Mitsubishi ATD-X Shinshin (Japan), Aircraft - Fixed-wing - Military
Type
Multirole fighter.
Programme
Originally a research programme (Advanced Technology Demonstrator Experimental) on behalf of Technical Research and Development Institute (TRDI) for potential future stealth fighter; official launch announced July 2007. Few details yet released, but full-scale radar cross-section (RCS) model of earlier configuration was tested in French government's CELAR RCS facility at Bruz between September and November 2005; later photo of putative twin-jet configuration shows design broadly similar in shape to US F-22 Raptor but dimensionally closer to Saab Gripen. Full-size mockup shown by Japanese MoD at Japan Aerospace show, Yokohama, in October 2008, confirming that ATD-X still based on 2005 RCS test model, with (according to TRDI officials) 'only a few' changes. Radio-controlled subscale test model reportedly flown during FY06. Radar reflectivity tests continuing at TRDI in late 2009.Although begun purely as a technology demonstration programme, Lockheed Martin refusal to export F-22A has refocused efforts towards developing ATD-X into a production type for JASDF. Two prototypes planned, with target date of 2013 for maiden flight. These to be powered by foreign engines within wide-ranging thrust class of 44.5 to 89 kN (10,000 to 20,000 lb), for which requests for information issued in 2010. Meanwhile, IHI tasked with developing domestic XF5-1 turbofan for production version.
Than there is not a single Chinese indigenous project. All of them have more or less Russian or western systems.
