The F-22 Raptor is an advanced aircraft that is designed for air superiority. It is a single-seat and twin-engine aircraft, which combines sensor capabilities with integrated Avionics. Lockheed Martin designed the F-22 to compete with stealth and supersonic aircraft.
The USAF's Advanced Tactical Fighter program (ATF) led to its development. The F-22 Raptor Air Force fighter is for the 21stcentury. It is an all weather, super maneuverable aircraft. It has a Mach 2.2 cruise speed, four AIM-120A AMRAAM rockets and a 20mm M61 cannon. In addition, it has ground attack capability.
The F-22 Raptor's 34,000-pound weight of aluminum and titanium is manufactured by the Air Force. The F-22 Raptor is a stealth tactical fighter, single-seat, supersonic and stealth. It was first deployed in 2005. It has a combat radius of 800 nautical miles, and a top speed of Mach 2.2. Currently, the Raptor serves mainly as a training aircraft. It is however expected to be replaced within the next 40 years.
There have been many problems with the Raptor. First, it had trouble with its radar. The aircraft's paint coating was hard to see. Third, the ISRT system required that the airframe be redesigned. This involved extensive overhauls. These are practical production-line issues. However, they don’t affect the design's soundness.
However, the Air Force has been working hard to improve the F-22. This current platform is a bridge for the Next Generation Air Dominance Platform (NGAD). The NGAD should include an advanced, piloted stealth fighter and unmanned combat aviation vehicles. NGAD uses advanced sensors, weapons and technology. NGAD will also incorporate a larger internal weapons carriage and faster speed.
Andrew Hunter, chief acquisition officer for the Air Force says the NGAD program is a critical project. He recommended that 33 Block 20 F-22A Raptors from Block 20 be retired.
The Raptor has been under flight test at Edwards Air Force Base California for several weeks. By August, the second model is expected join the program.
The F-22 Raptor is an excellent fighter jet but there are some limitations. The cost is one of the biggest. Production has been delayed due to funding and testing issues. Also, it has been criticized as overkill in the post-Cold War world. Fortunately, fixes are in place to resolve these problems.
Another issue is the Raptor’s fuel consumption. The Raptor requires approximately 10 gallons of fuel per minute. This is quite expensive. It is therefore not possible to refuel the Raptor from an aircraft carrier.
Concerns are also raised about the Raptor’s maintenance costs. The Raptor's upkeep costs are approximately $600,000 per plane, which is a high price. The government is always trying to find low-cost, high-quality jets.
Despite these problems, the Raptor is a very capable aircraft. It has been given the Collier Trophy 2006. If it continues to perform, it will become the world's first supersonic fighter.