Breaking news
Japan plans to start domestic fighter jet project in 2015.
| 2014
| a | |||
| |
|||
World
Aviation Defense and Security News - Japan |
|||
| Japan plans to start domestic fighter jet project in 2015 | |||
The
Japanese government is planning to develop an entirely domestic fighter
jet for the first time since the end of World War II. It will work with
major defense contractors such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and IHI
on the project, which is a milestone in Japan's defense procurement policy.
|
|||
 The aircraft shown here will test new engine developed for future Japan-made fighter jet |
|||
The
project will start in earnest in fiscal 2015, with work on a prototype
engine and assessments of the aircraft's stealth capabilities.
The first big step in the project will take place in January, when an aircraft mounted with a test engine is scheduled to fly for the first time. The engine was developed jointly by the Ministry of Defense and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and will serve as the basis for the fighter's prototype engine. The goal is to develop a light and powerful engine by combining components that have been developed separately, including a high-pressure turbine and a fuel system. IHI, which is helping
to develop the engine, is using ceramic composites for the turbine in
an industry first. The composite is lighter than the nickel alloy traditionally
used in turbines and can withstand temperatures up to 1,400 C. The manufacturer
hopes to use the material for engines on passenger jets in the future. |
|||