Japan Defence Forum

[SvenSvensonov]

 

[Transhumanist]

 

[Transhumanist]

 

[Echo_419]

Update: JMSDF proceeding for request to purchase Tomahawks for surface combat ships.

The process has been going for some time now since 2013, but looks like its proceeding positively.

What does this mean? Japan's Destroyer Fleet will be armed with Tomahawks.

Japan, U.S. Eye Offensive Military Weapons For Tokyo

I am surprised why are you procuring these types of missiles even countries with weak technological & manufacturing base like India & Pakistan have their versions of Tomahawk

 

[Transhumanist]

I am surprised why are you procuring these types of missiles even countries with weak technological & manufacturing base like India & Pakistan have their versions of Tomahawk

Why spend years and billions in development when you can buy the best land-attack missile from your best friend? It's an unnecessary cost for Japan. In time it will develop its own manufacturing capabilities, it already has the know-how, but the Tomahawk is Japan's best choice right now.

 

[Echo_419]

Why spend years and billions in development when you can buy the best land-attack missile from your best friend? It's an unnecessary cost for Japan. In time it will develop its own manufacturing capabilities, it already has the know-how, but the Tomahawk is Japan's best choice right now.

I agree with you in today's world of shrinking defense budgets it makes more sense to just buy the money can be further used in tech which Japan has already mastered

 

[Indus Falcon]

Naval Combat Systems - Market Report - 2015
Page 12

2 Atago Class, and 4 Kongo Class Destroyers are to receive the SM-3 Missile for Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD).
The JMSDF is expected to deploy a sea-launched variant of the Type 12, which will replace the Type 90 SSM.

The helicopter carrier Izumo will be equipped with an OQQ-22 bow-mounted sonar for submarine prosecution, while defence against anti-ship missiles will be provided by 2 Raytheon RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile SeaRAM launchers.

Atago Class

Details:
Atago class guided missile destroyer ddg japan maritime self defense
force

DDG Atago (DDG 7,700 ton) Class


Kongo Class

details : Kongō Class Guided Missile Destroyers - Naval Technology

SM3 Missile:

The SM-3 program is a critical piece of the United States' Phased Adaptive Approach for missile defense. Currently, U.S. Navy ships carrying SM-3s deployed off Europe's coast provide the continent's only "upper tier" defense from the growing threat of ballistic missiles. Starting this year, the first land-based SM-3 site will become operational in Romania, further enhancing Europe's protection

The flexibility of SM-3 to be both land- and sea-based offers countries that do not have ballistic missile defense-enabled navies to take advantage of the SM-3's incredible capacity to protect large areas of land, often referred to as regional defense, with fewer interceptor sites when compared to other "lower tier" missile defense solutions.

Whether on land or at sea, the SM-3 continues to excel in testing. In 2014, the SM-3 Block IB was successfully launched for the first time from an Aegis Ashore testing site in Hawaii. Later in the year, an SM-3 destroyed a short-range ballistic missile target during a highly complex integrated air and missile defense exercise in the Pacific.

The program has more than 25 successful space intercepts, and more than 200 interceptors have been delivered to U.S. and Japanese navies.

SM-3 Block IB
The SM-3 Block IB has an enhanced two-color infrared seeker and upgraded steering and propulsion capability that uses short bursts of precision propulsion to direct the missile toward incoming targets.

The next-generation SM-3 Block IB became operational in 2014, deploying for the first time on U.S. Navy ships worldwide.

SM-3 Block IIA
The new SM-3 Block IIA is being developed in cooperation with Japan and will be deployable on land as well as at sea. It has two distinct new features: larger rocket motors that will allow it to defend broader areas from ballistic missile threats and a larger kinetic warhead.

