The Advanced Technology Demonstrator-X (ATD-X), the new technology demonstrator used to develop the next fifth-generation F-3 fighter, will fly in a few hours. The name chosen for the technology demonstrator is "Shinshin", Spirit of the Heart. The Japanese Ministry of Defense plans to start series production of the F-3 program in 2027.
The latter date, however, may not be respected considering the delays accumulated to date with the ATD-X prototype. It should be noted that the F-3 program was born in response to the United States' refusal to sell the F-22 Raptor technology to Japan. The official refusal by the American Congress dates back to 2007. In this period of time, Tokyo has "fallen back" on the Joint Strike Fighter with the acquisition, made official in 2011, of 42 F-35As. The Japanese F-35s have been defined as a "temporary solution" pending the production of the country's first fifth-generation indigenous fighter. The technology demonstrator will have to demonstrate the effectiveness of the Japanese technologies developed for the future fifth generation series fighter.
Some of the technologies developed by the Technical Research and Development Institute concern the three-dimensional vector thrust, for a system similar to that used on the Rockwell X-31. These mobile surfaces have already been shown to invalidate the low observability profile of the prototype. Among the features implemented is a "fly-by-optics" flight control system, immune to electromagnetic countermeasures and which allows higher transmission speed. In addition to electronic scanning radar and ECM and ESM capabilities, the Shinshin possesses "self-healing capability".
According to the Technical Research and Development Institute, "the prototype automatically detects failures or damage on control surfaces and calibrates working surfaces to maintain controlled flight."
(Photo: 防衛 省)
