What is an F-22 Raptor?

American fifth-generation air superiority fighter. The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor is a fifth-generation, single-seat, twin-engine, all-weather stealth tactical fighter aircraft developed for the United States Air Force (USAF).

How many F-22s did it take to defeat the Red Force Aggressor?

Against superior numbers of Red Force Aggressor F-15s and F-16s, 6–8 F-22s maintained air dominance throughout and provided airborne electronic surveillance. No sorties were missed because of maintenance or other failures; a single F-22 was judged “lost” against the defeated opposing force.

Why is the F-22 so important?

The F-22, a critical component of the Global Strike Task Force, is designed to project air dominance, rapidly and at great distances and defeat threats attempting to deny access to our nation’s Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps. The F-22 cannot be matched by any known or projected fighter aircraft.

How often does the F-22 Raptor need maintenance?

Each airplane requires a three-week packaged maintenance plan (PMP) every 300 flight hours. The stealth coatings of the F-22 were designed to be more robust and weather-resistant than those used in earlier stealth aircraft. However, early coatings still experienced issues with rain and moisture when F-22s were initially posted to Guam in 2009.

F-22 Raptors are one of several coalition airframes providing close air support to ground forces working to liberate the city of Mosul, Iraq. A U.S. Air Force pilot prepares an F-22 Raptor for take off from an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Oct. 21, 2016. These F-22 Raptor images were photographed by military veterans and service members.

Does the F-22 Raptor refuel the KC-10?

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor approaches a U.S. Air Force KC-10 Extender from the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron before aerial refueling during a Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve mission Feb. 12, 2017.

Who is the pilot of the F-22?

U.S. Air Force Maj. Dan Dickinson, F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team pilot, executes a vertical pull during an F-22 rehearsal at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., Oct. 21, 2016.

Where is the F-22 Raptor at Red Flag?

A Tyndall F-22 Raptor is ready to taxi and take off during Red Flag 16-1, Jan. 26 at Nellis AFB, Nev. These F-22 Raptor images were photographed by military veterans and service members.

Where is the F-22 Raptor stationed in Hawaii?

F-22 Raptors assigned to the Hawaii Air National Guard, along with an active-duty associate unit at Hickam AFB, Hawaii. Training for Raptor pilots and maintainers takes place at Tyndall AFB, Florida, flight-testing is conducted at Edwards AFB, California, and operational testing and tactics development is performed at Nellis AFB, Nevada.

What makes the F-22 a first-kill weapon?

A combination of sensor capability, integrated avionics, situational awareness, and weapons provides first-kill opportunity against threats. The F-22 possesses a sophisticated sensor suite allowing the pilot to track, identify, shoot and kill air-to-air threats before being detected.

What Air Force units fly the F-22?

Air Education and Training Command, Air Combat Command and Pacific Air Forces are the primary Air Force organizations flying the F-22. The aircraft designation was the F/A-22 for a short time before being renamed F-22A in December 2005.