The Japanese Technology Research Development Institute (TRDI) is working on a series of modifications to its four XF-2A/B flight test prototypes, causing further delays to the flight test schedule. Work includes structural reinforcement to the aircraft's wing-tip for rolling pull-out manoeuvres and the reshaping and positioning of underwing missile pylons to overcome oscillation and internal vibration encountered during flight test.
Other reported problems are described as "routine" and more often service-related rather than developmental, including a generator failure due to oil flow and substandard wire soldering in the F-2's mid-fuselage section.
Modifications to the aircraft have caused a flight stand down. The TRDI had "-set a very ambitious flight test schedule", according to a programme official.
Testing has yet to explore the full flight envelope of the F-2, which until now has been limited to a maximum speed of Mach 1.6 and to manoeuvres of between plus 4/5g and minus 1g. High angle-of-attack testing has yet to start.
The TRDI had originally planned for a 900 sortie flight test programme by March 1999, but it reduced this number to nearer to 800 flights in an effort to remain on schedule. It has since reverted to the original number of sorties and extended the programme to December 1999.
Source: Flight International
