The Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) was a program undertaken by the United States Air Force to develop a next-generation air superiority fighter to replace the F-15 Eagle. The proposed fighter was intended to counter emerging worldwide threats in the 1980s, including Soviet Sukhoi Su-27 and Mikoyan MiG-29 fighters under development, Beriev A-50 airborne warning and control systems (AWACS), and increasingly sophisticated surface-to-air missile systems.


Lockheed Martin ATF Proposal Model 090P (October 1985 / February 1986)





ATF Evolution

Lockheed Martin ATF Proposal Model Configuration 1092A, 1092A2, 1092A3 (May 1987)

Naval Version : NATF-23 Sea Widow

The Japanese Version Of F-22A Raptor


The Mitsubishi 26DMU is a concept for Japan's next-generation stealth fighter, developed as part of the F-3 project and considered an "unfinished prototype". It was designed to be a single-engine, twin-tail, conventional-configuration aircraft with advanced stealth features like radar-absorbent material (RAM) and an IRST (Infrared Search and Tracking) system. The project also included the development of the IHI XF9 turbofan engine, which was built and tested, and features like internal weapons bays.


Key features of the 26DMU concept

Stealth: Incorporates RAM and a plasma radio wave antenna system to reduce its radar cross-section (RCS).

Engine: A key component of the project was the IHI XF9 engine, a high-thrust afterburning turbofan with 3D Thrust Vectoring Control (TVC).

Avionics: Planned to include an advanced radar with a large detection area, up to four target engagement, two IRST devices, and sensor fusion.

Armament: Designed with four internal weapons bays for both mid-range and short-range missiles, along with an internal cannon.

Prototype status: While not a complete, flying aircraft, various components for the 26DMU, such as the engine, weapons bays, and fuselage parts, were built and tested as part of the overall F-3 project.

Lockheed Martin ATF Proposal Model 090P (October 1985 / February 1986) - Influence In Design For 2025 Generation 5 Jet Fighter