F-22 Raptor: America’s Stealth Air Superiority Fighter
The F-22 Raptor is a fifth-generation stealth fighter designed to secure U.S. air superiority far into the 21st century. Developed under the Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) program, the F-22 emerged as the most advanced fighter jet of its time—blending stealth, speed, agility, and lethal capabilities into a single dominant platform. Built by Lockheed Martin, in collaboration with Boeing and General Dynamics, the Raptor remains a cornerstone of the U.S. Air Force's tactical airpower strategy.
F-22 Raptor Specifications
General Information
| Country of Origin | United States |
|---|---|
| Entered Service | 2003 |
| Crew | 1 men |
Dimensions and Weight
| Length | 18.92 m |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 13.56 m |
| Height | 5 m |
| Weight (Empty) | 14.36 t |
| Weight (Max Takeoff) | 27.21 t |
Engines and Performance
| Engines | 2 × Pratt & Whitney F119-P-100 turbofans |
|---|---|
| Traction (Dry / Afterburning) | 2 × ? / 155.69 kN |
| Maximum Speed | > 2,500 km/h |
| Range (With 2 External Tanks) | 2,950 km |
| Combat Radius | 760 km |
| Ferry Range | 3,200 km |
Armament
| Cannon | 1 × M61A2 20 mm cannon |
|---|---|
| Missiles | 4 × AIM-120C AMRAAMs, 4 × AIM-9M/X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, AGM-88 HARM |
| Bombs | GBU-32 Joint Direct Attack Munition, GBU-22 Paveway III laser-guided bombs |
Background: Origins of the F-22 Program
In the early 1980s, the U.S. Air Force (USAF) initiated the ATF program to replace the aging F-15 Eagle. The new fighter was expected to meet stringent criteria for stealth, maneuverability, and integrated avionics to ensure dominance against evolving global threats.
Two defense giants entered the competition:
- Lockheed Martin (partnered with Boeing and General Dynamics) introduced the YF-22.
- Northrop (working with McDonnell Douglas) presented the YF-23.
Although the YF-23 had superior stealth and speed, the YF-22 outperformed it in agility and maneuverability—key factors for dogfighting and close aerial combat. In 1991, the YF-22 was declared the winner, paving the way for the F-22 Raptor.
Development and Production Challenges
The Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) contract was issued in August 1991, initially calling for 11 F-22s, later reduced to 9 due to budget constraints. Two of these were intended as F-22B two-seaters, but the USAF cancelled the two-seat variant in 1996 to cut costs.
The first EMD F-22A made its maiden flight in 1997, showcasing remarkable performance. By 2001, flight evaluations confirmed its unmatched agility, stealth, and avionics. Yet, rising costs triggered scrutiny from Congress, delaying full-rate production.
Ultimately, the USAF capped the program at 186 operational F-22 Raptors. Production ceased in 2011, and the final aircraft was delivered in 2012. Importantly, the F-22 was never exported—not even to close U.S. allies—due to strict U.S. federal laws protecting its advanced technologies.
Stealth-Centric Design Features
The F-22’s configuration emphasizes Very Low Observable (VLO) stealth characteristics. Key design elements include:
- Trapezoidal wings with aligned surface angles to minimize radar reflections.
- Canted vertical stabilizers that deflect radar waves.
- Internal weapons bays to reduce radar signature.
With a radar cross-section (RCS) of just 0.0001 m², the F-22 is nearly invisible to enemy radar—comparable to the F-117 Nighthawk and B-2 Spirit, but with vastly improved aerodynamics and computing power. This gives the Raptor unmatched survivability in hostile environments.
Avionics and Sensor Fusion Technology
At the core of the F-22's combat capability lies the AN/APG-77 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, capable of operating in both passive and active modes for situational flexibility. The radar is supported by:
- A side-mounted phased array radar.
- A highly integrated avionics suite.
- Inertial navigation with embedded GPS for pinpoint accuracy.
- Advanced electronic warfare (EW) and countermeasure systems.
Two onboard mission computers dynamically switch between sensor modes and fuse data using AI-based algorithms, providing only mission-critical information to the pilot. This not only lowers pilot workload but also enhances tactical awareness.
Additionally, the secure datalink allows F-22s to share real-time battlefield information with other Raptors, enabling coordinated strikes and superior air combat tactics.
Propulsion and Supercruise Capability
Powering the Raptor are two Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 turbofan engines, which:
- Deliver supercruise—sustained supersonic flight without afterburners.
- Feature thrust-vectoring nozzles for extreme agility.
- Work in tandem with a triplex fly-by-wire flight control system for unmatched maneuverability.
This advanced propulsion system allows the F-22 to outmaneuver virtually any adversary and evade surface-to-air threats more effectively than conventional jets.
Evolution from Air Superiority to Multirole Capabilities
Originally conceived as a pure air superiority fighter, the F-22 later evolved into a multirole platform. Although peer-level threats have been limited since its debut, the USAF adapted the Raptor to include:
- Precision ground-attack capabilities.
- Integration of Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs).
- Enhanced surveillance and intelligence-gathering roles.
This transformation ensures the F-22 remains relevant even as global air threats evolve.
Variants and Experimental Concepts
X-44 MANTA (Multi-Axis No-Tail Aircraft)
Developed in partnership with NASA, the X-44 MANTA was a tailless concept derived from the F-22 platform. It featured a delta-wing configuration with no vertical surfaces, relying entirely on 3D thrust vectoring for control. Though innovative, the program was shelved in 2000 due to funding cuts.
FB-22 Strike Raptor
The FB-22 was envisioned as a stealth bomber variant with extended range, increased payload, and two-seat configuration. Its mission: to replace older platforms like the F-117 Nighthawk and F-111 Aardvark for deep-strike operations.
While it promised significant ground-attack potential, the concept was abandoned in 2006, primarily because the production of F-22s was drawing to a close. The FB-22 never made it past the proposal stage.
Conclusion: The Legacy of the F-22 Raptor
The F-22 Raptor remains a symbol of aerial dominance, technological innovation, and military deterrence. Though its production run ended in 2011, the aircraft continues to serve as the premier air superiority fighter in the USAF inventory.
Its stealth, supercruise, advanced avionics, and agility make it a peerless adversary even in today’s complex airspace. The fact that it was never exported reflects its strategic value and the sensitivity of its cutting-edge technology.
As the Air Force looks toward sixth-generation fighters, the F-22’s legacy as a game-changing aircraft is firmly cemented in aviation history.
Frequently Asked Questions about the F-22 Raptor
Why was the F-22 Raptor not exported to allied nations?
Due to U.S. federal law, the Raptor’s stealth technology and avionics remain highly classified, preventing foreign sales—even to NATO allies.
What is the radar cross-section of the F-22?
It has a radar cross-section of approximately 0.0001 m², making it one of the stealthiest aircraft ever built.
How many F-22 Raptors are currently operational?
As of 2025, the USAF operates 186 operational F-22 fighters.
Can the F-22 engage in ground attack missions?
Yes. Although originally an air superiority fighter, the F-22 has been upgraded with ground strike capabilities, including JDAM integration.
What is supercruise, and can the F-22 do it?
Supercruise is sustained supersonic flight without afterburners. The F-22 can supercruise at Mach 1.5 for extended durations.
What replaced the F-22 Raptor?
There is no direct replacement yet, but the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program is expected to succeed the F-22 in the 2030s.
What makes the F-22 more advanced than the F-15?
The F-22 offers stealth capabilities, supercruise, 3D thrust vectoring, and sensor fusion—features absent in legacy platforms like the F-15.
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