Japan unveiled its first stealth fighter technology demonstrator - X-2 Shinshin. Previously known as the Mitsubshi ATD, the X-2 will make its maiden flight in Feb 2016. The X-2 may be the precusor to a new stealth fighter to be developed later as Japan will need to replace its existing F-15J and F-2 fighter around 2028.
The X-2 will have vector thrust paddles on the engine nozzles of the twin Ishikawa Heavy Industries low-bypass turbofan engines. The paddles will allow the pilot to control the direction of the exhaust, thereby increasing an aircraft's maneuverability tremendousy. The engine is a new design, each providing around five tons of thrust. The X-2 also has angled twin vertical stabilizers set at an even steeper angle, similarly to that initially proposed for the F-15 Silent Eagle. The angled stabilizers were later dropped from the stealth fighter proposal offered to South Korea. Boeing cited limited cost effectiveness as a reason for the change.
asia.nikkei.com
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