As always expect the unexpected from Anigrand and this month they have released a couple of corkers: the 1/72 stealth demonstrator the Mitsubishi ATD-X Shinshin and the laser firing Boeing YAL-1A in 1/144 scale.

1/72 Mitsubishi ATD-X Shinshin Japan stealth fighter demonstrator.
At the beginning of the 21st century, JASDF seeking to replace its aging fleet of fighter aircraft, began making overtures to the United States on the topic of purchasing several F-22 Raptors for their own forces. However the U.S. Congress had banned the exporting of the aircraft in order to safeguard secrets of the aircraft's technology such as its extensive use of stealth; this rejection necessitated Japan to develop its own modern fighter, to be equipped with stealth features and other advanced systems. The Japanese Ministry of Defence Technical Research and Development Institute (TRDI) launched the "Advanced Technology Demonstrator – X" (ATD-X) program. Mitsubishi was contracted to develop a research prototype that uses advanced stealth technology. A mock-up of the ATD-X was constructed and used to study the radar cross section in 2005. A radio-controlled 1/5 scale model made its first flight in 2006 to gain data on performance at high angles of attack and to test new sensory equipment and self-repairing flight control systems. Following these tests, the decision was taken in 2007 to go ahead with the project; The ATD-X is scheduled to first flight in 2016.

Type: technology demonstrator
Purpose: To determine whether domestic advanced technologies for a fifth generation fighter aircraft are viable
Span: 9.10m.
Length: 14.17m.
Height: 4.15m.
Engine: 2x Ishikawajima XF5-1 turbofan engine
Max.speed: Mach 2.5 (estimated)
Crew: 1
Armament: none on prototype

Contents: 26 resin parts + Clear-resin canopy, decal
Model dimensions: Span 126 mm X Length 196 mm
Ref no: AA-2101
Unit price: US$78

1/144 Boeing YAL-1A The Airborne Laser Test Bed
In 1996, the US Air Force launched the Airborne Laser program for the destruction of tactical theatre ballistic missiles. The Department of Defence awarded Boeing for the program management, systems integration, battle management system and modification of the 747-400F aircraft. Northrop Grumman responded to the laser systems. The aircraft was designated YAL-1A. Modification of the aircraft, involving installation of the turret in the aircraft's nose and modifications to accept the laser, optics and computer hardware, was completed in 2002. The YAL-1A took the first of a series of test flights in the same year. In 2004, the laser beam was successfully fired for the first time. For the following two years, the laser program was relegated to a technology demonstration status while a planned five-aircraft purchase by the Air Force was put on hold. A high-energy laser was used to intercept a test target in January 2010, and the following month, successfully destroyed two test missiles. Funding for the program was cut in 2010, making the US Air Force to stop raising funds for the laser. The program was finally cancelled in December 2011.

Type: Airborne Laser Test Bed
Purpose: Designed to detect and destroy ballistic missiles in the powered boost phase of flight immediately after missile launch
Span: 211ft.5in.
Length: 231ft.10in.
Height: 63ft.8in.
Engine: 4x GE CF6-80C2B5F turbofan engine
Max.speed: 614 mph
Crew: 12
Armament: Beacon illuminating laser turret
The Boeing YAL-1A package contains secret kits of three 1/144 U.S. aircraft as a bonus.

Contents: 134 resin parts + Clear resin canopies, decal
Model dimensions: Span 448 mm X Length 491 mm
Ref no: AA-4079
Unit price: US$118

For more information on the product above, please visit Anigrand.

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