William Walden

William Walden
Name:	William Walden
Status:	Deceased
Date of death:	2012
Nationality:	American
Affiliation:	U.S. Government
Profession:	Vice President of the United States
Marital status:	Married
Spouse(s):	Cynthia Walden (d. 2012)
Children:	Finn Walden (d. 2012)
Played by:	Jamey Sheridan
Season(s):	1, 2
Episodes:	10 appearances
First episode:	Pilot
Last episode:	Broken Hearts

The '''Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor''' is a single-seat, [[Twinjet|twin-engine]], all weather [[Stealth technology| stealth]] tactical [[fighter aircraft]] developed for the [[United States Air Force]] (USAF). The result of the USAF's Advanced Tactical Fighter program, the aircraft was designed primarily as an [[air superiority fighter]], but has additional capabilities including [[ground attack aircraft|ground attack]], [[electronic warfare]], and [[signals intelligence]] roles.<ref>Reed, John. [http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2009/12/airforce_deptula_121909/ "Official: Fighters should be used for spying."] ''Air Force Times'', 20 December 2009. Retrieved: 9 May 2010.</ref>  [[Lockheed Martin Aeronautics|Lockheed Martin]] is the prime contractor and is responsible for the majority of the airframe, weapon systems, and final assembly of the F-22, while program partner [[Boeing Defense, Space & Security|Boeing]] provides the wings, aft fuselage, avionics integration, and training systems.

===

===

The aircraft was variously designated '''F-22''' and '''F/A-22''' prior to formally entering service in December 2005 as the '''F-22A'''. Despite a protracted development as well as operational issues, the USAF considers the F-22 a critical component of its tactical air power, and states that the aircraft is unmatched by any known or projected fighter.<ref name= "F-22_factsheet">[http://archive.is/20120629041609/http://www.af.mil/information/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=199 "F-22 Raptor fact sheet."] ''U.S. Air Force'', March 2009. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref>  The Raptor's combination of stealth, aerodynamic performance, and situational awareness gives the aircraft unprecedented air-to-air capabilities.<ref name="f22-capabilities">{{cite web |url= http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/products/f22/f-22-capabilities.html |archiveurl= http://www.webcitation.org/6QnYx4CSS |archivedate= 3 July 2014 |title=F-22 Capabilities |publisher=Lockheed Martin |accessdate= 2 July 2014}}</ref> Air Chief Marshal [[Angus Houston]], former Chief of the [[Australian Defence Force]], said in 2004 that the "F-22 will be the most outstanding fighter plane ever built."<ref name="aspi_20040818">Houston, A. [http://www.aspi.org.au/publications/publication_details.aspx?ContentID=56&pubtype=6 "Strategic Insight 9 – Is the JSF good enough?"] ''[[Australian Strategic Policy Institute]]'', 18 August 2004.</ref>

===

===

The high cost of the aircraft, a lack of clear air-to-air missions due to delays in Russian and Chinese fighter programs, a ban on exports, and development of the more versatile and lower cost [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35]] led to the end of F-22 production.{{#tag:ref|Referring to statements made by the Secretary of Defense Robert Gates: "The secretary once again highlighted his ambitious next-year request for the more-versatile F-35s."<ref>{{cite web|last=Baron|first=Kevin|url=http://www.stripes.com/news/gates-outlines-air-force-priorities-and-expectations-1.94837 |title=Gates outlines Air Force priorities and expectations |work=Stars and Stripes |date= 16 September 2009|accessdate=30 October 2013}}</ref>|group=N}} A final procurement tally of 187 operational production aircraft was established in 2009 and the last F-22 was delivered to the USAF in 2012.

===

===

{{main|Advanced Tactical Fighter|Lockheed YF-22}}

===

===

In 1981 the U.S. Air Force developed a requirement for an [[Advanced Tactical Fighter]] (ATF) as a new air superiority fighter to replace the [[McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle|F-15 Eagle]] and [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16 Fighting Falcon]]. Code named "''Senior Sky''",<ref>Jenkins, Dennis R. ''Lockheed Secret Projects: Inside the Skunk Works.'' St. Paul, Minnesota: MBI Publishing Company, 2001. ISBN 0-7603-0914-0. pp.&nbsp;70.</ref> this program was influenced by the emerging worldwide threats, including development and proliferation of Soviet [[Sukhoi Su-27|Su-27 "Flanker"]]- and [[Mikoyan MiG-29|MiG-29 "Fulcrum"]]-class fighter aircraft. It would take advantage of the new technologies in fighter design on the horizon, including [[composite material]]s, lightweight [[alloy]]s, advanced flight-control systems, more powerful propulsion systems, and [[stealth technology]]. A [[request for proposal]]s (RFP) was issued in July 1986 and two contractor teams, Lockheed/[[Boeing]]/[[General Dynamics]] and [[Northrop Corporation|Northrop]]/[[McDonnell Douglas]], were selected on 31 October 1986 to undertake a 50-month demonstration phase, culminating in the flight test of two technology demonstrator prototypes, the [[Lockheed YF-22|YF-22]] and the [[Northrop YF-23|YF-23]].<ref>Jenkins and Landis 2008, pp.&nbsp;233–234.</ref><ref>Williams 2002, pp.&nbsp;5–6.</ref><ref>[http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2382 "Fact sheet: Lockheed-Boeing-General Dynamics YF-22."] ''U.S. Air Force'', 11 February 2009. Retrieved: 18 June 2011.</ref>

===

===

Each design team produced two prototype air vehicles, one for each of the two engine options.  The Lockheed-led team employed [[thrust vectoring]] nozzles on YF-22 for enhanced maneuverability in [[dogfight]]s. The ATF's increasing weight and cost drove out some features during development. A dedicated [[infra-red search and track]] (IRST) system was downgraded from multi-color to single color and then deleted, the [[Side looking airborne radar|side-looking radar]]s were deleted and the [[ejection seat]] requirement was downgraded from a fresh design to the existing [[McDonnell Douglas]] [[ACES II]].<ref>Aronstein and Hirschberg 1998, p. 108.</ref>

===

===

After a 90-day flight test validation of the prototypes, on 23 April 1991, [[United States Secretary of the Air Force|Secretary of the USAF]] [[Donald Rice]] announced the YF-22 as the winner of the ATF competition.<ref>Jenkins and Landis 2008, p.&nbsp;234.</ref> The YF-23 design was considered stealthier and faster while the YF-22 was more maneuverable.<ref name="Goodall_p110">Goodall 1992, p.&nbsp;110.</ref> The aviation press speculated that the YF-22 was also more adaptable to the U.S. Navy's Navalized Advanced Tactical Fighter (NATF), but by 1992, the Navy had abandoned NATF.<ref name=Miller_p76>Miller 2005, p. 76.</ref> In 1991, the USAF planned to buy 650 aircraft.<ref>[[Steven Pearlstein|Pearlstein, Steven]] and Barton Gellman. "Lockheed wins huge jet contract; Air Force plans to buy 650 stealth planes at $100&nbsp;million each". ''The Washington Post'', 24 April 1991.</ref>

===

===

[[File:F-22 Raptor wytwórnie.png|thumb|left|A diagram of the various manufacturers of the F-22]]

===

===

Prime contractor [[Lockheed Martin Aeronautics]] manufactures the majority of the airframe and performs final assembly at [[Dobbins Air Reserve Base]] in [[Marietta, Georgia]]; program partner [[Boeing Defense, Space & Security]] provides additional airframe components as well as avionics integration and training systems.<ref>Aronstein and Hirschberg 1998, p. 118.</ref> F-22 production was split up over many subcontractors across 46 states to increase Congressional support,<ref>Lobe, Jim. [http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=47713 "New, Old Weapons Systems Never Die."] ''Inter Press Service'', 17 July 2009. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref><ref>Kaplan, Fred [http://www.slate.com/id/2212034/ "The Air Force tries to save a fighter plane that's never seen battle".] ''Slate,'' 24 February 2009. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref> though this production split may have contributed to increased costs and delays.<ref>Younossi, Obaid et al. [http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG276.html "Lessons Learned from the F/A–22 and F/A–18E/F Development Programs."] ''RAND,'' 2005. Retrieved: 27 August 2011.</ref> Many capabilities were deferred to post-service upgrades, reducing the initial cost but increasing total program cost.<ref>Sweetman, Bill. [http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/dti/2010/12/01/DT_12_01_2010_p35-269100.xml "Rivals Target JSF."]{{dead link|date=October 2013}} ''[[Aviation Week]]'', 30 November 2010. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref> Each aircraft built required "1,000 subcontractors and suppliers and 95,000 workers".<ref>Herman, Arthur. [http://www.nypost.com/p/news/opinion/opedcolumnists/don_let_disarm_our_military_Vg8BTKN1WuODmeW4fCfumL "Don't let O disarm our military."] ''[[New York Post]]'', 10 January 2011. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref>

===

===

The F-22 had several design changes from the YF-22. The swept-back angle on the wing's leading edge was decreased from 48° to 42°, while the vertical stabilizers were shifted rearward and their area decreased by 20%.<ref name="NASA">[http://oea.larc.nasa.gov/PAIS/Partners/F_22.html "F-22 Partners."]{{dead link|date=November 2013}} ''NASA''. Retrieved: 25 July 2009.</ref> To improve pilot visibility, the canopy was moved forward {{convert|7|in|cm}}, and the engine intakes moved rearward {{convert|14|in|cm}}. The shapes of the wing and [[stabilator]] trailing edges were refined to improve aerodynamics, strength, and stealth characteristics.<ref>Pace 1999, pp. 12–13.</ref><ref name="gs_yf22_diagram">[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/images/f-22_yf-22_comp.jpg "YF-22/F-22A comparison diagram".] ''GlobalSecurity.org''. Retrieved: 13 June 2010.</ref> Due to increasing weight during development, range and aerodynamic performance were slightly reduced.<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6QlEpVj1M "F-22 weight increase agreed."] ''Flight International'', 3 May 1995. Archived from [http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/f-22-weight-increase-agreed-26820/ original].</ref>

===

===

[[File:F-22 assembling1.jpg|thumb|F-22 being painted at the assembly plant at [[Marietta, Georgia|Marietta]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]]|alt=F-22 being painted. Workers wearing white apparel standing on the aircraft's top applying a gray and black coat over the F-22. Temporary construction equipment surrounds its leading edges and nose sections.]]

