Summary
- The F-22 Raptor is a stealth aircraft with open system architecture for future advancement.
- Link-16 enables data sharing and communication with other platforms like F-35 and F-15 Eagle.
- Four hardpoints enable payload customization, and the internal weapons bay provides mission versatility.
The Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptor is an all-weather stealth aircraft designed and developed for the United States Air Force (USAF) in the 1990s. The air superiority fighter is also capable of ground attacks, electronic warfare, and other intelligence capabilities. This article showcases some remarkable features of the F-22 Raptor.
1
An Open System Architecture
First of a kind on a combat aircraft
| F-22 Program | Status |
|---|---|
| First combat strike | September 2014 |
| Number produced and delivered | 195 (186 production aircraft, 9 test aircraft) |
| The last production delivered | December 2012 |
| USAF plans to operate F-22s | Late into the next decade |
Despite being considered an unsuccessful program, the F-22 Raptor platform has the potential to provide services well into the next decade, thanks to its open architecture system. The technical teams at Lockheed Martin are working to bring digital optimization to the program.
Photo: Tech. Sgt. Steven Tucker | USAF
Agile software development, open system architecture, and digital engineering methods are expected to work together to strengthen the platform further. The integration of the Open System Architecture on the F-22 will enable future advancements, including modular improvements to enhance agility, communication, and combat capabilities.
Related
Why Did The USAF Pick The Lockheed F-22 Raptor Over The Northrop YF-23?
The YF-23 had the support of no less than Chuck Yeager. So how did the YF-22 win the DOD contract?
2
Connectivity with other platforms
Two-way exchange between F-22 and other platforms
- Link-16 aircraft
- F-15 Eagle
- F-16 Fighting Falcon
- F/A-18 Super Hornet
- F-35 Lightning II
- Mirage 2000
- Embraer C-390 Millennium
One of the key capabilities of the F-22 Raptor is its data sharing and information tracking across various platforms. With the United States Air Force (USAF) operating multiple types of jets, it is essential to have communication across the board. Link 16 allows the F-22 to have a two-way exchange of messages and information.
Photo: Tech. Sgt. Ben Bloker | USAF
According to Lockheed Martin,
“Lockheed Martin is focused on connectivity for the F-22 with other platforms. The Link 16 transmit capabilities included in F-22 Raptor Agile Capability Release (RACR) Release 1 will enable the two-way exchange of J-series messages (Link 16) between the F-22 and other Link 16-enabled aircraft, including the F-35. ”
Related
What Are The Key Differences Between The USAF’s F-16 And F-22 Fighter Jets?
Unlike the F-16, the F-22 is deployed solely by the USAF – and costs nearly ten times more!
The future modernization program of the F-22 will ensure enhancements are made to the datalink and sensors to improve the survivability of the aircraft in an ever-evolving environment.
3
Ultimate payload flexibility
Four hardpoints enable payload customization
- (2) AIM-9X + (6) AIM-120
- (2) AIM-9 + (4) AIM-120 + (1) 1,000lb JDAM
- (4) 250lb SDB + (2) AIM-9 + (4) AIM-120
- (8) 250lb SDB + (2) AIM-9 + (2) AIM-120
- (2) AIM-9 + (2) AIM-120 + (2) 1,000lb JDAM
The F-22 Raptor features four hard points (two under each wing pylon) that enable the use of a variety of armaments. Each hardpoint has a capacity of up to 5,000 lb (2,270 kg) of payload. Alternatively, a 600-US gallon (2,270 liters) drop tank can be fitted on each hardpoint.
Photo: USAF
The internal weapons bay also provides customization opportunities based on mission requirements. The F-22 payload can be utilized in multiple fashions, whether it is air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles, or a combination of the two. The use of a combination of armaments makes the aircraft versatile and enables greater mission readiness.
Related
F-22 Raptor “Mishap” At Savannah Airport Under Investigation
An F-22 Raptor had an accident at an airbase in Georgia this week; no one was injured.
4
Mission readiness through sustainment efforts
Lockheed Martin partners with the USAF
- Reliability, Availability and Maintainability Program (RAMP)
- Modernization Line
- Stealth Coating Repair
- Engine Maintenance
The F-22 Raptor platform continues to go through sustainment efforts by Lockheed Martin and the USAF. The teams ensure that through the RAMP program, the aircraft’s ability for combat is increased. The F-22 Modernization Line enhances the aircraft’s capabilities and asymmetric advantage over its adversaries.
Photo: Tech. Sgt. Ben Bloker | USAF
Lockheed Martin highlights the maintenance approach of the stealth coating and the aircraft’s F119 engines by stating,
“About 50% of maintenance performed on the F-22 is related to repairing the low observable stealth coatings that are damaged when the aircraft is opened up for routine maintenance.”
“The Pratt & Whitney F119 engines are designed to allow standard flight line maintenance using just six common tools available at commercial hardware stores.”
Related
Why The US Air Force Wants To Begin Retiring Its F-22s
While the F-22 Raptor may be the most advanced air superiority fighter, the Air Force wants to retire 32 in 2025.
5
Plug & Play maintenance schedule
Integrated Maintenance Information System (IMIS)
- Three-week packaged maintenance plan every 300 flight hours
- Stealth coatings make up major maintenance tasks
- The F-22 depot maintenance is performed at Ogden Air Logistics Complex at Hill AFB
Irrespective of where the F-22 Raptor is deployed, the maintenance log can be completed with a simple Plug & Play technique. The Integrated Maintenance Information System (IMIS) enables maintenance personnel to plug their computer device (laptop) directly into the jet.
Photo: Evan Scungio
Completed maintenance can be logged with all essential details. The computer device can then be plugged into the central system to update a global database instantaneously. The method ensures that complete maintenance records are maintained and updated irrespective of the physical location of the aircraft.
Related
F-22 Raptor Saved From Retirement: Why The USAF Is Investing $8bn In The Fighter Jet
The F-22 Raptor is getting massive new upgrades in stealthy fuel tanks, sensors and more. But not all F-22s are getting upgrades.