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Images of the F-22 Raptor

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Proposed and Cancelled Variations of the F-22

F-22B

F-22C (NATF-22)

F-22B

 Canceled two-seat trainer variant of the F-22, meant to provide additional cockpit space for training pilots. Development was terminated due to the high cost of the program and the fact that the F-35 was already planned to serve as a multi-role aircraft with similar training capabilities. 

FB-22

F-22C (NATF-22)

F-22B

 Proposed as a stealth bomber variant based on the F-22. It was designed to provide both air superiority and ground attack capabilities, integrating the advanced avionics and stealth features of the F-22 with a larger payload for precision strike missions. The FB-22 was eventually rejected in favor of the B-2 Spirit and F-35 for long-range strike capabilities. 

F-22C (NATF-22)

F-22C (NATF-22)

F-22C (NATF-22)

 Proposed as a carrier-based variant of the F-22, intended to be used by the U.S. Navy for air superiority in carrier operations. Due to the cost of modifications and the introduction of the F-35C, the program was scrapped. 

F-22 Raptor EX

F-22C (NATF-22)

F-22C (NATF-22)

 Proposed as an upgraded version of the F-22A with improvements in avionics, radar systems, and engine performance to keep it relevant through the years. This variant was ultimately abandoned as the F-35 emerged as the preferred choice for future air superiority and multi-role operations. 

F-22A Raptor

Design & Features

Performance & Operations

History & Development

 

  • Stealth Technology: Designed with advanced stealth characteristics to evade radar detection, featuring a supercruise engine for sustained supersonic flight without afterburners.
  • Advanced Aerodynamics: Highly maneuverable with an integrated avionics suite for superior flight control.
  • Fly-by-Wire Control System: Digital fly-by-wire system allows precise handling and ensures the aircraft remains stable at high speeds and in extreme conditions.
  • Cockpit and Displays: Glass cockpit with multifunction displays, helmet-mounted display system (HMDS), and a heads-up display (HUD) for situational awareness.
  • Powerful Engine: Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 turbofan engines provide thrust, capable of supercruise speeds (sustained Mach 1.8 without afterburners).
  • Integrated Avionics: AN/APG-77 AESA radar, electronic warfare (EW) systems, and infrared targeting systems to detect, track, and engage multiple targets at long ranges.
  • Weapons Systems: Internal weapons bays for AIM-120 AMRAAMs, AIM-9 Sidewinders, and GBU bombs, allowing the F-22 to maintain stealth during combat.

History & Development

Performance & Operations

History & Development

 

  • Origins: Development began in the 1980s under the Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) program to replace the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon.
  • First Flight: The YF-22 prototype first flew in 1990.
  • Awarded to Lockheed Martin: The YF-22 was selected over the YF-23 in 1991, leading to the development of the F-22 Raptor.
  • Production and Service: The first production model, the F-22A, was delivered to the U.S. Air Force in 2005, marking the start of active service.
  • Program Cancellations: The production of the F-22 was capped at 187 units due to budget constraints and the shift to other priorities like the F-35.
  • Service: The F-22A continues to serve as the U.S. Air Force's primary air superiority fighter, with a focus on air dominance and stealth.


Performance & Operations

Performance & Operations

Performance & Operations

 

  • Speed: Maximum speed of Mach 2.25, with the ability to cruise at supersonic speeds without using afterburners (supercruise).
  • Range: Combat radius of 460 nautical miles, with a ferry range of 1,839 nautical miles (depending on payload and mission profile).
  • Payload: Capable of carrying up to 2,000 pounds of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions in its internal weapons bays.
  • Maneuverability: Highly maneuverable, capable of high-angle-of-attack flight with the aid of thrust vectoring nozzles.
  • Advanced Radar: AN/APG-77 AESA radar provides long-range detection and tracking of multiple targets simultaneously, with low probability of interception.
  • Combat Operations: Primarily used for air superiority missions, but also capable of precision strike and intelligence gathering.
  • Operational Use: The F-22 has been deployed in numerous global operations, including in the Middle East and Asia-Pacific, offering first-day-of-war air dominance.

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