F-16 FSX/F-2 F-16 Inspired Japanese Fighter

F-16 FSX/F-2
F-16 Inspired Japanese Fighter

The origins of the FS - X can be traced back to the beginning of 1980, and a laboratory for advanced three-pile research techniques of the Japanese Research and Development Institute (TRDI) study was conducted to examine the options for the design of traditional, as well. long-term fluency to meet the specific needs of the Japanese self-Defense Force (JASDF).



 It is clear that the pursuit of the design of the Native Americans were completely unrealistic, and help to get foreign In October 1987, the Japanese government announced that it is possible to develop a derivative version of the F 16C FS - X, to replace the JASDF Mitsubishi F - 1 fighters support, which will be phased out of active service. In the second half of 1990.
The program was launched in November 1988, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Governments of Japan and the United States and marked the first participation in a program that was developed between Japan and the United States. Aircraft is to be used by the Japanese forces with air defense and development has been fully supported by Japan. The primary mission of the new aircraft that will be channeled to protect the sea, beach protection and intrusion prevention.
FS - X (Fighter Support Experimental) is being developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is the prime contractor with Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems, Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Fuji Heavy Industries as main contractor. The development has been split about 60/40 with a Japanese partner that is responsible for a large share.And aircraft structures.
FS - X is somewhat similar in appearance to the F - 16 However, structural modifications, including:.

    Japanese-designed co-cured composite wing of greater span (1.7M wide) and the chord root and a slightly less swept leading edge. Composite wing to add strength while reducing weight;
    Increase in the tailplane;
    Radome little and changed the face and body to go ahead. (Length can be increased by 0.5);
    Little change, leading - edge root extensions (LERX).

Model FS - X seen from below. The wings expand and tailplanes (JASDF photo).
Overall, FS - X is much larger than F - 16 resulting in a weight off of £ 49,000 compared to the F - 16C of £ 42,000, although both are driven by a 129kN same (£ 29,000) thrust. Push the General Electric F110 - 129 turbofan engines, and other structural changes FSX designing radar absorbing materials, including warranty repair (RAM) that is applied to the nose of the aircraft wing leading edges and engine inlet, the use of titanium. In addition, the tail and body of the brake parachute and two roof pieces. Supplemented with a large bird strike.
The primary difference is less clear, although the structure of the FS - X and F - 16 that are in use in Japan for much of the avionics system as well.

    New Mitsubishi Electric (Melco) into an array radar designed to contain 800 3W gallium arsenide - Send / receive modules;
    Yokogawa LCD multi-function display (MFD);
    Holographic display Shimadzu Head - Up Display (HUD);
    Mitsubishi Electric system integrated electronic warfare.
    Japan Aviation Electronics Laser inertial system - with four secondary navigation Gyros plain;
Japan has been forced to develop software fly - by - wire itself by rejecting the U.S. government to release the F 16s - the source code of computer software, FS - X is dependent on the control MHI configuration of the vehicle (CCV) research project to fly in early 1980, using the trainer Mitsubishi T - 2.