===

===

The first F-22, an engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) aircraft named Raptor 4001, was unveiled at Marietta, Georgia on 9 April 1997, and first flew on 7 September 1997.<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6QkcNHq21 "F-22 Raptor".] ''Lockheed Martin''. Archived from [http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/100years/stories/f-22.html original.] Retrieved: 1 July 2014.</ref> In 2006, the Raptor's development team, composed of over 1,000 contractors and the USAF, won the [[Collier Trophy]], American aviation's most prestigious award.<ref>[http://www.naa.aero/html/awards/shwNews.cfm?newsid=302&cmsid=58 "F-22 Raptor Wins 2006 Collier Trophy."] ''National Aeronautic Association''. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref> The F-22 was in production for 15 years, at a rate of roughly two per month during peak production.<ref>Brumby, Otis, Bill Kinney and Joe Kirby. [http://mdjonline.com/view/full_story/13886238/article-As-the-F-35-program-revs-up---the-F-22-ramps-down?instance=special "Around Town: As the F 35 program revs up the F 22 ramps down."] ''The Marietta Daily Journal'', 6 June 2011. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref>

===

===

The USAF had originally envisioned ordering 750 ATFs at a cost of $26.2 billion, with production beginning in 1994. The 1990 Major Aircraft Review led by [[United States Secretary of Defense|Secretary of Defense]] [[Dick Cheney]] reduced the number to 648 aircraft beginning in 1996. In 1994, it was cut to 438 aircraft entering service by 2004; in 1997, the number was further cut to 339.<ref name="Williams p.22">{{harvnb|Williams|2002|p=22.}}</ref> By 2003, existing funding limited procurement to 277 fighters; in 2004, the [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]] (DoD) further reduced the number to 183 operational aircraft.<ref>[[Rebecca Grant (political expert)|Grant, Rebecca]]. [http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2008/December%202008/1208dominance.aspx "Losing Air Dominance."] ''Air Force Magazine'', December 2008.</ref> In 2006, a multi-year procurement plan was implemented to save $15 billion but raise the cost of each aircraft. The program's total cost by 2006 was $62 billion, at which point the USAF sought to acquire 381 F-22s divided among seven active duty combat squadrons and three integrated [[Air Force Reserve Command]] and [[Air National Guard]] squadrons.<ref name="afpn_20060623_ad">Lopez, C.T. [http://archive.is/20120718235238/http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123022371 "F-22 excels at establishing air dominance."] ''Air Force Print News'', 23 June 2006. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref> In 2007, Lockheed Martin received a $7.3 billion contract that raised the order number of production F-22s to 183 and extended manufacturing through 2011.<ref>[http://www.defense.gov/contracts/contract.aspx?contractid=3570 "US Department of Defense contracts."] ''U.S. Department of Defense'', 31 July 2007. Retrieved: 28 August 2011.</ref>

===

===

In April 2006, the [[Government Accountability Office]] (GAO) assessed the F-22's cost to be $361 million per aircraft, with $28 billion invested in development and testing; the Unit Procurement Cost was estimated at $178 million in 2006, based on a production run of 181 aircraft.<ref name="fighter_costs">[http://www.defense-aerospace.com/dae/articles/communiques/FighterCostFinalJuly06.pdf "Sticker Shock: Estimating the Real Cost of Modern Fighter Aircraft, p. 2."] ''Defense-Aerospace.com'', July 2006. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref><ref>[http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d06391.pdf "Defense Acquisitions: Assessments of Selected Major Weapon Programs", p. 59.] ''Government Accountability Office'', 31 March 2006. Retrieved: 2 February 2008.</ref> It was estimated by the end of production, $34 billion will have been spent on procurement, resulting in a total program cost of $62 billion, around $339 million per aircraft. The [[Marginal cost|incremental cost]] for an additional F-22 was estimated at about $138 million in 2009.<ref name="afpn_20060623_ad"/><ref name="usaf_fy2009_budget">[http://www.saffm.hq.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-080204-081.pdf "FY 2009 Budget Estimates", p. 1–13.] ''U.S. Air Force'', February 2008. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref> In March 2012, the GAO increased the estimated cost to $412 million per aircraft.<ref>[http://www.gao.gov/assets/320/317081.pdf "Defense Acquisitions: Assessments of Selected Weapon Programs."] ''United States Government Accountability Office, Report to Congressional Committees'', March 2011.</ref>

===

===

[[File:Two F-22 Raptor in flying.jpg|thumb|left|Two F-22s during flight testing, the upper one being the first EMD F-22, Raptor 4001|alt=Two F-22s overflying snow-capped mountains.]]

===

===

The F-22 cannot be exported under American federal law.<ref>[http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d105:HZ00295: "HZ00295: Obey amendment overview."] ''Library of Congress''. Retrieved: 9 May 2010.</ref> Customers for U.S. fighters are acquiring earlier designs such as the [[McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle|F-15 Eagle]] and [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16 Fighting Falcon]] or the newer [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35 Lightning II]] Joint Strike Fighter, which contains technology from the F-22 but is designed to be cheaper, more flexible, and available for export.<ref name="WP">Smith, R. Jeffrey. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/09/AR2009070903020.html "Premier U.S. fighter jet has major shortcomings: F-22's maintenance demands growing."] ''The Washington Post'', 10 July 2009. Retrieved: 24 July 2009.</ref> In September 2006, Congress upheld the ban on foreign F-22 sales.<ref name="addr_20060927_fms">Bruno, M. [http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/F2209176.xml "Appropriators Approve F-22A Multiyear, But Not Foreign Sales."]{{dead link|date=October 2013}} ''Aerospace Daily & Defense Report'', 27 September 2006. Retrieved: 28 August 2011.</ref> Despite the ban, the 2010 defense authorization bill included provisions requiring the DoD to prepare a report on the costs and feasibility for an F-22 export variant, and another report on the impact of F-22 export sales on U.S. aerospace industry.<ref>[http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h2647/show "H.R. 2647: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (overview)."] ''U.S. House of Representatives'' via ''Opencongress.org.'' Retrieved: 27 April 2012.</ref><ref>[http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/D?c111:6:./temp/~c111OvEcbl:: "H.R.2647 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (see Sections 1250 & 8056.)"] ''Thomas.loc.gov.'' Retrieved: 26 September 2010.</ref>

===

===

{{Quote box|align=right|width=20%|quote=The IAF would be happy to equip itself with 24 F-22s, but the problem at this time is the U.S. refusal to sell the aircraft, and its $200&nbsp;million price tag.|source=<small>[[Israeli Air Force]] (IAF) chief procurement officer Brigadier-General Ze'ev Snir.<ref name="IAF_F-22">[http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/israel-plans-to-buy-over-100-f35s-02381/ "Israeli Plans to Buy F-35s Hitting Obstacles."] ''Defense Industry Daily'', 27 June 2006. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref> </small>}}

===

===

Some Australian politicians and defense commentators proposed that Australia should attempt to purchase F-22s instead of the planned F-35s,<ref name="age_20061002">Carmen, G. [http://www.theage.com.au/news/opinion/rapped-in-the-raptor-why-australia-must-have-the-best/2006/10/01/1159641209404.html?page=fullpage "Rapped in the Raptor: why Australia must have the best."] ''[[The Age]]'', 2 October 2006. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref><ref>Kopp, Dr. Carlo. [http://www.ausairpower.net/Analysis-JSF-Apr-04-P.pdf "Is The Joint Strike Fighter Right For Australia?"]{{dead link|date=October 2013}} ''[[Air Power Australia]]''. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref> citing the F-22's known capabilities and F-35's delays and developmental uncertainties.<ref name="alp_20060626">[http://www.kuro5hin.org/story/2006/7/3/104021/5613 "Australia and the F22 Raptor."] ''kuro5hin.org'', 26 June 2006. Retrieved: 3 July 2006.</ref> However, the [[Royal Australian Air Force|RAAF]] determined that the F-22 was unable to perform the F-35's strike and close air support roles.<ref>[http://www.airforce.gov.au/aircraft/jsf.aspx "RAAF JSF tech spec."] ''U.S. Air Force.'' Retrieved: 27 April 2012.</ref> The Japanese government also showed interest in the F-22 for its Replacement-Fighter program.<ref name="id_20060218">Bennet, J.T. [http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,88282,00.html "Air Force Plans to Sell F-22As to Allies."] ''InsideDefense.com'', 18 February 2006. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref> The [[Japan Air Self-Defense Force]] (JASDF) would reportedly require fewer fighters for its mission if it obtained the F-22, thus reducing engineering and staffing costs. However, in 2009 it was reported that the F-22 would require increases to the defense budget beyond the historical 1 percent of GDP.<ref>Konishi, Weston S. and Robert Dujarric. [http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/eo20090516a1.html "Hurdles to a Japanese F-22."] ''Japan Times'', 16 May 2009. Retrieved: 3 August 2009.</ref> With the ending of F-22 production, Japan chose the F-35 in December 2011.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.f35.com/global/participation/japan |title=JASDF's Next Generation Fighter |agency=[[Lockheed Martin]] |accessdate=31 May 2014}}</ref> Israel also expressed interest, but eventually chose the F-35 because of the F-22's price and unavailability.<ref name="IAF_F-22"/><ref>Egozi, Arie. [http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/israel-in-talks-with-usa-over-f-22-orders-213348/ "Israel in talks with USA over F-22 orders".] ''Flight Global'', 20 April 2007. Retrieved: 30 June 2014.</ref>

