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Meet Japan’s 6th Gen Fighter jet and its mind blowing features

When the United States rejected the sale of F-22 aircraft, Japan began work on a new 6th-generation fighter jet.

Meet Japan's 6th Gen Fighter jet and its mind blowing features

Welcome back to jetline marvel for another thrilling episode. As we all know Building Fighter jets is a difficult task for any aerospace producer. since it necessitates a great deal of material and technological expertise. But what if Japan, the world’s leading innovator in technological fields, creates its own fighter jet and that too a sixth-generation?

When the United States rejected the sale of F-22 aircraft, Japan began work on a new 6th-generation fighter jet.

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We shall examine some of the fascinating details regarding this aircraft in this video..

1. The Japan FX scheme is pushed after the US rejected the F 22 for Japan.

The program began in 2009, but because the U.S. Congress forbade the export of the aircraft in order to protect its technological secrets, including its extensive use of stealth, Japan was forced to develop its own modern fighter that would be outfitted with stealth features and other cutting-edge systems.

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The Mitsubishi Heavy Industries-built X2 is the first experimental Stealth technology demonstration for the sixth generation of aircraft. The prototypes and stealth technology are learned using this aircraft.

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On April 22, 2016, the X-2 completed its first flight, taking off from Nagoya Airfield and landing at Gifu Air Field of the JASDF.

Meet Japan's 6th Gen Fighter jet and its mind blowing features

Courtesy: Mitsubishi

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2. It has Fly-by optics feature and 3D vectoring thrust control.

Three paddles are located on each engine nozzle of this aircraft, which has 3D thrust vectoring identical to the system used on the Rockwell X31. That enables fast maneuverability for aircraft and supports multiple flight trajectories.

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Additionally, the data is processed 100 times faster than with wires because of the demonstration of fly-by optics, a feature exclusive to this aircraft. It has benefited from immunity to electromagnetic interference.

Additionally, this aircraft has the ability to self-repair its flight controls, allowing it to autonomously detect faults or damage to its flight control surface. maintain, calibrate, and perform controlled flying.

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Meet Japan's 6th Gen Fighter jet and its mind blowing features

Courtesy : Mitsubishi

3. The electric actuator is taking the place of the hydraulic one.

The flaps and other oscillate devices of fighter jets are typically operated by hydraulic actuators, however, Japan is utilizing electric actuators for the FX program. The hydraulic actuator takes up more room and places more restrictions on designs, whereas the electric actuator can be fitted to the design. enabling greater freedom in the aircraft’s body design. Body weight reduction and increased aircraft mobility are other benefits. The control, power, and leg/brake systems of the fighter are all equipped with electronic actuators.

4. Adhesive bondings are replacing fasteners.

It is also claimed that a new fighter aircraft level is being developed. The adhesive moulding will be replaced with fewer fasteners on this aircraft. by using adhesive molding to bind composite materials together, fasteners can be eliminated. The “integrated/fasteners structure” technology is the name given to this process. Heat shield technology is positioned around the engines to enable the application of aluminum alloys and carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) to minimize weight in the vicinity.

5. This aircraft will have the radar of the F35 version.

The F-X uses sensors that are already built into the aircraft to better detect stealth aircraft. The sensors consist of an infrared camera, a passive radio frequency (RF) sensor, and an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.

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To defend against threats from aircraft, air-to-air missiles, and surface-to-air missiles, the F-X has an RF “self-defense” system. By being informed of the threat and instantaneously and worldwide sabotaging its radio waves, the system accomplishes both ESM and ECM. which sensor is most likely to be found in the wings and tail.

Meet Japan's 6th Gen Fighter jet and its mind blowing features

Courtesy : Mitsubishi

6. Its surface contains several unique coverings.

Most of the 5th gen fighter jets have a special coating on the surface since the FX also special coating. The stealth design will have serpentine air ducts and an internal weapons bay to reduce the amount of radar reflection. It also has a carbon-based material absorber which helps to reduce the detection range from radar threats by about half.  It also has the metamaterial also used to reflect radio waves.

7. This engine is more compact but still powerful when compared to the GE F110 engine.

Axial-flow afterburning turbofan with a 6-stage high-pressure compressor and a 3-stage fan, the XF9-1 has dual redundant dual spool construction. The official thrust level for the prototype engine is “11 tonnes” (107 kN) The development of future fighter engines aims at a maximum thrust of 20 tonnes (196 kN)

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The XF9 has a high combustion temperature of 1800 °C. It’s notable how little the XF9 is compared to how powerful it is. For instance, the General Electric F110 engine intake on the XF9 is 30% smaller than that on the F-2.

