Article Posted on : - Apr 25, 2016

The X-2 stealth fighter during its maiden flight. Photo: MHI/ Japan Air Self-Defence Force

TOKYO (BNS): Japan has become the fourth country in the world to successfully test fly an indigenously developed new stealth fighter jet named "X-2" last week.

The advanced fighter jet, developed by the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), completed its maiden flight test on April 21.

The aircraft took off from the Nagoya Airport and went through a series of trials to confirm basic manoeuvres including climbing, descent and circling operations. It then landed at the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Gifu Air Base, MHI said in a statement.

After completing the maiden flight, the MHI pilot 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 Defence'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 manoeuvrability. The prototype integrates an airframe, engines, and other advanced systems and equipment all adaptable to future fighters.

The MHI has been developing the twin-engine jet in partnership with 200 other domestic companies since 2009.

At present, only the USA, China and Russia are known to have successfully developed and tested stealth fighter jets.