Nice find but its not an F-2A nor a production line airframe; its the F-2B ADTW ‘63-8102’
XF-2B full modern loadout
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XF-2B, this one has two seats and lacks ECM :P
Nice pic though
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Unknown radar on a XF-2A that was an improved version of J/APG-2 and was also equipped on the X-2/planned gen 5 fighter studies.
That ASM-2 with IRST is also interesting i think one was tested right?
https://twitter.com/naoki_o_0557/status/1057423733583802368
White ASM-2 modified and carrying IRST.
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Credit to @tanuki10 for the throttle pics below which confirms the G limit override
Spoiler
According to this book it can override up to 12Gs
There is also another button for the “DY mode” which is part of its unique Fly by wire system
Spoiler
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I really hope Gaijin doesn’t make us wait for the production F-2A as our first F-2.
Looking back on the old forums where Smin said the XF-2 “has not a lot of solid information”. Which is almost laughable considering they added the AJ and there was a lot of info on the old forums and here. Also, the AJ devblog only mentioning the F-2A makes me worry a bit.
I hope my worry is misplaced…
In either situation we’re waiting for ~13.0.
AESA radar strong, and it’s in the XF-2 as well.
Hopefully the ARH maturity gives us a better indication on where next gen technologies will show up in BRs.
The XF-2, to my knowledge, was initially planning to use the AN/APG-68 until the J/APG-1 was built. However, its iffy at best if the APG-68 was ever installed or just considered.
I don’t really see that as a huge issue though as Gaijin very frequently Frankensteins vehicles together and it seems the AESA is the biggest thing holding this back. I think I and many others would be fine with an XF-2 without the AESA if it meant getting it in game quicker. It could also easily be limited to 9Ls and 7Ms, making it essentially it a slower, more agile F-16C with 2 more missiles.
Obviously the APG-68 is better than what we have in game now, but it would still help get the XF-2 in game faster. Assuming Gaijin is even considering it which is also a bit questionable.
The J/APG-1 was tested on the C-1FTB in 1991, and I believe it was installed at the time of the XF-2 rollout in 1995.
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I believe you are correct, but I remember the old forums had a document showing that the AN/APG-68 was suggested/considered if the J/APG-1 wasn’t ready by the time the prototypes were ready.
I will keep searching for the document not that it will change much, I’m really just looking for anything that may bring the XF-2 to the game quicker.
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APG-68 is mentioned in this unclassified report of the first 1995 prototype
If or not J/APG-1 was ready by 1995 I can’t say but at least there is some basis to it.
Also interesting thing i found in the report
Seems like the development of J/APG-1 might of helped a bit or at least it was some extra research and data to help in the future APG-77 radar that would go on the F-22. APG-77 was first fully tested in 1997 so it kind of adds up. Interesting to see J/APG-1 might have ties to the F-22 in some way.
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Any info on HMD [Helmet Mounted Display/Sight]?
I’m not aware if the F-2 uses HMD. F-15J has it but i don’t think the F-2 has it.
From Lockheed Martin website:
In 2015, the F-2 became the eighth aircraft platform to be equipped with Lockheed Martin’s Sniper® Advanced Targeting Pod.
Article about the pod on their website:
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Found this video of the F-15J + F-2.
Nothing really informative about it, but its probably the highest quality video I’ve seen.
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So with the Block 50 coming, XF-2, even the F-2 is more of a possibility now right?
I’m hoping we’ll see something soon as the Block 50 looks to have a limited loadout compared to IRL, which is what we’d oringally proposed for XF-2… im a little out the loop on where we currently are with it
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