Facts on the F-22 Raptor
The F-22 program is developing the next-generation air superiority fighter for the Air
Force to counter emerging worldwide threats. It is designed to penetrate enemy airspace
and achieve a first-look, first-kill capability against multiple targets. The F-22 is
characterized by a low-observable, highly maneuverable airframe; advanced integrated
avionics; and aerodynamic performance allowing supersonic cruise without afterburner.
Stealth: Greatly increases survivability and lethality by denying the enemy
critical information required to successfully attack the F-22
Integrated Avionics: Allows F-22 pilots unprecedented awareness of enemy
forces through the fusion of on- and off-board information
Supercruise: Enhances weapons effectiveness; allows rapid transit through the
battlespace; reduces the enemy’s time to counter attack
The F-22's engine is expected to be
the first to provide the ability to fly faster than the speed of
sound for an extended period of time without the high fuel
consumption characteristic of aircraft that use afterburners to
achieve supersonic speeds. It is expected to provide high
performance and high fuel efficiency at slower speeds as well.
For its primary air-to-air role, the F-22 will carry six
AIM-120C and two AIM-9 missiles. For its air-to-ground role, the F-22 can internally carry
two 1,000 pound-class Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM), two AIM-120C, and two AIM-9
missiles. With the Global Positioning System-guided JDAM, the F-22 will have an
adverse weather capability to supplement the F-117 (and later the Joint Strike Fighter)
for air-to-ground missions after achieving air dominance.
The F-22's combat configuration is "clean", that is, with all
armament carried internally and with no external stores. This is an
important factor in the F-22's stealth characteristics, and it improves
the fighter's aerodynamics by dramatically reducing drag, which, in
turn, improves the F-22's range. The F-22 has four under wing
hardpoints, each capable of carrying 5,000 pounds. A single pylon
design, which features forward and aft sway braces, an aft pivot,
electrical connections, and fuel and air connections, is used. Either a
600-gallon fuel tank or two LAU-128/A missile launchers can be attached
to the bottom of the pylon, depending on the mission. There are two
basic external configurations for the F-22:
- Four 600 gallon fuel tanks, no external weapons: This configuration
is used when the aircraft is being ferried and extra range is needed. A
BRU-47/A rack is used on each pylon to hold the external tanks.
- Two 600 gallon fuel tanks, four missiles: This configuration
is used after air dominance in a battle area has been secured, and
extra loiter time and firepower is required for Combat Air Patrol
(CAP). The external fuel tanks, held by a BRU-47/A rack are carried on
the inboard stations, while a pylon fitted with two LAU-128/A rail
launchers is fitted to each of the outboard stations.
An all-missile external loadout (two missiles on each of
the stations) is possible and would not be difficult technically to
integrate, but the Air Force has not stated a requirement for this
configuration.
Prior to its selection as winner of what was then known as the Advanced
Tactical Fighter (ATF) competition, the F-22 team conducted a 54-month
demonstration/ validation (dem/val) program. The effort involved the
design, construction and flight testing of two YF-22 prototype
aircraft. Two prototype engines, the Pratt & Whitney YF119 and
General Electric YF120, also were developed and tested during the
program. The dem/val program was completed in December 1990. Much of
that work was performed at Boeing in Seattle, Lockheed (now known as
Lockheed Martin) facilities in Burbank, Calif., and at General
Dynamics' Fort Worth, Texas, facilities (now known as Lockheed Martin
Tactical Aircraft Systems). The prototypes were assembled in Lockheed's
Palmdale, Calif., facility and made their maiden flight from there.
Since that time Lockheed's program management and aircraft assembly
operations have moved to Marietta, Ga., for the EMD and production
phases.
