Posted on 04/22/2016 4:22:12 AM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
Japan's first stealth fighter jet has successfully taken to the skies as the country joins a select group of world military powers wielding the radar-dodging technology.
The X-2 jet took off from Nagoya airport in central Japan on its maiden test flight as dozens of aviation enthusiasts watching the event erupted in applause as it lifted off.
The single-pilot prototype safely landed at Gifu air base, north of Nagoya airport, after a 25-minute flight with 'no particular problems,' said an official at the defence ministry's acquisition agency.
The X-2 jet took off from Nagoya airport in central Japan on its maiden test flight as dozens of aviation enthusiasts watching the event erupted in applause as it lifted off. The single-pilot prototype safely landed at Gifu air base, north of Nagoya airport, after a 25-minute flight with 'no particular problems'
The red and white aircraft was escorted by two Japanese military fighters collecting flight data.
Despite strict constitutional constraints on the use of military force imposed after World War II, Japan has become one of the world's most advanced defense forces.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3553236/Japan-succeeds-test-flight-stealth-fighter-jet.html#ixzz46YNlbwS6 Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
“332 million dollars to develop?
That wouldnt buy a tire on the f35.”
The F-35 has a $90 million flyaway cost as of this year. It can also carry weapons, while the X-2 can’t.
Yep, the self-sealing fuel tank turned out to be a huge technological advantage for us.
Heh, I'm recalling a business lunch from some twenty years ago, where one of the younger guys seated at the table was speaking enthusiastically about his new car - a Mitsubishi. One of the older gentlemen in the group just sort of frowned and shook his head. Noticing my questioning expression, he explained:
"I couldn't drive one of those cars. That company built the plane that sank my destroyer!"
'Nuff said. ;-)
I first saw an MU-2 when I was in Army flight school. Pilot said it was the only general aviation A/C that was certified for flight into known icing conditions. The high wing & low gear pod reminded me of a C-130.
No truth to the rumor that Mitsubishi marketed the MU-2 with an ad that went “from those wonderful folks who brought you Pearl Harbor!”
Prototype or no, the only what that airplane is stealthy is when it is compared to the Japanese F-15J.
Do you suppose the Japs always fly prototype aircraft over residential neighborhoods?
The F35 cost something like $400billion to develop and still doesn’t work properly.
It does not look very stealthy does it? I wonder if they use a cloaking device?
We could not get Lockheed to develop the wheels for $332mm.
“The F35 cost something like $400billion to develop and still doesn’t work properly.”
The F-35 is one of most complex weapons ever developed. All planes have issues during development. Granted schedules have slipped, but I expect when it’s all said and done the F-35 will be a world class fighter, second only to the F-22 while being more capable in the air-to-ground role. Its sensor integration and communication functions will also be unmatched.
“The F-35 is one of most complex weapons ever developed.”
Doesn’t make it a good weapon, in fact most would argue it makes it a boondoggle.
Schedules have slipped?? LOL yeah, thats like the lookout on the Titanic saying “we just hit a small piece of ice”.
Anything with 2 engines, above the oxygen, and has touchy flight characteristics at slow speeds (during critical cockpit management time), requires two people.
You want an example of that, go look for pics of Boeing's JSF prototype. Makes this one look graceful.
If it can be seen then it can be swatted by Godzilla or attacked by Rodan.
But...can it defeat Gamera???
#32 The engineers must have been drinking if they thought that looked good.
That was the Ugliest plane of all time bar none. There have been other ugly planes, but the X32 takes the cake. Whoever designed it may have been a genius, but who would submit that god awful thing into competition.
Horrible Horrible.
Stated twice in article that the plane is red and white.
I seem to remember a Varitech model that was red and white. Just sayin’.
“Very pretty, General. Very pretty. But, can they fight?”
When one with the skull and crossbones shows up, page Roy Fokker.
"Doesn’t make it a good weapon, in fact most would argue it makes it a boondoggle."
Actually, it should make it an excellent weapon. Much of the complexity is around sensor fusion, and reducing pilot workload. Reduced pilot workload will tighten the OODA loop, which will be a huge advantage versus other pilots. That is the point of the exercise.
Other capabilities, such as the "see through the plane" VR helmet, have never existed before and will be game changers.
'Schedules have slipped?? LOL yeah, thats like the lookout on the Titanic saying “we just hit a small piece of ice”.'
No, it's just typical of modern development programs. Managers want the schedules to look good, so they're "streamlined". Then reality kicks in.
Once the F-35 has been involved in a few hostile encounters, its reputation will suddenly change...
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