SM-3 Block IIA is the centerpiece of the European missile defense system, and Raytheon Company will begin flight testing in 2015 to keep the program on track for 2018 deployment at sea and on land in Poland.
More Details:
Raytheon: Standard Missile-3 (SM-3)

US Ballistic Missile Defence

Helicopter Carrier Izumo

he Izumo class is a new type of helicopter carriers of the Japan's Marine Self-Defense Forces. Two ships of the class are planned. The new ships will replace ageing Shirane class ASW destroyers. The lead ship Izumo was launched in 2013. It was commisioned in 2015. It is the biggest Japanese warship since the World War II. It is even larger than the previous Hyuga class helicopter carriers.
The Izumo class helicopter carriers are multi-role ships. These can conduct amphibious operations, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare. This class provides the Maritime Self-Defense Force with greater force projection capability.

This helicopter carrier bears a strong resemblance to a light aircraft carriers. The Izumo is even larger than Italian Cavour, Spanish Principe de Asturias and some other light aircraft carriers. However the Izumo class ships are referred as helicopter destroyers in Japan for political reasons. It is against Japanese constitution to operate what is referred as offensive weapons and exceeds necessary level of self-defense. The helicopter destroyer classification is not correct, as these ships are significantly larger than destroyers, have a full-length flight deck and relatively large air wing.

The flight deck has 5 helicopter landing spots for simultaneous take-offs and landings. The Izumo class ships can carry 14, or possibly even 30 helicopters. However it is claimed that typical air wing during peace time will be 7 ASW and 2 SAR helicopters. Apart from helicopters these ships can also accommodate F-35B STOVL multi-role fighters and V-22 Osprey tiltrotor transport. However Japanese officials do not mention this capability.

For amphibious operations it can carry troops and vehicles inside the ship. Typically 400 marines and 50 3.5 t trucks (or equivalent equipment) can be carried. However Izumo class carriers lack a well deck that dedicated amphibious assault ships have. Troops can be landed on the beaches mainly via helicopters.

For self-defense the ships will be equipped with two 20-mm Phalanx CIWS and two SeaRAM missile launchers.

These ships are powered by combined gas turbine and gas (COGAG) propulsion. Each ship is fitted with four gas turbines, developing 28 000 hp each. These drive two shafts.

More details:
Izumo Class Helicopter Carrier | Military-Today.com

RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile

The Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM™) Guided Missile Weapon System is the world's most modern ship self-defense weapon and is designed to provide exceptional protection for ships of all sizes. RAM is currently deployed on more than 165 ships in eight countries, ranging from 500-ton fast attack craft to 95,000-ton aircraft carriers.

RAM is a supersonic, lightweight, quick-reaction, fire-and-forget weapon designed to destroy anti-ship missiles. Its autonomous dual-mode passive radio frequency (RF) and infrared guidance design provide high-firepower capability for engaging multiple threats simultaneously. RAM is continually improved to stay ahead of the ever-evolving threat of anti-ship missiles, helicopters, aircraft and surface craft.

RAM’s LATEST VARIANT
RAM Block 2, the latest step in the development of the Rolling Airframe Missile, is a kinematic and RF receiver upgrade of Block 1/1A. A larger, more powerful rocket motor and advanced control section make the missile two and a half times more maneuverable with one and a half times the effective intercept range. This provides the Block 2 missile with the capability to defeat high-maneuvering threats, increasing the survivability of the defended ship. An enhanced RF receiver allows detection of anti-ship missiles that employ low probability of intercept receivers.

LAUNCHING SYSTEM
The MK 44 Guided Missile Round Pack (GMRP) and the MK 49 Guided Missile Launching System, which hold 21 missiles, comprise the MK 31 Guided Missile Weapon System. The system is designed for flexibility in ships' integration, with no dedicated sensors required. A variety of existing ship sensors can readily provide the target and pointing information required to engage the anti-ship threat.

The MK 44 is also the missile used in the SeaRAM Anti-Ship Missile Defense System, replacing the M601A1 Gatling gun in the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System with an 11-round launcher. The Phalanx sensor suite serves as the search and track radar designating the threat for RAM missiles to intercept.

