✈️ Aircraft Specifications
| Designation | F-22A |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed Martin / Boeing |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| First Flight | 1997 |
| Length | 18.92 m (62.1 ft) |
| Max Speed (Mach) | 2.25 |
| Max Speed (km/h) | 2,414 km/h |
| Service Ceiling | 19,812 m (65,003 ft) |
| Range | 2,960 km (1,838 mi) |
| Engine | 2× Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 turbofans |
| Crew | 1 |
| Status | Active |
Overview
The F-22 Raptor is the world’s first operational fifth-generation stealth air superiority fighter. Combining supercruise capability (sustained supersonic flight without afterburner), extreme maneuverability with thrust vectoring, and advanced stealth, it represents the pinnacle of air combat technology.
Design & Development
Developed under the Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) program, the F-22 features an all-aspect stealth design with radar-absorbing materials, internal weapons bays, and carefully shaped surfaces. Its twin F119 engines enable supercruise at approximately Mach 1.8 without afterburners—a game-changing capability that allows sustained supersonic flight with far greater fuel efficiency.
Operational History
Entering service in 2005 with the USAF, the F-22 has maintained an undefeated record in exercises against all other fighter aircraft worldwide. Production was capped at 195 aircraft, and export has been banned by federal law, making it exclusively a USAF asset. It has seen combat deployment in Syria and maintains air superiority patrol missions globally.
Capabilities
- First-look, first-shot, first-kill capability
- AN/APG-77 AESA radar with LPI (Low Probability of Intercept)
- Supercruise at Mach 1.8+
- Thrust vectoring for post-stall maneuvering
Armament & Weapons
The F-22’s internal weapons bays maintain stealth while carrying a devastating loadout:
- 1× M61A2 Vulcan — 20mm rotary cannon (480 rounds)
- Air-to-Air (internal):
- 6× AIM-120 AMRAAM (beyond visual range)
- 2× AIM-9M/X Sidewinder (short range, side bays)
- Air-to-Ground (internal):
- 2× 1,000 lb JDAM GPS-guided bombs
- 8× 250 lb GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs
- External (non-stealth config): 4 underwing pylons for additional weapons/fuel tanks
Video
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is the F-22 Raptor?
The F-22 has a top speed of Mach 2.25 (1,500 mph). It can also supercruise at Mach 1.5+ without afterburners.
How many F-22 Raptors were built?
195 F-22s were built (8 test + 187 operational). Production ended in 2011.
Why was F-22 production stopped?
Production was capped at 187 operational aircraft due to high costs ($150M+ per unit), lack of a peer air threat at the time, and a shift toward the more affordable F-35.
Is the F-22 still in service?
Yes. The F-22 has been in active USAF service since 2005 and remains the world’s premier air superiority fighter.