===

===

Throughout the 2000s, the need for F-22s was debated due to rising costs and the lack of relevant adversaries. In 2006, [[Comptroller General of the United States]] David Walker found that "the DoD has not demonstrated the need" for more investment in the F-22,<ref>[http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-06-455R GAO-06-455R "Tactical Aircraft: DOD Should Present a New F-22A Business Case before Making Further Investments."] ''Government Accountability Office''. Retrieved: 9 May 2010.</ref> and further opposition to the program was expressed by Secretary of Defense [[Donald Rumsfeld]], Deputy Secretary of Defense [[Gordon R. England]], Senator [[John McCain]], and Chairman of [[United States Senate Committee on Armed Services|U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services]] Senator [[John Warner]].<ref>Wayne, Leslie. [http://www.webcitation.org/6Qi8IrzKV "Air Force Jet Wins Battle in Congress".] ''The New York Times'', 28 September 2006. Archived from [http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/28/business/28plane.html?pagewanted=print original.] Retrieved: 29 June 2014.</ref><ref>Carroll, Ward. [http://defensetech.org/2008/11/19/dogfight-over-f-22-reveals-dod-schisms/ "Dogfight Over F-22 Reveals DoD Schisms".] ''Defense Tech'', 19 November 2008. Retrieved: 29 June 2014.</ref> The F-22 program lost influential supporters in 2008 after resignation of Secretary of the USAF [[Michael Wynne]] and General [[T. Michael Moseley]].<ref name="topgeneralwarns"/> Nevertheless, in 2008, Congress passed a defense spending bill funding the F-22's continued production and the Pentagon released $50 million of the $140 million for four additional aircraft, raising the total orders for production aircraft to 187 and leaving the program in the hands of the next administration.<ref>Trimble, Stephen. [http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-congress-passes-4877-defence-spending-bill-slashes-aircraft-316459/ "US Congress passes $487.7 defence spending bill, slashes aircraft."] ''Flightglobal.com'', 24 September 2008. Retrieved: 10 November 2012.</ref><ref>{{Cite news |author=Wolf, Jim |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/11/12/us-lockheed-raptor-idUSTRE4AB8ZV20081112 |title=Pentagon OKs funds to preserve F-22 line |agency=Reuters |date=12 November 2008 |accessdate=27 August 2011}}</ref>

===

===

[[File:Two F-22A Raptor in column flight - (Noise reduced).jpg|thumb|left|Two F-22As in close trail formation]]

===

===

In November 2008, Secretary of Defense [[Robert Gates]] stated that the Raptor was not relevant in post-Cold War conflicts such as in Iraq and Afghanistan,<ref>Cole, August. [http://www.webcitation.org/6Qi7y6JB3 "Lawmakers Pressure Pentagon to Release Funds for Controversial F-22 Fighter Jet".] ''The Wall Street Journal'', 5 November 2008. Archived from [http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB122584363466799201 original.] Retrieved: 29 June 2014.</ref> and in April 2009, under the new [[Presidency of Barack Obama|Obama Administration]], he called for ending F-22 production in fiscal year (FY) 2011, leaving the USAF with 187 production aircraft.<ref name=cut>Levine, Adam, Mike Mount and Alan Silverleib. [http://articles.cnn.com/2009-04-06/politics/gates.budget.cuts_1_pentagon-budget-defense-secretary-robert-gates-priorities?_s=PM:POLITICS "Gates Announces Major Pentagon Priority Shifts."] ''CNN'', 9 April 2009. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref> In July, General [[James Cartwright]], Vice Chairman of the [[Joint Chiefs of Staff]], stated to the Senate Committee on Armed Services his reasons for supporting termination of F-22 production, including shifting resources to the multirole F-35 to allow proliferation of fifth-generation fighters for three service branches and preserving the F/A-18 production line to maintain the military's electronic warfare (EW) capabilities in the [[EA-18G Growler]].<ref>[http://armed-services.senate.gov/Transcripts/2009/07%20July/09-58%20-%207-9-09.pdf "Transcripts."]{{dead link|date=November 2013}} ''U.S. Senate, Committee on Armed Services,'' 9 July 2009.</ref> Issues with the F-22's reliability and availability also raised concerns.<ref name="WP"/><ref name="hatch.senate.gov">[http://hatch.senate.gov/public/_files/F22AssertionsAndFacts.pdf "Assertion and Facts."] ''senate.gov.'' Retrieved: 17 January 2012.</ref> After President Obama threatened to [[presidential veto|veto]] further production, the Senate voted in July 2009 in favor of ending production and the House subsequently agreed to abide by the 187 production aircraft cap.<ref>Matthews, William. [http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4214557 "House Reverses Itself, Votes To Kill F-22 Buy."] ''Defense News'', 31 July 2009.</ref><ref>Thomas [http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d111:SP01469: "S.AMDT.1469 to cut F-22 funding."] ''Thomas.loc.gov''. Retrieved: 13 June 2010.</ref> Gates stated that the decision was taken in light of the F-35's capabilities,<ref name="Gates, Robert.">{{Cite speech |last=Gates |first=Robert |url=http://www.defense.gov/speeches/speech.aspx?speechid=1369 |title=Economic Club of Chicago |publisher=US Department of Defense |event=Economic Club of Chicago |location=Chicago, Illinois |date=16 July 2009 |accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref> and in 2010, he set the F-22 requirement to 187 aircraft by lowering the number of major regional conflict preparations from two to one.<ref>[http://assets.opencrs.com/rpts/RL31673_20090716.pdf "CRS RL31673 Air Force F-22 Fighter Program: Background and Issues for Congress, p. 15."] ''Assets.opencrs.com''. Retrieved: 26 September 2010.</ref>

===

===

In 2010, USAF initiated a study to determine the costs of retaining F-22 tooling for a future Service Life Extension Program (SLEP).<ref>{{cite web |author=Trimble, Stephen |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-considers-options-to-preserve-f-22-production-tooling-339070/ |title=USAF considers options to preserve F-22 production tooling |work=Flightglobal |date=5 March 2010 |accessdate=30 October 2013}}</ref> A [[RAND]] paper from this study estimated that restarting production and building an additional 75 F-22s would cost $17 billion, resulting in $227 million per aircraft or 54 million higher than the flyaway cost.<ref>[http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/2010/RAND_MG797.pdf "RAND: Ending F-22A Production: Costs and Industrial Base Implications of Alternative Options."] ''rand.org.'' Retrieved: 26 September 2010.</ref>  Lockheed Martin stated that restarting the production line itself would cost about $200 million.<ref name=Mothball>{{Cite news |author=Wolf, Jim |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/13/us-fighter-usa-lockheed-idUSTRE7BC09T20111213 |title=U.S. to mothball gear to build top F-22 fighter |agency=Reuters|date=12 December 2011|accessdate=30 October 2013}}</ref> Production tooling will be documented in illustrated electronic manuals stored at the [[Sierra Army Depot]].<ref>Trimble, Stephen. [http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-dewline/2010/11/for-posterity-lockheed-creates.html "For posterity, Lockheed creates F-22 'how-to' manual."] ''The DEW Line,'' 3 November 2010.</ref> Retained tooling will produce additional components; due to the limited production run there are no reserve aircraft, leading to considerable care during maintenance.<ref>Axe, David. [http://www.offiziere.ch/?p=8949 "Fixing Worn-Out Raptors at Hill Air Force Base."] ''offiziere.ch,'' 4 August 2012.</ref>

===

===

[[Sukhoi PAK FA|Russian]] and [[Chengdu J-20|Chinese]] fighter developments have fueled concern; in 2009, General [[John D. W. Corley|John Corley]], head of [[Air Combat Command]], stated that a fleet of 187 F-22s would be inadequate, but Secretary Gates dismissed this concern.<ref name="topgeneralwarns">{{Cite news |last=Wolf |first=Jim |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2009/06/18/lockheed-f-idUSN1827570420090618 |title=Top general warns against ending F-22 fighter |agency=Reuters |date=18 June 2009 |accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref> In 2011, Gates explained that Chinese fifth-generation fighter developments had been accounted for when the number of F-22s was set, and that the U.S. would have a considerable advantage in stealth aircraft in 2025, even with F-35 delays.<ref>Gertz, Bill. [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/jan/9/chinas-stealth-jet-coming-on-gates-confirms/ "China's stealth jet coming on, Gates confirms."] ''[[The Washington Times]]'', 9 January 2011. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref> In December 2011, the 195th and final F-22 was completed out of 8 test and 187 operational aircraft produced, the final aircraft was delivered to the USAF on 2 May 2012.<ref name=cut/><ref name="FG_last_f-22">{{Cite news |last=Majumdar |first=Dave |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/in-focus-usaf-receives-last-f-22-raptor-371401/ |title=USAF receives last F-22 Raptor |work=Flight Global |date=3 May 2012 |accessdate=9 June 2014}}</ref>