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
RAM is an international cooperative program between the United States and Germany. Development, production and maintenance costs are shared among Raytheon Company in the United States and the German companies LFK, DBD and RAMSYS. Licensed production of the RAM GMRP is also underway in Korea.
Raytheon: Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) Guided Missile System


@Nihonjin1051 @Gabriel92 @Taygibay @Desertfalcon

 

[Transhumanist]

Japan can into space - SELENE/KAGUYA

SELENE: The largest lunar mission since the Apollo program

The SELenological and ENgineering Explorer "KAGUYA" (SELENE), Japan’s first large lunar explorer, was launched by the H-IIA rocket on September 14, 2007 (JST). The mission, which is the largest lunar mission since the Apollo program, is being keenly anticipated by many countries.

The major objectives of the mission are to understand the Moon’s origin and evolution, and to observe the moon in various ways in order to utilize it in the future. The lunar missions that have been conducted so far have gathered a large amount of information on the Moon, but the mysteries of its origin and evolution have been left unsolved.
KAGUYA will investigate the entire moon in order to obtain information on its elemental and mineralogical composition, its geography, its surface and sub-surface structure, the remnant of its magnetic field, and its gravity field. The results are expected to lead to a better overall understanding of the Moon’s evolution. At the same time, the observation equipment installed on the orbiting satellite will observe plasma, the electromagnetic field and high-energy particles. The data obtained in this way will be of great scientific importance for exploring the possibility of using the moon for human endeavors.

KAGUYA’s configuration and mission

The KAGUYA consisted of the Main Orbiter and two small satellites ("OKINA" (Relay Satellite) and "OUNA" (VRAD Satellite). The Main Orbiter was injected into a peripolar orbit of the Moon at an altitude of 100 km. The Relay Satellite was placed in an elliptic orbit at an apolune altitude of 2400 km to relay communications between the Main Orbiter and the ground station for measuring the gravity field of the backside of the Moon. The VRAD Satellite, which was in an elliptic orbit at an apolune altitude of 800 km, played a role of measuring the gravity field around the Moon by sending radio waves.

The KAGUYA was maneuvered to be dropped around 80.5 degrees east longitude and 65.5 degrees south latitude onto the Moon on June 11, 2009.

JAXA | SELenological and ENgineering Explorer "KAGUYA" (SELENE)

 

[Transhumanist]

Japan can still into space: HTV-1 and HTV-2

 

[SvenSvensonov]

JAXA - Japan's Space Agency:

Crew Capsule

H-II Transfer Vehicle

The H-II Transfer Vehicle is Japan’s International Space Station Resupply Spacecraft that is used to deliver cargo to the Station. It was designed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. HTV is built and operated by JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The HTV offers the capability to carry logistics materials in both its internal pressurized carrier as well as in an unpressurized carrier for exterior placement. The vehicle is launched aboard the H-IIB Rocket, Japan’s Heavy Lift Launcher. A full H-IIB Overview can be found here.

After launch, HTV links up with the International Space Station and begins its Rendezvous Sequence at a Distance of 5 Kilometers making a series of complex maneuvers to reach a point 10 meters below the Space Station. The Space Station’s Robotic Arm then grapples the vehicle and berths it to the Harmony Module. After hatch opening, the delivered cargo items can be transferred to the Station and the external payloads can be removed with the Robotic Arm. Before unberthing, the vehicle is loaded with trash and no-longer-needed items for disposal. After being released by the SSRMS, the Spacecraft retreats to a safe distance to ISS and makes its deorbit burn followed by destructive re-entry to end the mission. HTV is capable of staying at the Space Station for about one month and perform solo flights of up to 100 hours.

Vehicle Description

The HTV Spacecraft in its nominal configuration is 10 meters in length and has a mean diameter of 4.4 meters. It consists of four sections, the Pressurized Logistics Carrier PLC, the Unpressurized Logistics Carrier ULC, the Avionics Module AM and the Propulsion Module PM. HTV has a liftoff mass of 16,500 Kilograms carrying up to 5,200 Kilograms of payloads inside the Pressurized Logistics Carrier and 1,500 Kilograms of external payloads.

