Intro
Explore the cutting-edge F-22 Raptor fighter jet through stunning pictures and an in-depth overview. Discover the advanced features, capabilities, and specs of the worlds most sophisticated stealth fighter, from its fifth-generation design to its exceptional maneuverability and combat performance.
The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor is a fifth-generation, single-seat, twin-engine supermaneuverable fighter aircraft that uses stealth technology. The F-22 is the United States Air Force's primary air superiority fighter and has been in service since 2005.
The F-22's advanced aerodynamics, avionics, and stealth capabilities make it a highly effective and survivable aircraft in combat situations. The F-22 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 engines, which produce a combined 35,000 pounds of thrust, allowing the aircraft to achieve speeds over Mach 2.25 (around 1,800 mph).
The F-22's design features a number of innovations, including its canted vertical stabilizers, horizontal stabilizers, and a unique curved surface design. These features, combined with advanced materials and coatings, help to reduce the aircraft's radar cross-section, making it difficult to detect by enemy radar systems.
History and Development
The F-22 program was initiated in the 1980s, with the goal of creating a next-generation air superiority fighter that could replace the F-15 Eagle. The program was originally known as the Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) and involved a number of major contractors, including Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman.
The F-22 first flew in 1990, and the program underwent a number of significant changes and delays over the next decade. The aircraft was eventually declared operational in 2005, and has since been deployed by the US Air Force in a number of roles, including air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance.
Capabilities and Features
The F-22 is an extremely capable and versatile aircraft, with a number of advanced features and systems. Some of its key capabilities and features include:
- Advanced avionics and sensors, including the AN/APG-77 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar system
- Highly maneuverable and supercruise-capable design
- Integrated electronic warfare (EW) and communications systems
- Advanced stealth capabilities, including radar-absorbing materials and coatings
- Internal bays for carrying air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions
The F-22 is also highly integrated with other US military systems, including the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and the E-8C Joint STARS command and control aircraft.
Operators and Deployments
The F-22 is operated by the United States Air Force, with a total of around 180 aircraft in service. The F-22 has been deployed by the US Air Force in a number of roles and locations, including:
- Air superiority and ground attack missions in Iraq and Syria
- Exercises and training deployments in the Asia-Pacific region
- Air policing and security missions in Eastern Europe
Specifications
- Length: 62 feet 1 inch (18.9 meters)
- Wingspan: 44 feet 6 inches (13.6 meters)
- Height: 16 feet 8 inches (5.1 meters)
- Empty weight: around 43,000 pounds (19,500 kilograms)
- Maximum takeoff weight: around 80,000 pounds (36,300 kilograms)
- Engines: 2 x Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100
- Thrust: 35,000 pounds (15,876 kilograms)
- Speed: over Mach 2.25 (around 1,800 mph)
Gallery of F-22 Raptor Fighter Jet Pictures
F-22 Raptor Fighter Jet Image Gallery
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the F-22 Raptor fighter jet. The F-22 is an extremely advanced and capable aircraft, with a number of innovative features and systems. Its combination of stealth, maneuverability, and advanced avionics make it a highly effective and survivable aircraft in combat situations.