Japanese domestic fighter jets fly alongside F-16 fighters

The Japanese-made Mitsubishi X-2 stealth fighter flew a test flight with an F-16 fighter jet to test its aerodynamic features.

Illustration photo.

A video posted online on November 29 shows the Mitsubishi X-2 "Shinshin" stealth fighter being tested in the skies above Japan, accompanied by an F-16 fighter jet that escorted and filmed it. This is the third test flight of the Mitsubishi X-2, which took place on November 16, according to Livejournal.

The Mitsubishi X-2 is an aircraft designed by the Defense Research and Development Institute (TRDI) of the Japanese Ministry of Defense to test stealth technology for fighters. The main contractor for the project is Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Formerly known as ATD-X (Advanced Technology Demonstrator – X), this is considered Japan's first domestically produced stealth fighter.

The main objective of the X-2 is to examine the feasibility of Japan building its own 5th generation fighter. The aircraft is equipped with 3D vector thrust engines. The exhaust flow is controlled by three blades at the rear of the engine, similar to the American Rockwell X-31 aircraft.

The X-2 version is equipped with a fly-by-optics control system, replacing the fly-by-wire cable on traditional aircraft. This system helps control data to be transmitted faster, and is also resistant to electromagnetic pulse (EMP) weapons.

Another unique feature of the X-2 is its self-healing flight control system. The aircraft can automatically detect damage to the rudder or engine, and the computer will then recalibrate the remaining components, ensuring the pilot can fly the aircraft normally.

According to VNE