Specifications:

Length 10m
Diameter 4.4m
Spacecraft Weight 10,500kg
Launch Mass 16,500kg
Payload Capacity 6,000kg
Pressurized Payload 5,200kg
Unpressurized Payload 1,500kg
Return Payload None
Pressurized Volume 14m³
Power Generation 57 Solar Panels
Main Propulsion 4 x 490N Thrusters
Attitude Control 28 Thrusters
Fuel Monomethylhydrazine
Oxidizer Mixed Oxides of Nitrogen
Propellant Mass 2,400 Kilograms

Pressurized Logistics Carrier

The Pressurized Logistics Carrier is 3.3 meters long and carries cargo for onboard use (experiment racks, food, and clothes). It has a pressurized volume of 14 cubic meters. The Module houses two rack bays. Bay 1 is located on the hatch side and accommodates the International Standard Payload Rack (ISPR) or a fixed type of HTV Resupply Racks (HRRs). ISPRs can be removed and transferred to ISS entirely.

Bay 2 in the rear of the PLC contains only a fixed type of HRRs. The Racks are filled with Cargo Transfer Bags that are removed and transferred to ISS. Bags with return cargo can be placed in the respective Racks for the return to Earth. The PLC features electrical, thermal environment control, navigation and crew support systems. The electrical system of the PLC receives 50V DV Power from the HTV Avionics Module that is then distributed to the equipment inside the compartment and its subsystems. When berthed with ISS, the PLC received 120V DC from the Space Station and routed the received power to the Avionics Module for conversion.

The PLC is outfitted with wall heaters to control the internal environment of the pressurized compartment. Prior to berthing, the temperatures inside the PLC will be equalized to the internal temperature of the ISS in order to prevent dew condensation which can cause serious problems in the Zero-G Environment. Pressure and Temperature sensors are installed inside the PLC to monitor the environment inside the spacecraft. HTV is equipped with a vent valve for pressure regulation.

While berthed to the Station, HTV air will be circulated by fans through the Inter-Module Ventilation system (IMV). Some detectors mounted inside the PLC are hooked up to the ISS Control System and will set off an alarm when a fire is detected. The ISS Control System immediately stop the IMV Fans and notify the crew members and control centers by sounding alarms throughout the station. Four interior lights are installed inside the PLC which can be manually turned on and off by the ISS Crew Members. Prior to unberthing of the HTV, the light fixtures are removed for use aboard the Space Station.

On the outside of the PLC, four attitude and two capture lights are mounted. There are two red lights on the port side, two green lights on the starboard side and a white and a yellow light on the end cone ring.

These lights are used by the ISS Crew to visually verify the orientation and position of the Spacecraft during orbital nights when Rendezvous and Approach are in progress. The flashing capture lights become visible to the ISS crew at distance of about one Kilometer while the attitude lights become visible at a range of 500 meters. At the top of the PLC is a Passive Common Berthing Mechanism with the HTV Hatch.

Unpressurized Logistics Carrier

The Unpressurized Logistics Carrier and its Exposed Pallet are 3.5 meters in length and houses up to 1,500 Kilograms of external Payloads. The ULC/EP is used to carry external experiments and/or orbital replacement units (ORUs) to the Space Station. Once berthed to ISS, the Exposed Pallet is removed from the ULC by the ISS Robotic Arm and is handed over to the robotic arm of the Kibo Module which then attaches it the
Mobile Base System (MBS) or Kibo’s Exposed Facility (EF) for unloading operations. After the Payloads are unloaded, the EP is re-installed in the ULC Section of the HTV Spacecraft. The EP is held in place aboard HTV’s ULC by four Tie-down Separation Mechanisms (TSMs) which secure the Pallet during launch and solo flight. The Hold-Down Mechanism receives, holds and pulls the EP in during EP removal and re-installation by the Station’s Robotic Arm. A Harness Separation System is used to separate power and data cables between the ULC and EP that are needed to power and control the Payloads aboard the Pallet. Three guide rails are located near the aperture of the ULC, one each on the port side, the starboard side, and the nadir side.


