X-2 first flight

[+MigBuster]

Japans Mitsubishi X-2 (formerly ATD-X), 5th generation fighter prototype (XF-5).  

 

First flight was from Komaki JASDF (Mitsubishi works) to Gifu JASDF (same fonction than Edwards AFB).

 

[Nesher]

no offense to any of our Japanese members, but it looks like a small and cheap knockoff of the F-22..  or is it just me? :P

[+WhiteBoySamurai]

Last Friday morning I had the day off and was just getting up when I heard F-15s and F-2s in the air near Komaki, which is only a few kilometers from where I live. That's a bit rare, since we mostly have C-130s here. I didn't know what their mission was until much later in the day when I heard the news. I just wish I could've gotten a photo; I might have been able to see it from my house.

 

no offense to any of our Japanese members, but it looks like a small and cheap knockoff of the F-22..  or is it just me? :P

 

Japan originally wanted the F-22, so naturally they would design an aircraft with similar layout to meet the same requirements. It's small because it's still in the "technology demonstrator" phase.

 

And also, unlike her neighbors, Japan doesn't do knock-offs. They're second only to the US in original patent applications. And even for existing tech, if something can be made lighter, more streamlined, more energy efficient, and easier to use, Japan will do it. I'm expecting the X-2 to follow that trend.

[+JediMaster]

And also, unlike her neighbors, Japan doesn't do knock-offs. They're second only to the US in original patent applications. And even for existing tech, if something can be made lighter, more streamlined, more energy efficient, and easier to use, Japan will do it. I'm expecting the X-2 to follow that trend.