โ๏ธ Full Specifications
| Designation | F-22A |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed Martin / Boeing |
| Country | ๐บ๐ธ United States |
| First Flight | 1997 |
| Service Entry | 2005 |
| Crew | 1 |
| Length | 18.92 m (62.1 ft) |
| Wingspan | 13.56 m (44.5 ft) |
| Height | 5.08 m (16.7 ft) |
| Empty Weight | 19,700 kg (43,439 lb) |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 38,000 kg (83,790 lb) |
| Max Speed (Mach) | 2.25 |
| Max Speed | 2,414 km/h |
| Service Ceiling | 19,812 m (65,003 ft) |
| Range | 2,960 km (1,838 mi) |
| Climb Rate | 254 m/s (50000 ft/min) |
| Engine | 2 ร Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 |
| Thrust (each) | Dry 116 kN ยท AB 156 kN |
| Production | 195 |
| Unit Cost | $150.0M USD |
๐ Operators
๐ Variants
- F-22A โ primary production variant
- YF-22 โ prototype
- F-22B โ cancelled twin-seat trainer
โ๏ธ Armament
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 afterburnersโa 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:
- 1ร M61A2 Vulcan โ 20mm rotary cannon (480 rounds)
- Air-to-Air (internal):
- 6ร AIM-120 AMRAAM (beyond visual range)
- 2ร AIM-9M/X Sidewinder (short range, side bays)
- Air-to-Ground (internal):
- 2ร 1,000 lb JDAM GPS-guided bombs
- 8ร 250 lb GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs
- External (non-stealth config): 4 underwing pylons for additional weapons/fuel tanks
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] 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
- US Air Force โ F-22 Raptor Fact Sheet
- Lockheed Martin โ F-22 Raptor
- Wikipedia โ F-22 Raptor