Wheels and Guide Rails are used during the removal and installation of the EP. The Exposed Pallet includes Cargo Attachment Mechanisms to hold the individual payloads in place and release them when commanded, Connector Separation Mechanisms to separate Payload Power and Data Connections when being removed, and a Flight Releasable Grapple Fixture (FRGF) and a Power and Video Grapple Fixture (PVGF).

Avionics Module

The 1.2-meter Avionics Module of the HTV Spacecraft includes guidance navigation & control, communications, data handling, and electrical power subsystems. These systems control all aspects of the vehicle’s flight. The Guidance System of HTV uses data coming from position/attitude sensors to provide navigation information and vehicle control. HTV uses GPS Systems as well as Rendezvous Sensors, an Earth Sensor to collect navigation data. A Navigation Control Computer and an Abort Control Unit are part of the vehicle’s avionics.

The Communication System of the vehicle uses the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System for command uplink and telemetry downlink. An S-Band System is used for direct communications with ISS during Proximity Operations. The Electrical Power Subsystem consists of two Main Bus Units, eleven non-rechargeable Primary Batteries, a single Secondary Battery that can be recharged and a Power Control Unit. The Secondary Battery is primarily used during the flight for power supply during orbital night and is charged with power coming from the solar panels. The other batteries are used when the S-BAT is not sufficient for power supply. Power generated by the solar arrays is regulated by the Power Control Unit that distributes power to the Main Bus Units and the S-BAT. The MBU then distributes power to all vehicle systems. The PCU is also used to receive power from the Station to route it to the rest of the vehicle. A total of 57 power-generating solar panels are installed on the exterior of the HTV (PLC: 20 Panels, ULC: 23, AM: 8, PM:6).

Propulsion System

The Propulsion System of the HTV consists of the 2-meter Propulsion Module and Thruster installed on the other segments. The Propulsion Module houses four propellant tanks capable of holding up to 2,400 Kilograms of Propellants. HTV uses Monomethylhydrazine as fuel and Mixed Oxides of Nitrogen as Oxidizer. The vehicle is equipped with four main thrusters mounted on the Propulsion Module each providing about 490 Newtons of Thrust. A total of 28 Attitude Control Thrusters are installed on the HTV each one providing 110 Newtons of Thrust. 12 Attitude Jets are installed on the PLC and rest is located on the PM. Propulsion for orbital maneuvers (phase adjustment and rendezvous maneuvers) is controlled by command signals sent from the Avionics Module. Four small high-pressure gas tanks contain Helium that is used for Propellant Tank Pressurization.

Proximity System

The HTV Proximity Communications System is used for the vehicle’s Rendezvous and Approach to the Space Station enabling the two Spacecraft, ISS and HTV, to engage in direct communications. The ISS portion of the PROX System is installed on the Kibo Module of ISS. The System uses relative GPS and Laser-Radar Rendezvous Sensors. The PROX equipment, such as transmitters, receivers, data handling processors, and GPS receivers are installed in the Inter-orbit Communication System (ICS) rack onboard Kibo’s Pressurized Module (PM).

GPS antennas are located on Kibo and the PM of HTV. Relative GPS enables the two spacecraft to constantly monitor the relative position of the spacecraft providing range and relative velocity data. For the close approach, HTV uses a Laser-Radar System for more refined range and velocity calculation. The Hardware Command Panel will be used by the ISS Crew to send commands to HTV while they are monitoring the Rendezvous and Approach Phase from the Robotics Work Station in the Cupola of ISS. Commands sent via the Command Panel include Hold commands to stop the approach and retreat commands to send HTV back to 30 meters or 100 meters to ISS.

Also, the crew can command the vehicle to abort the approach in case of any larger malfunctions occurring during the approach. The Free Drift Command disables all HTV Thrusters for the Robotic Arm to grapple the vehicle. When HTV arrives at the R-Bar, a point directly below ISS, the spacecraft switched to its Rendezvous Sensors bouncing laser beams off reflectors mounted on the Kibo Module to gather precise navigation data for the approach.

