Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor

Last updated: March 26, 2026

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.

References & Sources

1. [1] U.S. Government Accountability Office (2010). Tactical Aircraft: DOD Should Present a New F-22A Business Case Before Making Further Investments. GAO-10-455. GAO Report
2. US Air Force — F-22 Raptor Fact Sheet
3. Lockheed Martin — F-22 Raptor
4. Wikipedia — F-22 Raptor

Related Aircraft

• ✈️ Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II — its multirole 5th-gen stablemate
• ✈️ Sukhoi Su-57 Felon — Russia’s rival 5th-gen fighter
• ✈️ Northrop YF-23 Black Widow II — the ATF competitor it defeated