[First_Salute]

The Japanese vehicle appears very similar to this DAST vehicle:

DAST configurations:

1977 DAST flight tests; launch platform B-52:

The Japanese have been pursuing engine improvement for some time:

Inception of the Jet Engine Ground Test at the Refurbished Test Facility - Achievement of the Rated Thrust -

[First_Salute]

Bump.

[First_Salute]

Correction: 1979 [not 1977] DAST flight test photo.

[snopercod]

Good find. Notice that the air-inlet of the Japanese version has been removed, and is covered with plastic. Or perhaps the entire engine just bolts on the bottom of the airframe.

I guess they may have invented something new down there.