TOKYO, Japan, Apr 22, 2016 - ( JCN Newswire ) - On April 22 / Today Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) successfully completed the maiden flight of the "X-2," an advanced technology demonstrator jet.
The aircraft took off from Nagoya Airport and went through a series of trials to confirm basic maneuvers including climbing, descent and circling operations. It then landed at the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Gifu Air Base. After completing the maiden flight, the pilot, from MHI, described the flight experience as "extremely stable." "Control of the aircraft went exactly as in our simulated training sessions," he said, "and after piloting the aircraft I'm 100% positive the X-2 is magnificent and will meet the Ministry of Defense's requirements." The X-2 is a prototype stealth aircraft - the first in Japan to feature technology impeding its detection by radar - engineered for extremely high maneuverability. The prototype integrates an airframe, engines, and other advanced systems and equipment all adaptable to future fighters.
As the coordinating company of the X-2 development project, MHI has been developing the aircraft's airframe since 2009 with cooperation provided by 220 domestic companies and guidance from Japan's Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA). In this way, world-class cutting-edge technologies developed in Japan are featured throughout the prototype unit.
Going forward MHI will continue to develop, manufacture and support the operation of defense aircraft incorporating the world's leading technologies, thereby contributing to Japan's national security.
About Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group (TSE: 7011; US: MHVYF) is one of the world's leading industrial firms. For more than 130 years, we have channeled big thinking into solutions that move the world forward - advancing the lives of everyone who shares our planet. We deliver innovative and integrated solutions across a wide range of industries, covering land, sea, sky and even space. MHI Group employs 80,000 people across 400 locations, operating in three business domains: "Power Systems," "Industry & Infrastructure," "Aircraft, Defense & Space." We have a consolidated revenue of around 40 billion USD. We aim to contribute to environmental sustainability while achieving global growth, using our leading-edge technologies. By bringing people and ideas together as one, we continue to pave the way to a future of shared success.
For more information, please visit MHI's website: https://www.mhi.com
For Technology, Trends and Tangents, visit MHI's new online media SPECTRA: https://spectra.mhi.com
Contact:
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Hideo Ikuno
h.ikuno@daiya-pr.co.jp
+81-3-6716-5277
Source: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (XTKS: 7011) (OOTC: MHVYF) (XFRA: MIH)
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