The F-22 Raptor: Revolutionizing Air Superiority

F-22 Raptors flying in formation 



The F-22 Raptor is a fifth-generation, American stealth tactical fighter aircraft designed for air superiority but also capable of ground attack, electronic warfare, and signal intelligence missions. It is considered the first 5th-generation fighter in the U.S. Air Force inventory, unmatched by any other modern military aircraft due to its low observable technologies, modern avionics, and efficient engines .
 
Here's a detailed overview:
 
General Characteristics and Specifications
 
The F-22 Raptor is a single-seat, twin-engine, all-weather stealth tactical fighter aircraft .
 
- Crew: 1
- Length: 62 ft 1 in (18.92 m) 
- Wingspan: 44 ft 6 in (13.56 m) 
- Height: 16 ft 8 in (5.08 m) 
- Wing Area: 840 sq ft (78.04 m^2) 
- Empty Weight: 43,340 lb (19,700 kg) 
- Max Takeoff Weight: 83,500 lb (38,000 kg) 
- Powerplant: 2 × Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 augmented turbofans, 26,000 lbf (116 kN) thrust each dry, 35,000 lbf (156 kN) with afterburner 
 
Performance
 
The F-22's design allows it to project air dominance rapidly and at great distances, defeating threats attempting to deny access to the nation's air force, army, navy, and marine corps .
 
- Maximum Speed: Mach 2.25 (1,500 mph, 2,414 km/h) at altitude 
- Supercruise Speed: Mach 1.82 (1,220 mph, 1,963 km/h) at altitude 
- Range: 1,600 nmi (1,800 mi, 3,000 km) or more with 2 external fuel tanks 
- Combat Range: 460 nmi (530 mi, 850 km) clean with 100 nmi (115 mi, 185 km) in supercruise 
- Service Ceiling: 65,000 ft (20,000 m) 
 
Armament
 
The F-22 is equipped with a versatile array of weaponry for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions .
 
- Guns: 1 × 20 mm (0.787 in) M61A2 Vulcan rotary cannon, 480 rounds 
- Air-to-air Loadout: 6 × AIM-120 AMRAAM, 2 × AIM-9 Sidewinder 
- Air-to-ground Loadout: 2 × 1,000 lb (450 kg) JDAM or 8 × 250 lb (110 kg) GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs, 2 × AIM-120 AMRAAM, 2 × AIM-9 Sidewinder 
 
Stealth and Avionics
 
The F-22 incorporates advanced low-observable technologies, enhancing its survivability and lethality against both air and surface threats. Its integrated avionics and sensor fusion improve the pilot's situational awareness, enabling first-kill opportunities against threats .
 
- Radar: AN/APG-77 or AN/APG-77(V)1 radar with an estimated range of 125–150 miles (201–241 km) against 1 m2 (11 sq ft) targets, and 250 miles (400 km) in narrow beams 
- Radar Warning Receiver (RWR): AN/ALR-94 with a detection range of 250 nautical miles (460 km) or more 
 
Operational History and Upgrades
 
The F-22 Raptor entered operational service in 2005 and has participated in various missions, including striking Islamic State ground targets during Operation Inherent Resolve in 2014. In February 2023, it achieved its first air-to-air kill by downing a Chinese surveillance balloon off the coast of North Carolina .
 
In 2025, the F-22 Raptor completed an upgrade to become a sixth-generation fighter, featuring enhanced avionics, more powerful engines, and improved stealth capabilities .
 
Future Developments
 
While the F-22 remains a key platform in the U.S. Air Force's strategy, the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program is underway to develop a sixth-generation fighter to replace it. The White House is set to announce the contractor for this next-generation fighter jet, choosing between Lockheed Martin Corp. and Boeing Co. in March 2025 .


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