F-22 Raptor
The F-22 is a single-seat, twin engine, fifth-generation supermaneuverable fighter jet that uses stealth technology. With its combination of stealth, speed, agility, precision and situational awareness, combined with air-to-air and air-to-ground combat capabilities, it is regarded as one of the best overall modern fighters in the world. In 1981, due to emerging worldwide threats, the US Air Force developed a requirement for a next generation air superiority fighter to replace the F-15 and F-16. The F-22 was developed within this Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) program.
Image Description: Lt. Col. James Hecker flies over Fort Monroe Virginia before delivering the first operational F-22A Raptor to its permanent home at Langley Air Force Base on May 12.
FACTS & STATS:
| First Flown | 1990 |
| Range | 1,840 miles (2,960 km) |
| Length | 62 ft 1 in (18.90 m) |
| Engine | 2X Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 Pitch “Thrust” vectoring turbofans, 35,000 lb. (156 kn.) each. |
| Wingspan | 43 ft (13.11 m) |
| Max Speed | Mach 1.7 |
| Ceiling | 65,000 ft (19,812 km) |
| Weight |
Empty: 30,000 lb. (13,608 kg); |
|
Number Built
|
100 |
| Armament |
One 20 mm (0.787 in) M61A2 Vulcan Gatling Gun & Sidewinder Air-to-air missiles |
Image Description: The first AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missile launch from an F-22 Raptor traveling at supersonic speeds was carried out on July 30, 2012, over the Sea Test Range at Point Mugu, California.
Image Description: Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor in Alaska.