===

===

The first combat-capable Block 3.0 aircraft first flew in 2001.<ref>[http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/docs/man-ac-f22-010105.htm "F-22 aircraft No. 4005 completes successful first flight."] ''[[Federation of American Scientists]]''. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref> Increment 2, the first F-22 upgrade program, was implemented in 2005 and gives the aircraft the ability to employ [[Joint Direct Attack Munition]]s (JDAM).<ref name="f22-increment">{{cite web |last=Majumdar |first= Dave |url= http://www.defensenews.com/article/20110530/DEFFEAT04/105300306/F-22-Getting-New-Brain |title=F-22 Getting New Brain |work=Defense News |date=30 May 2011 |accessdate=30 October 2013}}</ref> Increment 3.1 provides improved ground-attack capability through [[synthetic-aperture radar]] mapping and radio emitter [[direction finding]], [[Electronic warfare#Electronic attack| electronic attack]] and the [[Small Diameter Bomb|GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb]] (SDB); testing began in 2009 and the first upgraded aircraft was delivered in 2012.<ref>{{Citation |url= http://www.dote.osd.mil/pub/reports/FY2013/pdf/af/2013f22a.pdf |format= [[Portable document format |PDF]] |title= DOT&E FY2013 Annual Report – F-22A Advanced Tactical Fighter |publisher= OSD}}.</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Majumdar |first=Dave |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-fields-first-upgraded-f-22-raptors-369886/ |title=USAF fields first upgraded F-22 Raptors |work=Flightglobal |date=23 March 2012 |accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref> Increment 3.2 is a two-part upgrade process; 3.2A focuses on electronic warfare, communications and identification, while 3.2B will allow the F-22 to better employ the [[AIM-9 Sidewinder|AIM-9X]] and [[AIM-120 AMRAAM|AIM-120D]] missiles.<ref name="f22-scorpion">{{cite news |url=http://news.usni.org/2014/05/16/air-force-evaluating-new-targeting-monocle-f-22-raptor |title=Air Force Evaluating New Targeting Monocle for F-22 Raptor |last=Majumdar |first=Dave |date=16 May 2014 |publisher=U.S. Naval Institute |accessdate=16 May 2014}}</ref><ref name="f22-increment"/> The subsequent Increment 3.3 may include the adoption of an open avionics platform and air traffic control updates.<ref>Majumdar, Dave.[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/lockheed-awarded-69-billion-f-22-upgrade-contract-382576/ "Lockheed awarded $6.9 billion F-22 upgrade contract."] ''FlightGlobal.com,'' 21 February 2013.</ref><ref name="FG_last_f-22"/>

===

===

To enable two-way communication between the F-22 and other platforms, three business jets were equipped with the [[Battlefield Airborne Communications Node]] (BACN) in 2009.  Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman are currently competing to connect the F-22 with other platforms while maintaining stealth.<ref>Trimble, Stephen. [http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/analysis-northrop-lockheed-vie-to-connect-f-22-to-airborne-400181/ "Analysis: Northrop, Lockheed vie to connect F-22 to airborne network."] ''Flight Global'', 2 March 2014.</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Trimble |first=Stephen |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-deploys-global-express-jet-with-new-northrop-relay-329081/ |title=USAF deploys Global Express jet with new Northrop relay suite |work=Flight global |date=1 January 2009 |accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref> Other upgrades being developed include IRST functionality for the AN/AAR-56 Missile Launch Detector (MLD) and integration of the Visionix Scorpion helmet-mounted cueing system (HMCS) to enable off-boresight missile launches.<ref name= "mld" /><ref name= "f22-scorpion"/> In March 2010, the USAF accelerated software portions of 3.2 to be completed in FY 2013.<ref>Sirak, Michael C. [http://www.airforce-magazine.com/DRArchive/Pages/default.aspx "Daily Report Friday 26 March 2010."] ''Air Force magazine''. Retrieved: 5 April 2010.</ref><ref name="Fighter of the Future">Tirpak, John A. [http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2009/July%202009/0709Fighter.aspx "Fighter of The Future."] ''Air Force magazine''. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref>

===

===

In January 2011, the USAF opened the Raptor enhancement, development and integration (REDI) contract to bidders, with a $16 billion budget.<ref>{{cite web |last=Trimble |first=Stephen |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-invites-rivals-to-break-lockheeds-grip-on-f-22-upgrade-352677/ |title=USAF invites rivals to break Lockheed's grip on F-22 upgrade work |work=Flightglobal |date=2 February 2011|accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref> In November 2011, Lockheed Martin's upgrade contract was increased by $1.4 billion to a maximum $7.4 billion.<ref>[http://www.defense.gov/contracts/contract.aspx?contractid=4667 "Department of Defense contracts."]</ref><ref>Burnett, Richard. [http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/os-cfb-tech-lockheed-1212-20111212,0,2221226.story "Lockheed defense deals prevail despite budget crunch."] ''Orlando Sentinel'', 12 December 2011.</ref> Of the $11.7 billion allocated for upgrades, almost $2 billion was for structural repairs and to increase fleet availability rate from 55.5% to 70.6% by 2015.<ref>Sullivan, Michael J. [http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-447 "GAO-12-447, F-22A Modernization Program Faces Cost, Technical, and Sustainment Risks."] ''GAO'', 2 May 2012.</ref> Some F-35 technology, such as more durable stealth coatings, have been applied to the F-22.<ref>Trimble, Stephen. [http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-dewline/2010/10/lockheed-proposes-f-35ing-the.html "Lockheed proposes F-35'ing the F-22."] ''The DEW Line,'' 29 October 2010. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref><ref>Majumdar, Dave. [http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2011/04/air-force-raptor-joint-strike-fighter-radar-absorbent-coatings-040611w/ "Raptor to use F-35 radar absorbent coatings."] ''Air Force Times'', 6 April 2011. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref> Elements such as MADL are delayed until the F-35 is in service.<ref>Majumdar, Dave. [http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2011/03/air-force-raptor-madl-upgrade-033111w/ "Cost, risk scuttle planned Raptor data upgrade."] ''Air Force Times'', 31 March 2011. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref> By 2012, the update schedule had slipped seven years due to instability in requirements and funding.<ref>Stein, Keith. "Cost concerns over F-22 Raptor modernization plan." ''The Examiner'', 27 April 2012.</ref> In 2014 the USAF moved to cut upgrade funding.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140807/CONGRESSWATCH/308070020/Senate-Blocks-F-22-Cut-Little-Else-USAF-Reprograming |title=Senate Blocks F-22 Cut, Little Else for USAF Reprograming |last=Mehta |first=Aaron |date=7 August 2014 |website= defensenews.com |publisher=Gannett Government Media |accessdate=8 August 2014}}</ref> The F-22 fleet is planned to have 36 Block 20 training and 149 Block 30/35 combat aircraft in 2016.

===

===

While no definitive cause was found for the frequent oxygen deprivation issues responsible for several incidents, including a fatal crash, the F-22 will be upgraded with a backup oxygen system, software upgrades and oxygen sensors to normal operations in spite of the problem.<ref>Rector, Gene. [http://warnerrobinspatriot.com/bookmark/17646154-Officials-No-smoking-gun-uncovered-but-changes-will-make-F-22-safe-to-fly "Officials: No 'smoking gun' uncovered but changes will make F-22 safe to fly."] ''The Warner Robins Patriot'', 24 February 2012.</ref> In 2013, the faulty flight vest valves were replaced and altitude restrictions lifted; distance restrictions will be lifted once a backup oxygen system is installed.<ref>{{cite web |last=Majumdar |first=Dave |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-to-field-f-22-life-support-mods-this-january-380820/ |title=USAF to field F-22 life support mods this January |work=Flight global |date=8 January 2013|accessdate=31 October 2013}}</ref> In April 2014 the USAF stated in Congressional testimony that installation of automatic backup oxygen systems on the F-22 fleet would be completed within twelve months.<ref>Everstine, Brian. [http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140409/DEFREG02/304090034/All-F-22s-Backup-Oxygen-Systems-Within-12-Months/ All F-22s To Have Backup Oxygen Systems Within 12 Months] ''Defense News'', 9 April 2014, Retrieved: 10 April 2014.</ref>

===

===

The F-22 was designed for a lifespan of 30 years and 8,000 flight hours, with a $100 million "structures retrofit program".<ref>Gertler, Jeremiah. [https://opencrs.com/document/RL31673/2012-10-25/?26901 "Air Force F-22 Fighter Program."] ''CRS RL31673'', 25 October 2012.</ref> Investigations are being made for upgrades to extend their useful lives further.<ref name= "f22-problems">Rolfsen, Bruce. [http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2007/11/airforce_raptor_rust_071112w/ "F-22 design problems force expensive fixes."] ''Air Force Times'', 12 November 2007.</ref> In the long term, the F-22 is expected to eventually be replaced by the [[Sixth-generation jet fighter| Next Generation TACAIR]].<ref>Sherman, Jason. [http://insidedefense.com/201403112464029/Inside-Defense-General/Public-Articles/air-force-sets-plan-to-launch-sixth-gen-fighter-program-in-2018/menu-id-926.html "Air Force Sets Plan To Launch Sixth-Gen Fighter Program In 2018".] ''Inside Defense'', 11 March 2014. Retrieved: 30 June 2014.</ref>

===

===

==Design==

===

===

[[File:F-22F119.JPG|thumb|F-22 flying with its [[Pratt & Whitney F119|F119-PW-100]] engines on full afterburner|alt=Rear view of jet aircraft in-flight at dawn/dusk above mountains. Its engines are in full afterburner, evident through the presence of shock diamonds.]]

