation aircraft it went up against without even trying very hard. It has a slightly harder time WVR, due to energy loss, but you have to get to that range first, and at long and medium range it will own any battlefield it operates in.

To add: These weren't simple 2v2 or 1v2 engagements either. At Red Flag the F-22 pilots said their largest concern BVR is running out of weapons.

Did he bottle it?

Looked like a nice clean exhaust, pretty quick acceleration. Is thrust vectoring on the development plan??

First flight was scheduled for today, but weather was below minimums.

The X-2 made a successful maiden flight.

a reply to: Zaphod58

a reply to: Sammamishman


One awkward looking little bird.

a reply to: Sammamishman

Another angle looking up her skirt during take off.