Meet Japan's 6th Gen Fighter jet and its mind blowing features

Courtesy: Mitsubishi

8. It’s claimed that the F-X is larger than the F-22.

The aircraft’s size suggests that the MoD wants it to have a very long range and a huge payload capacity. The Mitsubishi F-2 will be replaced by the next-generation F-3 or F-X, Japan’s first homegrown stealth fighter aircraft. It will be a twin-engine fighter with six internal weapons mountable. As The EuroAsian Times has stated, the fighter jet will complement the smaller F-35 aircraft. F-X, together with Chinese and Russian fighters, might be a generation ahead of those three. By 2035, it is anticipated to be fully functioning.

9. It will be equipped with contemporary armaments.

A microwave weapon will be mounted aboard the F-X to deflect approaching missiles. This aircraft has the ability to control drones and its drone system interfaces with that of the Boeing wingman drone system.

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This will be a breakthrough in operating a greater range when compared to deploying drones that can be launched from an aircraft’s weapons bay to reach and target the adversary at a great distance.

10. It is looking for a global partnership to cover research expenditure.

It estimated $48 billion cost of the program. Japan is considering working together with the US and the UK. It may give the UK greater significance than the US for a number of reasons. As of mid-April 2019, several sources claim that the United States was willing to allow Japan access to portions of the F-35’s software in exchange for collaboration on the construction of the F-X fighter. The particular partnership for Japan’s FX program is still to be chosen, though.

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A decision has not yet been made about Japan’s interest in helping India develop the AMCA fifth-generation fighter plane.

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He is an aviation journalist and the founder of Jetline Marvel. Dawal gained a comprehensive understanding of the commercial aviation industry.  He has worked in a range of roles for more than 9 years in the aviation and aerospace industry. He has written more than 1700 articles in the aerospace industry. When he was 19 years old, he received a national award for his general innovations and holds the patent. He completed two postgraduate degrees simultaneously, one in Aerospace and the other in Management. Additionally, he authored nearly six textbooks on aviation and aerospace tailored for students in various educational institutions. jetlinem4(at)gmail.com

Aviation

HAL’s Indigenous Tejas MK-1A completes its first maiden flight

The LCA Tejas Aircraft Crash: Understanding the Reasons - Air Marshal GS Bedi's Perspective

The inaugural flight of the first production series fighter of LCA Tejas Mark-1A, an advanced iteration of the LCA Mk-1 recently inducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF), completed its maiden flight in Bengaluru Today.

Over the past several days, the Defence PSU HAL has been conducting various taxi trials in preparation for this milestone.

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The maiden flight lasted 18 minutes and marked a triumph for the project. The Mk-1A boasts several enhancements, including digital radar warning receivers, an advanced AESA radar, improved beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missiles, and external self-protection jammer pods.

The upgraded Tejas Mark 1A aircraft features a larger cockpit canopy, enhancing the pilot’s outside visibility and facilitating better movement of their helmet. Additionally, the air intake has been redesigned to supply faster airflow to the engine, enhancing performance. Modifications to the vertical radar in the tail section have been made to improve control during turns. Overall, these upgrades elevate the aircraft’s standards compared to previous versions, providing increased comfort and functionality.

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Under a contract worth Rs 46,898 crore signed in 2021, HAL is mandated to deliver 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets between March 2024 and February 2028. This follows the completion of the order for 40 Tejas Mk1 jets valued at Rs 8,802 crore, of which 32 single-seat fighters and two twin-seat trainers have already been delivered.

The IAF, which currently operates two Tejas squadrons named ‘Flying Daggers’ and ‘Flying Bullets’, has deployed one squadron in the southwestern sector. Recognizing the significance of the Tejas in bolstering its fleet, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the acquisition of an additional 97 Tejas Mk-1A aircraft. However, the final clearance from the cabinet committee on security (CCS) is pending before the order can be placed.

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With the IAF grappling with a decline in the number of its fighter squadrons, which currently stands at 31 against the required 42 to effectively counter threats from China and Pakistan, the Tejas assumes a crucial role in filling this gap. Despite initial skepticism, the Tejas has evolved into a flagship platform for India, garnering attention and accolades at numerous defense and aerospace exhibitions worldwide.

However, it is essential to note that the IAF recently experienced its first loss of a Tejas Mk 1 fighter aircraft due to an air crash on March 12.

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Aerospace

South Korean KF-21 Completed First Successful Aerial Refueling

South Korean KF-21 Completed First Successful Aerial Refueling

The first aerial refuelling test of South Korea’s indigenous KF-21 Boramae fighter jet was successfully completed, marking a key milestone in the country’s defense capabilities.

Refueling from a Republic of Korea (ROK) Air Force KC-330 aircraft off the southern coast, the Boramae fighter jet took off from Sacheon Airbase, some 183 miles southeast of Seoul. The Defence Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA) hailed this development, which represents a significant advancement for this state-of-the-art aircraft.