===

===

The F-22 Raptor is a [[Fifth generation jet fighter|fifth generation fighter]] that is considered fourth-generation in [[stealth aircraft]] technology by the USAF.<ref>Carlson, Maj. Gen. Bruce. [http://www.defense.gov/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=597 "Subject: Stealth Fighters."] ''U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) News Transcript''. Retrieved: 28 August 2011.</ref> It is the first operational aircraft to combine [[supercruise]], maneuverability, stealth, and sensor fusion into a single platform.<ref name="f22-capabilities"/> The Raptor has large trapezoidal wings, fixed-geometry inlets, and a retractable [[tricycle landing gear]]. Flight control surfaces include the rudders on the canted vertical stabilizers and the all-moving horizontal tails; these control surfaces also serve as the speed brake.<ref>Kohn, Lt. Col. Allen E. and Lt. Col. [[Steven M. Rainey]]. [http://www.webcitation.org/6R59QlJl3 "F-22 Flight Test Program Update."] 9 April 1999. Archived from [http://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/docs/f-22-emd-paper.htm original.]</ref> The aircraft's dual [[afterburner|afterburning]] [[Pratt & Whitney F119|Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100]] [[turbofan]] engines are placed close together and incorporate [[flight dynamics|pitch axis]] [[thrust vectoring]] nozzles with a range of ±20 degrees; each engine has a maximum thrust in the 35,000 [[pound-force|lbf]] (156 kN) class.<ref>Boettcher, Daniel. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7502739.stm "US shows off new Raptor jet."] ''BBC'', 11 July 2008. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref><ref name="F-22_factsheet"/>  The F-22's thrust to weight ratio in typical combat configuration is nearly at unity when using maximum military thrust (not using afterburner) and 1.25 when in afterburner.<ref>Sweetman, Bill, Long lance, Aviation Week and Space Technology, November 3/10, 2014, p.58</ref>  Maximum speed without external stores is estimated to be [[Mach (speed)|Mach]] 1.82 during [[supercruise]] and greater than Mach 2 with afterburners.<ref name="AFM">Ayton, Mark. "F-22 Raptor". ''[[AirForces Monthly]]'', August 2008, p. 75. Retrieved: 19 July 2008.</ref>{{#tag:ref|This capability was demonstrated in 2005 when General [[John P. Jumper]] exceeded Mach 1.7 in the F-22 without afterburners.<ref name="Gen_Jumper_Mach1.7">Powell, 2nd Lt. William. [http://archive.is/20121212204819/http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123009594 "General Jumper qualifies in F/A-22 Raptor."] ''Air Force Link'', 13 January 2005. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref>|group=N}}

===

===

The F-22 is among only a few aircraft that can supercruise, or sustained [[Supersonic speed|supersonic]] flight without using fuel-inefficient afterburners; targets can be intercepted which subsonic aircraft would lack the speed to pursue and an afterburner-dependent aircraft would lack the fuel to reach.<ref name="F-22_factsheet"/><ref>Tirpak, John A. [http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Documents/2001/March%202001/0301fighter.pdf "Airpower, led by the F-22, can 'kick the door down' for the other forces."] ''Air Force Magazine'', March 2001.</ref> The Raptor's high operating altitude is also a significant tactical advantage over prior fighters.<ref name="avweek_20070107">Fulghum, D.A. and M.J. Fabey. [http://www.webcitation.org/6Qpsm5PUo "F-22 Combat Ready."] ''[[Aviation Week]]'', 8 January 2007. Archived from [http://www.f22-raptor.com/media/documents/aviation_week_010807.pdf original.] Retrieved: 7 November 2009.</ref> The use of internal weapons bays allows the aircraft to maintain comparatively higher performance over most other aircraft due to a lack of drag from external stores. The F-22's structure contains extensive amounts of high-strength materials to withstand stress and heat of sustained supersonic flight. Respectively, [[titanium alloy]]s and composites comprise 39% and 24% of the aircraft's structural weight.<ref>Pike, John. [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/f-22-mp.htm "F-22 Materials and Processes".] "GlobalSecurity.org".</ref>

===

===

[[File:F-22 Raptor.ogg|thumb|left|Video of a F-22 flight demonstration|alt=Demonstration video of an F-22]]

===

===

The F-22 is [[supermaneuverability|highly maneuverable]] at both supersonic and subsonic speeds. Computerized [[fly-by-wire]] [[Aircraft flight control system|control system]] and full authority digital engine control ([[FADEC]]) make the aircraft highly [[departure resistance|departure resistant]] and enable it to remain controllable at aggressive pilot inputs.<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6REwxrOCV "F119 Engine".] Pratt & Whitney. Archived from [http://www.pw.utc.com/F119_Engine original.]</ref><ref name="pilotperspective">[http://www.webcitation.org/6RGU0iAEq "F-22 Pilot Perspective".] ''Code One Magazine'', October 2000</ref> The Raptor's [[relaxed stability]] and thrust vectoring allow the aircraft to turn tightly, and perform very high alpha ([[angle of attack]]) maneuvers such as the [[Herbst maneuver]] (J-turn) and [[Pugachev's Cobra]]. The F-22 is also capable of maintaining over 60° alpha while having some roll control.<ref name="peron_aoa">Peron, L. R. [http://www.sfte-ec.se/data/Abstract/A2000-II-02.pdf "F-22 Initial High Angle-of-Attack Flight Results."(Abstract)."] ''[[Air Force Flight Test Center]]''. Retrieved: 7 November 2009.</ref>

===

===

The F-22's aerodynamic performance, sensor fusion, and stealth work together for increased effectiveness. Altitude, speed, and advanced active and passive sensors allow targets to be spotted at considerable ranges and increase weapons range. Altitude and speed also complement stealth's effectiveness by increasing distance between the aircraft and ground defenses and giving defensive systems less time to react.<ref>Bedard, David. [http://www.dvidshub.net/news/88337/bird-prey-bulldogs-accept-delivery-last-raptor "Bulldogs accept delivery of last Raptor."] ''Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Public Affairs'', 11 May 2012.</ref><ref name="F-22_factsheet"/><ref>[[Rebecca Grant (political expert)|Grant, Rebecca.]] [http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Why_The_F-22_Is_Vital_Part_13_999.html "Why The F-22 Is Vital Part 13."] ''UPI'', 31 March 2009.</ref>

===

===

Key avionics include [[BAE Systems Electronics, Intelligence & Support|BAE Systems EI&S]] AN/ALR-94 [[radar warning receiver]] (RWR),<ref>Klass, Philip J. "Sanders Will Give BAE Systems Dominant Role in Airborne EW." ''[[Aviation Week]]'', Volume 153, issue 5, 31 July 2000, p. 74.</ref> Lockheed Martin AN/AAR-56 Infra-Red and Ultra-Violet Missile Launch Detector (MLD) and [[Northrop Grumman]] [[AN/APG-77]] [[Active Electronically Scanned Array]] (AESA) radar. The MLD features six sensors to provide full spherical infrared coverage.<ref name= "mld" /> The RWR is a passive radar detector with more than 30 antennas are blended into the wings and fuselage for all-round coverage. Tom Burbage, former F-22 program head at Lockheed Martin, described it as "the most technically complex piece of equipment on the aircraft."  The range of the RWR (250+ [[Nautical mile|nmi]]) exceeds the radar's, and can cue radar emissions to be confined to a narrow beam (down to 2° by 2° in azimuth and elevation) to increase stealth.<ref name="fighter_EW_next">Sweetman 2000, pp. 41–47.</ref>

===

===

[[File:APG-77-1A.jpg|thumb|The AN/APG-77 AESA radar|alt=Two personnel in white apparel handing a radar]]

===

===

The AN/APG-77 radar features a low-observable, active-aperture, electronically scanned array that can track multiple targets under any weather conditions. Radar emissions can also be focused to overload enemy sensors as an electronic-attack capability.<ref>[http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?F=876380&C=airwar "JSF-Raptor Radar Can Fry Enemy Sensors."] ''defensenews.com''. Retrieved: 7 November 2009.Retrieved: 7 November 2009.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/products/f22.html |title=F-22 Raptor |publisher=Lockheed Martin |accessdate=10 November 2012}}</ref> The radar changes frequencies more than 1,000 times per second to [[Low probability of intercept radar|lower interception probability]] and has an estimated range of 125–150 miles, though planned upgrades will allow a range of {{convert|250|mi|km}} or more in narrow beams.<ref name="avweek_20070107"/> Radar information is processed by two [[Raytheon]] Common Integrated Processor (CIP)s, each capable of processing up to 10.5 billion [[instructions per second]]. In a process known as sensor fusion, data from the radar, other sensors, and external systems is filtered and combined by the CIP into a common view, reducing pilot workload.<ref>[http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA301209&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf "Defense Science Board report on Concurrency and risk of the F-22 program."] ''Dtic.mil'', April 1995. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref>