 

[Indus Falcon]

Kawasaki OH-1 Ninja ~ JGSDF

 

[Transhumanist]

Japan security council approves bid to build Australian submarines

Japan will enter the race to build Australia’s next submarine fleet, taking advantage of Shinzo Abe’s recent easing of postwar arms export bans

Japan is to exploit the easing of its postwar ban on arms exports by entering the race to jointly develop and build a new generation of submarines for the Australian navy.

Members of Japan’s security council this week approved the country’s participation in the bidding process, months after the Australian prime minister, Tony Abbott, abandoned plans to buy Soryu-class submarines from Japan under pressure from ruling party and opposition politicians.

Instead, Japan will join non-nuclear submarine developers from Germany and France in Canberra’s “competitive evaluation process” to decide who builds the Australian navy’s next fleet of submarines.

South Australian government and defence industry representatives have gone to Europe to convince companies bidding to build Australia’s next fleet of submarines to do the work in Adelaide.

Yoshihide Suga, Japan’s chief cabinet secretary, confirmed that the security council had decided Japanese firms should join the process “in light of the importance of defence cooperation between Japan and Australia”.

Suga told reporters that the decision was in line with Japan’s revised rules on the transfer of arms and defence technology.

In April, Japan’s conservative prime minister, Shinzo Abe, eased the country’s self-imposed ban on arms exports as part of wider plans to increase its defence capabilities and give domestic contractors a share of the potentially lucrative overseas market.

Last week, Japan hosted its first international arms fair, showcasing hardware that included Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ Soryu submarine technology.

The diesel-electric submarine is still the most likely candidate Japan will put forward for the Australian contract, Kyodo news quoted a senior defence ministry official in Tokyo as saying.

The Soryu, regarded as one of the most advanced non-nuclear class submarines, meets Australian requirements for its stealth abilities, and there are plans to extend its range.

Australian officials estimate developing up to 12 submarines to replace ageing Collins-class submarines will cost at least $50bn (US$40bn).

Abbott is believed to still favour the Japanese option; earlier this month his defence minister, Kevin Andrews, called his Japanese counterpart Gen Nakatani to urge Japan to take part in the evaluation process.

“We have given consideration to defence cooperation between Japan and Australia,” Nakatani told reporters this week. “Australia is a strategic partner that shares common values and security interests [with Japan].”

Reuters quoted Japanese defence officials as saying Tokyo would release classified technical data to enable Canberra to better evaluate Japan’s bid.

It would be the first time Japan has shared such sensitive information with any country other than the US.

Abbott, who has described Japan as Australia’s “closest friend in Asia” is expected to discuss closer defence cooperation with Abe during a visit to Tokyo in July.

South Australia’s defence industries minister, Martin Hamilton-Smith, is visiting bidders in France and Germany this week to outline South Australia’s naval shipbuilding capabilities.

“We have huge credentials as a centre for excellence in naval shipbuilding, underpinned by our highly skilled workers,” Hamilton-Smith said.

Hamilton-Smith said it was important the bidders understood South Australia’s capacity and commitment to deliver submarines.

“The South Australian government has created a world-class facility at Techport Australia and we are determined to see Australia’s future submarines built here,” he said. “About 120,000 man-years of jobs depend on the future submarine program alone.”

From Japan security council approves bid to build Australian submarines | World news | The Guardian

Special thanks to @SvenSvensonov for letting me "borrow" these pictures from: Japanese Self Defense Forces News & Discussion | Page 88

@Nihonjin1051 check this link (the PDF - page 88) for some amazing pictures! @SvenSvensonov was working overtime.

 

[Indus Falcon]

@Nihonjin1051 Since you will be in Japan, see if you can visit any (or all ) of the following shows:

MILAVIA Air Show Calendar 2015 - Airshows in Japan

 

[SvenSvensonov]

JAXA - Japan's Space Agency

Small Solar Sail

IKAROS:

Space yacht accelerated by radiation of the Sun

A Solar Sail gathers sunlight as propulsion by means of a large membrane while a Solar "Power" Sail gets electricity from thin film solar cells on the membrane in addition to acceleration by solar radiation. What's more, if the ion-propulsion engines with high specific impulse are driven by such solar cells, it can become a "hybrid" engine that is combined with photon acceleration to realize fuel-effective and flexible missions.
JAXA is studying two missions to evaluate the performance of the solar power sails. The project name for the first mission is IKAROS (Interplanetary Kite-craft Accelerated by Radiation Of the Sun). This craft was launched with the Venus Climate Orbiter "AKATSUKI", using an H-IIA launch vehicle. This will be the world's first solar powered sail craft employing both photon propulsion and thin film solar power generation during its interplanetary cruise.

