The F-22 Raptor is a fifth-generation air superiority fighter aircraft developed by Lockheed Martin for the United States Air Force (USAF). It is designed primarily as an air-to-air combat aircraft but also has the capability to conduct ground attack missions.
Here are some key features and information about the F-22 Raptor:
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Stealth Design: The F-22 Raptor incorporates advanced stealth technology, including its shape, composite materials, and radar-absorbent coatings. This allows it to operate with a significantly reduced radar cross-section, making it difficult to detect by enemy radar systems.
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Supercruise Capability: The F-22 is capable of sustained supersonic flight without the use of afterburners, a feature known as "supercruise." This allows it to travel at supersonic speeds for extended periods, enhancing its overall range and mission flexibility.
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Avionics and Sensors: The F-22 is equipped with advanced avionics and sensor systems that provide the pilot with situational awareness and enable precise targeting. These systems include an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, infrared search and track (IRST), and advanced communication and data sharing capabilities.
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Maneuverability: The F-22 Raptor has excellent maneuverability, thanks to its aerodynamic design, thrust vectoring, and advanced fly-by-wire flight control system. It can perform high-speed maneuvers, rapid turns, and maintain control at extreme angles of attack, giving it a significant advantage in air-to-air engagements.
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Weapon Systems: The F-22 carries a variety of air-to-air missiles, including the AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9 Sidewinder, for engaging enemy aircraft. It also has an internal gun system for close-range engagements. Additionally, it can carry air-to-ground ordnance, such as bombs and missiles, for ground attack missions.
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Production and Deployment: The F-22 Raptor program began in the 1980s, and the aircraft entered service with the USAF in 2005. However, production was capped at 195 aircraft due to budget constraints, and no additional Raptors have been produced since 2011. The F-22 is primarily based at several USAF bases in the United States.
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Role and Capabilities: The F-22 Raptor's primary role is air superiority, meaning it is designed to gain and maintain control of the airspace by defeating enemy aircraft. It can also conduct ground attack missions, including the destruction of enemy targets with precision-guided munitions.
Some specifications of the F-22 Raptor:
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Dimensions:
- Length: 62 feet 1 inch (18.9 meters)
- Wingspan: 44 feet 6 inches (13.6 meters)
- Height: 16 feet 8 inches (5.1 meters)
- Wing area: 840 square feet (78 square meters)
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Weight:
- Empty weight: 43,340 pounds (19,700 kilograms)
- Maximum takeoff weight: 83,500 pounds (38,000 kilograms)
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Performance:
- Maximum speed: Approximately Mach 2.25 (1,500 mph or 2,410 km/h)
- Range: Over 1,800 nautical miles (2,000 miles or 3,200 kilometers)
- Combat radius: Approximately 600 nautical miles (690 miles or 1,110 kilometers)
- Service ceiling: Above 65,000 feet (20,000 meters)
- Thrust-to-weight ratio: Greater than 1:1 (meaning it can accelerate vertically)
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Powerplant:
- Two Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 turbofan engines with afterburners
- Each engine produces a maximum thrust of approximately 35,000 pounds (156 kN)
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Armament:
- Guns: One M61A2 20mm Gatling gun with 480 rounds
- Internal bays: Can carry a combination of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, including AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, as well as small diameter bombs and Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs).
- External hardpoints: Can carry additional ordnance on four external hardpoints if necessary.
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Avionics and Sensors:
- AN/APG-77 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar
- AN/ALR-94 electronic warfare system
- AN/AAR-56 missile launch detection system
- AN/AAQ-37 Distributed Aperture System (DAS) for 360-degree situational awareness
- AN/ASQ-239 electronic warfare/countermeasures suite
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Crew: One pilot
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