===

===

The F-22's ability to operate close to the battlefield gives the aircraft threat detection and identification capability comparative with the [[Rivet Joint|RC-135 Rivet Joint]], and the ability to function as a "mini-[[Airborne Early Warning and Control|AWACS]]", though the radar is less powerful than those of dedicated platforms. The F-22 can designate targets for allies, and determine whether two friendly aircraft are targeting the same aircraft. This radar system can sometimes identify targets "many times quicker than the AWACS".<ref name="avweek_20070107"/> The [[FireWire|IEEE-1394B]] data bus developed for the F-22 was derived from the commercial IEEE-1394 "FireWire" bus system.<ref name="avweek_20070205">Philips, E.H. "The Electric Jet." ''[[Aviation Week]]'', 5 February 2007.</ref> In 2007, the F-22's radar was used as a wireless data transceiver during tests, transmitting data at 548 megabits per second and receiving at gigabit speed, far faster than the [[Link 16]] system.<ref>Page, Lewis. [http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/06/19/super_stealth_jet_acts_as_flying_wifi_hotspots/ "F-22 superjets could act as flying Wi-Fi hotspots."] ''The Register'', 19 June 2007. Retrieved: 7 November 2009.</ref>

===

===

The F-22's software has some 1.7 million [[source lines of code|lines of code]], the majority involving processing radar data.<ref>Pace 1999, p. 58.</ref> Former Secretary of the USAF Michael Wynne blamed the use of the DoD's [[Ada (programming language)|Ada]] for cost overruns and delays on many military projects, including the F-22.<ref>Wynne, Michael. [http://www.sldinfo.com/the-industrial-impact-of-the-decision-to-terminate-the-f-22-program/ "Michael Wynne on: The Industrial Impact of the Decision to Terminate the F-22 Program."] ''Second Line of Defense''. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref> Cyberattacks on subcontractors have reportedly raised doubts about the security of the F-22's systems and combat-effectiveness.<ref>{{cite web |author=Riley, Michael; Elgin, Ben |url=http://www.businessweek.com/news/2013-05-01/china-cyberspies-outwitting-u-dot-s-dot-stealing-vital-military-secrets |title=Business Week: China Cyberspies Outwit U.S. Stealing Military Secrets |work=Bloomberg Businessweek |date=2 May 2013 |accessdate=3 May 2013}}</ref>  In 2009, former Navy Secretary John Lehman considered the F-22 to be safe from cyberattack, citing the age of its IBM software.<ref>Thompson, Mark. [http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1912084,00.html "Defense Secretary Gates Downs the F-22."] ''Time'', 22 July 2009. Retrieved: 27 March 2010.</ref>

===

===

[[File:F-22-raptor-16.jpg|thumb|Cockpit of the F-22, showing instruments, head up display and throttle top (lower left)]]

===

===

The F-22 has a [[glass cockpit]] with all-digital flight instruments. The monochrome [[head-up display]] offers a wide field of view and serves as a primary flight instrument; information is also displayed upon six color [[liquid crystal display]] (LCD) panels.<ref name=Williams_p10>Williams 2002, p. 10.</ref> The primary flight controls are a force-sensitive [[side-stick]] controller and a pair of throttles. The USAF initially wanted to implement [[direct voice input]] (DVI) controls, but this was judged to be too technically risky and was abandoned.<ref>Goebel, Greg. [http://www.airvectors.net/avf22.html "The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor."] ''airvectors.net,'' 1 July 2011. Retrieved: 10 November 2012.</ref> The canopy's dimensions are approximately 140 inches long, 45 inches wide, and 27 inches tall (355 cm x 115 cm x 69 cm) and weighs 360 pounds.<ref name=LMBrettSHaisty>{{cite web |url=http://www.f22fighter.com/AffordableStealth.pdf |title=Lockheed Martin’s Affordable Stealth |publisher=Lockheed Martin |date=15 November 2000|page=2}}</ref>

===

===

The F-22 has integrated radio functionality, the signal processing systems are virtualized rather than as a separate hardware module.<ref>Kopp, Carlo. [http://www.ausairpower.net/API-Metz-Interview.html "~Just How Good Is The F-22 Raptor?"] "Australian Air Power", September 1998.</ref> There has been several reports on the F-22's inability to communicate with other aircraft, and funding cuts have affected the development of the [[Multifunction Advanced Data Link|MADL]] data link.<ref>[http://www.dodbuzz.com/2011/03/31/f-22s-wont-get-f-35-datalinksyet/ "F-22s Won’t Get F-35 Datalinks,Yet"] ''DoDBuzz'', 31 March 2011</ref> Voice communication is possible, but not data transfer.<ref name=AFM201008>AirForces Monthly, August 2010, p. 56.</ref>

===

===

The integrated control panel (ICP) is a keypad system for entering communications, navigation, and autopilot data. Two {{Convert|3|x|4|in|cm|abbr=on}} up-front displays located around the ICP are used to display integrated caution advisory/warning data, communications, navigation and identification (CNI) data and also serve as the stand-by flight instrumentation group and fuel quantity indicator.<ref name=MoirSeabridge>"Military Avionics Systems", Ian Moir and Allan Seabridge, Wiley, pp. 360</ref><ref name=Williams_p11>Williams 2002, p.&nbsp;11.</ref> The stand-by flight group displays an [[artificial horizon]], for basic [[instrument meteorological conditions]]. The {{Convert|8|x|8|in|cm|abbr=on}} [[Multi-function display|primary multi-function display]] (PMFD) is located under the ICP, and is used for navigation and situation assessment. Three {{Convert|6.25|x|6.25|in|cm|abbr=on}} secondary multi-function displays are located around the PMFD for tactical information and stores management.<ref name=Williams_p11/>

===

===

The ejection seat is a version of the [[ACES II]] (Advanced Concept Ejection Seat) commonly used in USAF aircraft, with a center-mounted ejection control.<ref name=goodrichflyer>[http://www.goodrich.com/gr-ext-templating/images/Goodrich%20Content/Business%20Content/Interiors/Products/Specialty%20Seating%20Systems/ACESII%20Data%20Sheet%20for%20website.pdf "ACES ll® Ejection Seat Programs"]{{dead link|date=October 2013}} ''Goodrich''.</ref> The F-22 has a complex [[life support system]], which includes the on-board oxygen generation system (OBOGS), protective pilot garments, and a breathing regulator/anti-g (BRAG) valve controlling flow and pressure to the pilot's mask and garments. The protective garments are designed to protect against chemical/biological hazards and [[Water landing|cold-water immersion]], to counter [[g-force]]s and low pressure at high altitudes, and to provide thermal relief. It was developed under the Advanced Technology Anti-G Suit (ATAGS) project.<ref name=ATAGSRichardsonSchwartz>"A preliminary investigation of a fluid-filled ECG-triggered anti-g suit", February 1994</ref> Suspicions regarding the performance of the OBOGS and life support equipment have been raised by several mishaps, including a fatal crash.<ref>Majumdar, Dave. [http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2011/09/air-force-bleed-air-issue-led-to-raptor-crash-sources-say-090811w/ "Sources: Bleed-air issue led to Raptor crash."] ''Air Force Times'', 8 September 2011.</ref>

===

===

[[File:F-22 GBU39B AIM-120 m02006120800117.jpg|thumb|right|AIM-120 AMRAAM (right) fitted in a weapons bay of an F-22]]

===

===

The Raptor has three internal weapons bays: a large bay on the bottom of the fuselage, and two smaller bays on the sides of the fuselage, aft of the engine intakes.<ref>Pace 1999, pp. 65–66.</ref> It can carry six medium range missiles in the center bay and one short–range missile in each side bay;<ref>[http://handle.dtic.mil/100.2/ADP010957 "Technologies for Future Precision Strike Missile Systems – Missile/Aircraft Integration."] ''Handle.dtic.mil.'' Retrieved: 26 September 2010.</ref> Four of the medium range missiles can be replaced with two bomb racks that can each carry one medium-size or four smaller bombs.<ref name="F-22_factsheet"/> Carrying armaments internally maintains the aircraft's stealth and minimizes additional drag. Missile launches require the bay doors to be open for less than a second, during which hydraulic arms push missiles clear of the aircraft; this is to reduce vulnerability to detection and to deploy missiles during high speed flight.<ref>[http://es.is.itt.com/AMRAAMAVEL.htm "LAU-142/A AMRAAM Vertical Eject Launcher AVEL."]{{dead link|date=November 2013}} ''es.is.itt.com''. Retrieved: 7 November 2009.</ref>

