Wrong Timing?
It was simply ahead of its time, yet arguably a little late for the changing world order.
In reality, the Raptor was much more.
A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor departs after receiving fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker over Poland, Aug. 10, 2022. Image: StaffSgt. Kevin Long/U.S.A.F.
It was designed to combine stealth, performance, agility, and integrated avionics in a single airframe.
Even today, the fighter is a critical component of the services tactical power.
Numbered Days?
A pair of F-22 Raptors patrol in formation. The fifth generation fighters are arguably the most advanced in the world.Image: U.S.A.F.
Yet, despite its capabilities, the F-22 Raptors days are already numbered.
However, it would be wrong to suggest it was ever a mistake.
It is still very good, but it cant get a whole lot better.
An F-22 Raptor from Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va. refuels off the U.S. East Coast on July 10, 2012. The first Raptor assigned to the Wing arrived Jan. 7, 2005.Image: U.S.A.F.
First, lets look at the aircrafts capabilities and attributes.
In addition, each Raptor pilot could receive information from other F-22s, allowing for a radar-silent attack.
In a ground attack role, the F-22 would be used alongside other aircraft that would flush the way.
Maj. Josh ‘Cabo’ Gunderson, F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team commander, executes the ‘Power Loop’ maneuver during a performance on July 10, 2020.Image: Lt. Sam Eckholm
Then the F-22 can go in, and strike the targets after the other aircraft pulled the sharpest teeth.
The truth is that is probably a good thing, and everyone should hope it stays that way.
F-22 Raptors then operated alongsideU.S.
U.S.A.F. Maj. Josh ‘Cabo’ Gunderson prepares to launch out during a performance at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 10, 2020. Image: Lt.Sam Eckholm/U.S.A.F.
Later that same month, F-22s shot down additional high-altitude objects over Alaska and the Canadian Yukon.
According to reports, the AIM-9X was used in those incidents the first use of the air-to-air missile.
A 325th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons load crew carries an AIM-9 to their aircraft on Aug. 10 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Image:Samuel King Jr./U.S.A.F.
An F-22 Raptor assigned to the 477th Fighter Group at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson prepares for takeoff on Jan. 7, 2023.Image: Erica Webster/U.S.A.F.
90th Fighter Squadron F-22 Raptors from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, undergo post-flight checks at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Oct. 30, 2020. Image: AirmanAnabel Del Valle/U.S.A.F.
An F-22 Raptor, seen through a night-vision lens, taxies for take-off during a night mission at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, March 15, 2022. Image: Master Sgt.Dan Heaton/U.S.A.F.
Staff Sgt. Michael Avalos, 325th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, performs a walkaround check during the unit’s quarterly weapons load competition. Image:Samuel King Jr./U.S.A.F.
Airman 1st Class Leata Kisena, 43rd Fighter Generation Squadron, performs preloading checks on a GBU-32 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Image:Samuel King Jr./U.S.A.F.
Staff Sgt. Charlene Faison, 43rd Fighter Generation Squadron, directs the placement of an AIM-120 missile onto their F-22 Raptor.Image: Ilka Cole/U.S.A.F.
A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor with the 43rd Fighter Squadron undergoes routine maintenance at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, Feb. 23, 2021.Image: Brad Sturk/U.S.A.F.
