Description
F-22 Raptor Die-Cast Model
Type of Aircraft: The F-22 Raptor is a fifth-generation air superiority fighter that is considered fourth generation in stealth aircraft technology by the USAF. All weather single-seat, twin-engine, supersonic all-weather tactical stealth fighter aircraft
Nation of Origin: USAF
Period Operation: Limited Use
Produced: From: 1996 to Present
Role: Multi Role Bomber fighter, escort, Close Air Support, and Reconnaissance
Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin and Boeing Corporations
Historical Data of Aircraft:
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor is an American single-seat, twin-engine, supersonic all-weather tactical stealth fighter aircraft developed for the United States Air Force (USAF). As a product of the USAF’s Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) program the aircraft was designed as an air superiority fighter, but also incorporates ground attack, electronic warfare, and signals intelligence capabilities. The prime contractor, Lockheed Martin, built most of the F-22’s air frame and weapons systems and conducted final assembly, while Boeing provided the wings, aft fuselage, avionics integration, and training systems.
The aircraft first flew in 1997 and was variously designated F-22 and F/A-22 before it formally entered service in December 2005 as the F-22A. Although the USAF had originally planned to buy a total of 750 ATFs, the program was cut to 187 production aircraft in 2009 due to high costs, a lack of air-to-air missions at the time of production, and the development of the more affordable and versatile F-35. The last F-22 was delivered in 2012. Due to production cost, the F-22 Rafter is being replaced by the F-35 Lightning.
While it had a protracted development and initial operational difficulties, the F-22 has become a critical component of the USAF’s tactical airpower. The fighter’s combination of stealth, aerodynamic performance, and mission systems enabled a leap in air combat capabilities and set the benchmark for its generation. The F-22 is expected to serve into the 2030s and eventually have its role succeeded by the USAF’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) manned fighter component. The ejection seat includes a modified M4 carbine designated the GAU-5/A.