===

===

The F-22 can also carry air-to-surface weapons such as bombs with [[Joint Direct Attack Munition]] (JDAM) guidance and the [[Small-Diameter Bomb]], but cannot self-designate for laser-guided weapons.<ref name=DefIndDaily>{{cite web |author=Staff |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/f22-raptor-procurement-events-updated-02908/ |title=The F-22 Raptor: Program & Events |work=Defense Industry Daily |date=13 October 2013 |accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref> Internal air-to-surface ordnance is limited to 2,000 lb.<ref name=Polmar>Polmar 2005, p. 397.</ref> An internally mounted [[M61 Vulcan|M61A2 Vulcan]] 20 mm [[Gatling gun|cannon]] is embedded in the right wing root with the muzzle covered by a door to maintain stealth.<ref name=Miller_2005_p94>Miller 2005, p. 94.</ref> The radar projection of the cannon fire's path is displayed on the pilot's head-up display.<ref>DeMarban, Alex. [http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/target-towing-cessna-pilot-unconcerned-about-live-fire-practice-f-22s "Target-towing Cessna pilot unconcerned about live-fire practice with F-22s."] ''Alaska Dispatch'', 3 May 2012.</ref>

===

===

[[File:F-22 AIM-120.jpg|thumb|left|F-22 with external weapons pylons]]

===

===

The F-22's high cruise speed and altitude increase the effective ranges of its munitions, it has 50% greater employment range for the [[AIM-120 AMRAAM]] than prior platforms, and range will be further extended with the eventual introduction of the AIM-120D.<ref name="pilotperspective"/> While specifics are [[Classified information in the United States|classified]], it is expected that JDAMs employed by F-22s will have twice or more the effective range of legacy platforms.<ref name="afm_200605">"USAF Almanac." ''Air Force magazine'', May 2006.</ref> In testing, a F-22 dropped a 1,000 lb (450 kg) JDAM from 50,000 feet (15,000 m) while cruising at Mach 1.5, striking a moving target {{convert|24|mi|km}} away.<ref name="upi_20061122">{{Cite news |url=http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2006/11/22/US-orders-two-dozen-raptors-for-2010/UPI-51851164210418/ |title=U.S. orders two dozen raptors for 2010 |agency=[[United Press International]] |date=22 November 2006 |accessdate=24 June 2010}}</ref>

===

===

While the F-22 typically carries weapons internally, the wings include four [[hardpoint]]s, each rated to handle {{convert|5000|lb|kg|abbr=on}}. Each hardpoint has a pylon that can carry a detachable 600 gallon fuel tank or a launcher holding two air-air missiles. The use of external stores degrades the F-22's stealth, maneuverability and speed. The two inner hardpoints are "plumbed" for external fuel tanks; the hardpoints can be jettisoned in flight to maximize the aircraft's stealth after exhausting external stores.<ref>Pace 1999, pp. 71–72.</ref> A stealth ordnance pod and pylon is being developed to carry additional weapons internally.<ref>Tirpak, John A. [http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2005/January%202005/0105raptor.aspx "The Raptor as Bomber."] ''Air Force magazine'', January 2005. Retrieved: 25 July 2009.</ref>

===

===

[[File:F 22 raptor bomb bay display 2014 Reno Air Races photo D Ramey Logan.jpg|thumb|left|For stealth, the F-22 carries weapons in internal bays. The doors for the center and side bays are open; note the six LAU-142/A AMRAAM Vertical Ejection Launchers (AVEL).]]

===

===

The F-22 was designed to be highly difficult to detect and track by radar. Measures to reduce its radar signature include airframe shaping such as planform alignment of edges, [[Intake ramp|fixed-geometry]] serpentine inlets that prevent line-of-sight of the engine faces from any exterior view, use of radar absorbent material (RAM), and attention to detail such as hinges and pilot helmets that could provide a radar return. The F-22 was also designed to have decreased radio, heat and noise emissions as well as reduced visibility to the naked eye.<ref name= "gs_f22_stealth">Pike, John. [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/f-22-stealth.htm "F-22 Stealth".] ''Global Security''. Retrieved: 21 February 2007.</ref> The aircraft's flat thrust vectoring nozzle reduces infrared emissions to mitigate the threat of [[infrared homing]] ("heat seeking") [[Surface-to-air missile|surface-to-air]] or [[air-to-air missiles]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Trimble |first= Stephen |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-dewline/2008/07/russias-views-about-the-new-f2/ |title=Russia's views about the new F-22 flying display |work=Flight global |date= 16 July 2008 |accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref> Further measures to reduce the infrared signature include special paint and [[Regenerative cooling|active cooling]] of leading edges to manage the heat buildup from supersonic flight.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.northropgrumman.com/analysis-center/paper/assets/analogues_stealth.pdf |title= Analogues of Stealth |publisher= Northrop Grumman |date= 27 April 2012 |type= analysis paper |format= [[Portable document format|PDF]] }}.</ref>

===

===

Compared to previous stealth designs like the [[F-117 Nighthawk|F-117]], the F-22 is less reliant on RAM, which are maintenance-intensive and susceptible to adverse weather conditions. Unlike the [[Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit |B-2]], which requires climate-controlled hangars, the F-22 can undergo repairs on the flight line or in a normal hangar. The F-22 features a ''Signature Assessment System'' which delivers warnings when the radar signature is degraded and necessitates repair.<ref name= "avweek_20070107" /> The F-22's exact [[radar cross-section]] (RCS) is classified; however, in 2009 Lockheed Martin released information indicating it has an RCS (from certain angles) of −40 [[Decibel#Radar|dBsm]] – equivalent to the radar reflection of a "steel marble".<ref name="f22-design-shows">Fulghum, David A. [http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/F22-020409.xml "F-22 Raptor To Make Paris Air Show Debut"]{{dead link|date=October 2013}} ''[[Aviation Week]]'', 4 February 2009. Retrieved: 15 February 2009.</ref>  Effectively maintaining the stealth features can decrease the F-22's [[availability|mission capable rate]] to 62–70%.{{#tag:ref|"…noting that Raptors are ready for a mission around 62 percent of the time, if its low-observable requirements are met (DAILY, 20 November). Reliability goes up above 70 percent for missions with lower stealth demands."<ref>Butler, Amy. [http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/F22s021709.xml "USAF Chief Defends F-22 Need, Capabilities."]{{dead link|date= October 2013}} ''[[Aviation Week]]'', 17 February 2009. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref> |group= N}}

===

===

The effectiveness of the stealth characteristics is difficult to gauge.  The RCS value is a restrictive measurement of the aircraft's frontal or side area from the perspective of a static radar. When an aircraft maneuvers it exposes a completely different set of angles and surface area, potentially increasing radar observability. Furthermore, stealth contouring and radar absorbent materials are chiefly effective against high-frequency radars, usually found on other aircraft. [[Low-frequency radar]]s, employed by weather radars and ground warning stations, are alleged to be less affected by stealth technologies and are thus more capable as detection platforms.<ref>Sprey, Pierre. "Interview," 22 June 2008.</ref><ref>Weiner, Tim. ''Blank Check: The Pentagon's Black Budget''. New York: Warner Books, 1990. ISBN 978-0-44639-275-4.</ref> While faint or fleeting radar contacts make defenders aware that a stealth aircraft is present, reliably vectoring interception to attack the aircraft is much more challenging.<ref>[[Rebecca Grant (political expert)|Grant, Rebecca]]. [http://www.afa.org/Mitchell/Reports/MS_RadarGame_0910.pdf "The Radar Game."]{{dead link|date=October 2013}} ''[[Mitchell Institute]]'', 2010. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref> According to the USAF an F-22 surprised an Iranian [[F-4 Phantom II]] that was attempting to intercept an American [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|UAV]], despite Iran's claim of having [[Matla-ul-fajr|military VHF radar coverage]] over the Persian Gulf.<ref>http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/09/17/welsh-f22-flew-to-drones-rescue-off-iran-coast.html</ref>

===

===

==Operational history==

===

===

[[File:Usaf.kc135.750pix.jpg|thumb|An F-22 refuels from a [[KC-135 Stratotanker|KC-135]] during testing; the attachment on the back top is for a spin recovery chute|alt=Rear/starboard view of aerial refueling tanker transferring fuel to a jet fighter via a long boom. The two aircraft are slightly banking left.]]

===

===

The YF-22 was originally given the unofficial name "Lightning II", after the World War II fighter [[P-38]], by Lockheed, which persisted until the mid-1990s when the USAF officially named the aircraft "Raptor". The aircraft was also briefly dubbed "SuperStar" and "Rapier".<ref>[http://www.aerospaceweb.org/question/history/q0221.shtml "Military Aircraft Names."] ''Aerospaceweb.org.'' Retrieved: 26 September 2010.</ref> In September 2002, USAF changed the Raptor's designation to F/A-22, mimicking the Navy's [[McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet]] and intended to highlight a planned ground-attack capability amid debate over the aircraft's role and relevance. The F-22 designation was reinstated in December 2005, when the aircraft entered service.<ref name="F-22_factsheet"/><ref name="afp_20051205">"U.S. to Declare F-22 Fighter Operational." ''[[Agence France-Presse]]'', 15 December 2005.</ref>

