By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Travel Radar - Aviation NewsTravel Radar - Aviation News
  • Breaking News
  • Aviation
    • Aircraft
    • Airlines
    • Airshow & Events
    • Careers
    • Manufacturing
  • Travel
    • Airports
    • Points & Loyalty
    • Technology
    • Trip Reviews
  • Newsletters
Reading: Fast Movers; F-22 Raptor
Share
Sign In
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Font ResizerAa
Travel Radar - Aviation NewsTravel Radar - Aviation News
  • Breaking News
  • Aviation
    • Aircraft
    • Airlines
    • Airshow & Events
    • Careers
    • Manufacturing
  • Travel
    • Airports
    • Points & Loyalty
    • Technology
    • Trip Reviews
  • Newsletters
Signin Sign In
Follow US
Copyright © Travel Radar Media Ltd. 2025 | All Rights Reserved
Travel Radar - Aviation News > News > Fast Movers; F-22 Raptor

Fast Movers; F-22 Raptor

Travel Radar
Last updated: 8 May 2020 20:57
By Travel Radar Staff 4 Min Read
Share
F-22
SHARE

If you asked someone a few decades ago about the world’s greatest multi-role fighter jet, they’d probably say the F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-18 Hornet or the F-15 Eagle. But if you asked that today, the answer will most definitely be the F-22 Raptor.

Summary
BackstoryFeatures and CapabilitiesNo more Raptors?

The F-22 is undoubtedly a lethal air-to-air and air-to-ground 5th generation fighter. Its unmatched stealth, agility and firepower give it an intimidating presence in the skies. 

Raptor
Raptor © Ejército del Aire Ministerio de Defensa España

Backstory

The Cold War was a catalyst for many exemplary US-made fighters. However, its air force felt the need for a newer advanced tactical fighter to diminish threats posed by rival emerging jets such as the MiG-29 and Su-30.

YF-22
YF-22 © Matt Morgan

In the early 1980s, it booted plans to develop a next-generation Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) with stealth capabilities. The US split the ATF’s development between two engineering teams. Lockheed, Boeing and General Dynamics forming one, delivered the YF-22 prototype. While the other comprising Northrop and McDonnell Douglas came up with the YF-23.  

From the two initial prototypes delivered, the United States Air Force settled on the YF-22 design as its final ATF. The aircraft’s primary contractor, Lockheed, furthered its development by implementing many changes to the jet’s airframe and avionics. 

Features and Capabilities

F-22 Raptor's at Hickam AFB
F-22 Raptors at Hickam AFB © Robert Sullivan

It’s twin Pratt and Whitney F119-100 engines can each produce up to 35 000 lbs of thrust. This is more than enough to propel the F-22 to supersonic speeds and even cross Mach 2 with afterburners enabled; making it elusive to aerial threats. 

Besides the engines, the jet boasts thrust-vectoring nozzles. In simple words, it’s the ability of the rear nozzle to move about its vertical axis to direct thrust for improved manoeuvrability and pitch control. 

The jet’s designers also built it with the major goal of stealth. Its shape has many smooth curves and aligned edges, while the exterior is masked with radar-absorbent material. It also has far less radio emissions from the cockpit, and the horizontal flapped nozzles are designed to ward off heat-seeking missiles. Even if the jet gets detected, it can take off at blazing fast speeds and quickly manoeuvre to escape enemy threats, (not that many can threaten the raptor).

Put simply, the F-22 is a joy to fly. Take it from someone who has actually flown it. Major Paul Lopez, a USAF pilot shared his thoughts on flying the jet:

When the enemy is expecting a jab you are hitting them with an upper cut and that is pretty cool. There are things that we can do that no other aeroplane can do

No more Raptors?

©Michael Pereckas

You would think the world’s best fighter would have a long and action-packed life. But as of now, its production remains suspended, with only 187 units operational. This is just a fraction of what the USAF initially (750) had planned for the next-gen fighter.  Many factors like high-operating costs, a whopping per-unit cost, no carrier support and non-feasibility to routine missions, all contributed to a halt in production.

However, it still stands as one of the most capable fighter jets in the world. It also bagged the 2006 prestigious Collier Trophy; a true testament to its outstanding capabilities and air dominance. 

Let us know your thoughts on the F-22 Raptor in the comments below!

 

You Might Also Like

United Airlines Faces Trouble at San Francisco International Airport

Back In Time: 4 September 1936

September Strikes: Europe Scheduled For Disruption

WestJet places largest-ever aircraft order with Boeing

airBaltic Launches Six New Routes

Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Email Copy Link
What’s your thoughts?
Love0
Sad0
Happy0
Angry0
Travel Radar
By Travel Radar Staff
Follow:
Articles from guest contributors wishing to remain anonymous are credited to this account. Want to contribute to Travel Radar either in-name, or anonymously? Get in touch: [email protected]
Previous Article Unidentified Person Killed by Southwest 737 on Ground at Austin
Next Article Tensions Rise Amid Qantas Vs Perth Airport Row
Leave a comment
Subscribe
Login
Notify of
guest
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Upvoted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Stay Connected

FacebookLike
TwitterFollow
InstagramFollow
YoutubeSubscribe

Trending News

Emirates
Emirates’ customers to relish the flavours of Onam onboard
Airlines Aviation Travel
Air Lease branded Airbus
Aircraft Lessor Air Lease Corporation to be Acquired in $7.4 billion Deal
Aircraft Airline Economics Aviation
A Hawaiian Airlines Airbus A330 flying over Kaua‘i’s lush coastline. The aircraft is part of Hawaiian’s sustainable aviation fuel flights program, supporting SAF-powered operations on the Osaka–Honolulu route.
Hawaiian Airlines Launches SAF Powered Flights on Osaka-Honolulu Route
Airline Economics Airlines Aviation
Macquarie AirFinance and Boeing's partnership strengthens
Boeing-Macquarie AirFinance Deal : 30 737 MAX Aircraft Ordered
Aircraft Aviation Manufacturing
Alaska Airlines returns Fox Big Noon Saturday inflight streaming from Aug 30. ahead of college football season kick off. Guests flying with the airline with have access to the no-cost streaming to college football games on satellite Wi-Fi.
Alaska Airlines returns Fox Big Noon Saturday Streaming ahead of College Football Season
Airlines Aviation Travel
//

Travel Radar is the leading digital hub for all things aviation and air-travel. Discover our latest aviation news, aviation data, insight and analysis.

Discover

  • Latest News
  • Subscribe
  • Weekly Digest
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Media Coverage
  • Press & Events
  • Join Our Team
  • Our Brands

Signup to our Newsletter!

And get the latest aviation news via our weekly news digest!

© Travel Radar Media Ltd. 2015-2025 | ISSN #2635-0696 | Trademark #UK00003579704
wpDiscuz
adbanner
AdBlock Detected
Ads help us bring you high-quality, independent journalism for free. Support us by whitelisting us from your ad blocker.
Okay, I'll Whitelist
Welcome to the TR Community!

Sign in to your account

Register Lost your password?