Vast, thin, and strong solar sail

A solar sail can move forward without consuming propellant as long as it can generate enough energy from sunlight. This idea was born some 100 years ago, but it had lots of technical hurdles such as the appropriate material and deployment method for the sail. Recently, we have finally seen some prospect of using this technology practically. The sail of the IKAROS is a huge square some 20 meters in a diagonal line, as thin as 0.0075 mm, and made from polyimide resin. On the membrane of the sail are not only thin film solar cells but also an Attitude Control device and scientific observation sensors. This thin and light solar sail membrane will be deployed using the centrifugal force of spinning the main body of the IKAROS before its tension is maintained. The deployment is in two stages. The first stage is carried out quasi-statically by the onboard deployment mechanism on the side of the main body. The second stage is the dynamic deployment. As this deployment method does not require a strut such as a boom, it can contribute to making it lighter, thus can be apply for a larger membrane.

Major Characteristics
International Designation Code 2010-020E
Launch Vehicle H-IIA Launch Vehicle No.17
Location Tanegashima Space Center
Configuration / Body Diam. 1.6 m x Height 0.8 m (Cylinder shape)
Configuration / Membrane Square of side 14 m and cross section 20 m (after deployment)
Weight Mass at liftoff: about 310 kg

 

[Indus Falcon]

Mitsubishi ATD-X Shinshin

Japanese MoD denies reports of 2015 first flight for ATD-X prototype

Kosuke Takahashi, Tokyo - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly

13 August 2014

The Japanese Ministry of Defense (MoD)'s Technical Research and Development Institute (TRDI) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) have both dismissed news reports that the Advanced Technology Demonstrator-X (ATD-X) fighter prototype will make its maiden flight in January 2015.

The Mainichi Shimbun newspaper reported on 12 August that MHI had decided to conduct the first flight of the ATD-X, a prototype for a future fighter to replace the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Mitsubishi F-2, in January. The newspaper did not disclose its source.

The newspaper also said the MoD would make a final decision on whether to proceed with production by fiscal year 2018 after assessing the aircraft's capabilities and cost. It said MHI would deliver the prototype to the MoD by the end of March 2015.

Similarly, Jiji Press on 12 August reported MHI plans to conduct the test flight of the aircraft as early as January, citing a government-related official as its news source.

However, a TRDI spokesman denied both reports to IHS Jane's , saying: "We have not firmed up when the first test flight of the ATD-X will be conducted."

An MHI spokesman: "We didn't announce that. We will decide when to conduct the first flight in consultation with the MoD."

In April Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera reaffirmed the MoD's plan for a first flight for the ATD-X this year, adding in the Diet that the ministry would decide by FY18 whether to build a future stealth fighter domestically or via international joint development, based on parameters such as technological achievements and cost effectiveness.

The ATD-X, also known as 'Shinshin' meaning 'Spirit of the heart', is being built by MHI's plant at Komaki Minami in Nagoya. It has been designed to be a stealthy air-superiority fighter with enhanced manoeuvrability. The MoD will use it to research advanced technologies and system integration, after which it plans to produce a 'sixth-generation' fighter encompassing i3 (informed, intelligent and instantaneous) concepts and counter-stealth capabilities.

Meanwhile, the TRDI on 12 August released four photographs of the ATD-X taken on 8 May. In the images, some parts of the landing gear and exhaust slots have been blurred.

Japanese MoD denies reports of 2015 first flight for ATD-X prototype - IHS Jane's 360

Mitsubishi ATD-X Shinshin(心神) XF5-1 turbofans Test

@Nihonjin1051 any updates?