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The successful aerial refueling test corresponds with a staged production plan intended to ease worries brought forward by the feasibility assessment carried out a year ago. The research recommended cutting production to just 20 units and made additional test suggestions. A DAPA official continues to state that after discussions with pertinent agencies, plans are in place to conclude verification testing by June of this year and complete a contract for the remaining 20 units by February of the following year.

The kf 21, which has been compared to the Turkish KAAN and the Indian AMCA, has a more stealthy airframe than fourth-generation aircraft, but it is not yet capable of fifth-generation fighter capabilities. However, in the future, modifications such as internal weapons bays might force South Korea to reclassify it as a fifth-generation fighter. Even while South Korea has made significant strides towards constructing the KF-21, other countries, including Turkey and India, are also stepping up their efforts to push plans for creating fifth-generation fighter jets.

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As an initial phase, KAI boramae intends to manufacture a two-seat variant of the kai kf 21 boramae equipped with manned/unmanned teaming (MUM-T) capabilities. According to current plans, the Block 2 kf 21 fighter is slated for an upgrade to a low observability (LO) configuration, elevating it to the status of a fifth-generation fighter.

Additionally, KAI has put forward a proposal for the development of a Block 3 kf 21 boramae fighter jet, categorized as a sixth-generation fighter. This iteration would be larger, boasting enhanced stealth features and capabilities. It would incorporate more potent engines and operate within a comprehensive ‘system of systems’ framework, integrating with unmanned effectors for increased effectiveness.

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With the KF-21’s production set to start later in the year, DAPA intends to finalise an agreement with KAI by the beginning of 2024. The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) is expected to receive 120 KF-21 fighters by 2032.

The whole production plan for 40 kf21s has been approved by the Defence Project Promotion Committee, with an estimated cost of 7.92 trillion won (US$5.9 billion) between now and 2028.

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Aviation

Laser Attack on Aircraft after flying over at Mexico Fireworks Festival

Laser Attack on Aircraft after flying over at Mexico Fireworks Festival

In a shocking turn of events, a passenger jet was nearly blinded by the intense beams of hundreds of laser pointers wielded by festival-goers at a pyrotechnics festival in Tultepec, Mexico.

The harrowing incident unfolded last weekend during the National Pyrotechnic Festival, an annual celebration showcasing Mexico’s rich tradition in fireworks production and usage.

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Video footage captured the moment when a passenger jet, en route to Felipe Ángeles International Airport, soared above the festival grounds. As the aircraft approached, the sky became illuminated with a multitude of green laser beams, creating an eerie glow around the plane.

https://twitter.com/fl360aero/status/1770277290695385593

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The sight was both astonishing and terrifying, as the lasers posed a serious risk to the safety of the aircraft and its passengers. Social media erupted with condemnation towards the festival-goers, labeling their actions as idiotic and dangerous.

Social media erupted with condemnation as the video spread rapidly, with users expressing outrage at the dangerous behavior of the festival attendees. Many denounced the act as foolish and illegal, highlighting the potential consequences of such reckless actions.

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It is currently unclear if the police are investigating the video or if the airline targeted has complained to air safety officials.

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Airlines

Indigo contributed 31 crores to India’s political party for election funds

Indigo contributed 31 crores to India's political party for election funds

In a recent disclosure, it has come to light that Rahul Bhatia, the promoter of IndiGo, along with companies under his InterGlobe Group, has made significant donations totaling Rs 56 crore to four political parties. Additionally, SpiceJet, led by Ajay Singh, has contributed Rs 70 lakh to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

The data further reveals that InterGlobe Air Transport Ltd, a part of the InterGlobe Group, purchased 11 electoral bonds valued at Rs 1 crore each on May 10, 2019, amounting to a total of Rs 11 crore. Similarly, Interglobe Aviation, the parent company of IndiGo, acquired 5 electoral bonds worth Rs 1 crore each on October 23, 2023, totaling Rs 5 crore.

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InterGlobe Real Estate Venture and InterGlobe Air Transport Ltd directed the lion’s share of their political contributions, totaling Rs 31 crore, to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Surprisingly, the second-largest recipient was the Trinamool Congress (TMC), receiving Rs 16.2 crore from Bhatia. Additionally, InterGlobe Aviation Ltd allocated Rs 5 crore to the Congress party, while Bhatia contributed Rs 3.8 crore to its ally, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

Rahul Bhatia, individually, also made substantial contributions through electoral bonds, purchasing bonds worth Rs 20 crore. On April 7, 2021, a total of 29 electoral bonds were acquired, with 19 bonds valued at Rs 1 crore each and 10 bonds at Rs 10 lakh each, summing up to Rs 20 crore. When combined with the donations from IndiGo and its affiliated companies, the total contributions from the promoter and associated entities reach Rs 56 crore.

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On the other hand, SpiceJet, once a prominent player in the Indian aviation industry, has seen a decline in its market position, currently ranking fifth in terms of market share. Despite this, the airline has engaged in political contributions, with donations made in three separate installments.

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