===

===

Flight testing of the F-22 began in 1997 with Raptor 4001, the first EMD jet, and eight more F-22s would participate in the EMD and flight test program.<ref name="gs_f22_flight_tests">Pike, John. [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/f-22-testfly.htm "F-22 Raptor Flight Test".] ''GlobalSecurity.org''. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref> Raptor 4001 was retired from flight testing in 2000 and subsequently sent to [[Wright-Patterson Air Force Base]] (AFB) for survivability testing, including live fire testing and battle damage repair training.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.codeonemagazine.com/gallery_slideshow.html?fa44c7e5ba83d833e4ac50ea5bc58dd6=2&gallery_id=129&gallery_style=3 |title=F-22 Milestones – Part 2 |publisher=Code One Magazine |date= |accessdate=2013-11-16}}</ref> EMD F-22s have been used for testing upgrades, and also as maintenance trainers.<ref>{{cite web|last=Majumdar |first=Dave |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-dewline/2013/05/raptor-4007-starts-testing-inc/ |title=Raptor 4007 starts testing Inc 3.2A upgrade on its 1000th sortie |publisher= Flightglobal.com |date=7 May 2013 |accessdate=16 November 2013}}</ref> The first production F-22 was delivered to [[Nellis Air Force Base|Nellis AFB]], [[Nevada]], in January 2003.<ref>Miller 2005, p.&nbsp;65.</ref>

===

===

In May 2006, a released report documented a problem with the F-22's forward titanium boom, caused by defective heat-treating.  This made the boom on roughly the first 80 F-22s less [[ductile]] than specified and potentially shortened the part's life. Modifications and inspections were implemented to the booms to restore life expectancy.<ref name="f22-problems"/><ref name=autogenerated1>Offley, Ed. [http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-145240376.html "Flaw Could Shorten Raptors' Lives."] News Herald (Panama City, FL), 4 May 2006. Retrieved: 12 February 2014.</ref>

===

===

In August 2008, an unmodified F-22 of the 411th Flight Test Squadron performed in the first ever air-to-air refueling of an aircraft using synthetic jet fuel as part of a wider USAF effort to qualify aircraft to use the fuel, a 50/50 mix of [[JP-8]] and a [[Fischer-Tropsch process]]-produced, natural gas-based fuel.<ref>Delos Reyes, Julius. [http://www.f-16.net/news_article3040.html "Edwards F-22 Raptor performs aerial refueling using synthetic fuel."] ''Desert Eagle'', 3 September 2008, via ''F-16.net''. Retrieved: 14 September 2011.</ref> In 2011, an F-22 flew supersonic on a 50% mixture of biofuel derived from [[camelina]].<ref>Quick, Darren. [http://www.gizmag.com/f-22-raptor-biofuel-flight/18218/ "F-22 Raptor hits Mach 1.5 on camelina-based biofuel."] ''Gizmag'', 23 March 2011.</ref>

===

===

[[File:F-22A Raptor -03-4058.jpg|thumb|An F-22 fires an [[AIM-120 AMRAAM]]|alt=Jet fighter flying above a streaking missile, which had moments earlier been released by the former.]]

===

===

In December 2005, the USAF announced that the F-22 had achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://archive.is/20120723113239/http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123013572 |archivedate=23 July 2012 |title=F-22A Raptor goes operational |publisher=U.S. Air Force |date=15 December 2005 |accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref> During Exercise [[Northern Edge]] in Alaska in June 2006, in simulated combat exercises 12 F-22s of the 94th FS downed 108 adversaries with no losses.<ref name="afpn_20060623_ad" /> In the exercises, the Raptor-led Blue Force amassed 241 kills against two losses in air-to-air combat; neither Blue Force loss was an F-22. During [[Red Flag (USAF)|Red Flag]] 07-1 in February 2007, 14 F-22s of the 94th FS supported Blue Force strikes and undertook close air support sorties. Against superior numbers of [[Aggressor squadron|Red Force Aggressor]] F-15s and F-16s, 6–8 F-22s maintained air dominance throughout. No sorties were missed because of maintenance or other failures, a single F-22 was judged lost against the defeated opposing force.{{#tag:ref|The F-22 was "lost" when a victim exited the area, regenerated and immediately re-engaged; the pilot had erroneously assumed it was still "dead".|group=N}} F-22s also provided airborne electronic surveillance.<ref name="flag">Schanz, Marc V. [http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2007/May%202007/0507world.aspx "Aerospace World: Red Flag Raptors."] ''Air Force magazine'', May 2007. Retrieved: 9 February 2008.</ref>

===

===

The Raptor achieved Full Operational Capability (FOC) in December 2007, when General John Corley of Air Combat Command (ACC) officially declared the F-22s of the integrated active duty [[1st Fighter Wing]] and [[Virginia Air National Guard]] [[192d Fighter Wing]] fully operational.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hopper |first=David |archiveurl=http://archive.is/20120718072158/http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123079133 |archivedate=18 July 2012 |title=F-22s at Langley receive FOC status |url=http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123079133 |publisher=U.S. Air Force |date=12 December 2007 |accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref> This was followed by an Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI) of the integrated wing in April 2008, in which it was rated "excellent" in all categories, with a simulated kill-ratio of 221–0.<ref>Schultz, 2nd Lt. Georganne E. [http://www.f-16.net/news_article2848.html "Langley earns 'excellent' in ORI."] ''F-16.net,'' 22 April 20078. Retrieved: 9 May 2010.</ref>

===

===

[[File:Raptor and TU-95.jpg|thumb|An F-22 from [[Elmendorf AFB]], Alaska, intercepting a Russian [[Tupolev Tu-95]] near American airspace |alt=Aerial port view of two aircraft in flight, one on top of the other. The bottom aircraft is a four-engined propeller-driven aircraft, which is escorted by a jet fighter.]]

===

===

In February 2007, while attempting its first overseas deployment to the [[Kadena Air Base]] in Okinawa, Japan, six F-22s of [[27th Fighter Squadron]] flying from [[Hickam AFB]], Hawaii, experienced multiple software-related system failures while crossing the [[International Date Line]] ([[180th meridian]] of [[longitude]]).  The aircraft returned to Hawaii by following [[Aerial refueling|tanker aircraft]]. Within 48 hours, the error was resolved and the journey resumed.<ref>[http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/f22-squadron-shot-down-by-the-international-date-line-03087/ "F-22 Squadron Shot Down by the International Date Line."] ''Defense Industry Daily,'' 1 March 2007. Retrieved: 5 February 2014.</ref><ref name= Raptors_arrive>{{cite web |url=http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123041567 |last=Johnson |first=Maj. Dani |title=Raptors arrive at Kadena |publisher=US Air Force |date= 19 February 2007 |accessdate=1 November 2013 |archiveurl=http://archive.is/20120525231804/http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123041567 |archivedate=25 May 2012}}</ref> By January 2013, F-22s have been deployed to Kadena Air Base seven times,<ref>[http://airrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=603 "12 F-22 Raptors deployed to Japan."] ''Air recognition'', 14 January 2013.</ref> and in early 2013, F-22s were involved in U.S.-South Korean military drills.<ref>{{Cite news |url= http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/04/01/us-reportedly-sends-f-22-jets-to-join-south-korea-drills/ |title=US sends F-22 jets to join South Korea drills |work= Fox News |date= 1 April 2013 |accessdate= 31 October 2013}}</ref> In June 2014, F-22s from the 199th Fighter Squadron of the Hawaii Air National Guard were deployed to Malaysia to participate in the Cope Taufan 2014 exercise conducted by the USAF Pacific Air Forces and [[Royal Malaysian Air Force]].<ref>{{Cite web |last= Mahadzir |first= Dzirhan |place= Kuala Lumpur |url= http://www.janes.com/article/38842/f-22s-land-in-malaysia-for-first-southeast-asian-exercise |title= F-22s land in Malaysia for first Southeast Asian exercise |publisher= IHS |newspaper= Jane's 360 |date= 4 June 2014 |accessdate= 29 June 2014}}.</ref>

===

===

In November 2007, F-22s of 90th Fighter Squadron performed their first NORAD interception of two Russian [[Tupolev Tu-95 |Tu-95MS "Bear-H"]] bombers over Alaska.<ref>[http://www.airforce-magazine.com/DRArchive/Pages/2007/December%202007/December%2014%202007/1025raptor.aspx "Raptors Perform First Intercept of Russian Bombers."] ''Air Force magazine'', Daily Report, 14 December 2007. Retrieved: 9 May 2010.</ref>  Since then, F-22s have also escorted probing [[Tupolev Tu-160| Tu-160 "Blackjack"]] bombers.<ref>{{Cite news |place= [[Russia |RU]] |url= http://en.ria.ru/russia/20100325/158312005.html |title=Russian Air Force denies it violated British airspace |agency=RIA Novosti |date=25 March 2010 |accessdate= 30 October 2013}}</ref> The first pair of F-22s assigned to the [[49th Fighter Wing]] became operational at [[Holloman Air Force Base| Holloman AFB]], [[New Mexico]], in June 2008.<ref>"Air Force World." ''Air Force magazine'', July 2008, Vol. 91, No. 7, p. 20.</ref>  In 2014, Holloman Raptors and their support personnel were reassigned to the reactivated [[95th Fighter Squadron]] at Tyndall AFB.<ref name= IOC>{{cite web |url= http://www.tyndall.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123407983 |title= IOC declared for 95th Fighter Squadron |first= Ashley M. |last=Wright |publisher=325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs |date=April 21, 2014 |accessdate=June 13, 2014}}</ref>

===

===

Secretary of Defense Gates initially refused to deploy F-22s to the Middle East in 2007.<ref>Clark, Colin. [http://www.dodbuzz.com/2008/06/30/gates-opposed-af-plans-to-deploy-f-22-to-iraq/ "Gates Opposed AF Plans to Deploy F-22 to Iraq."] ''DOD Buzz'', 30 June 2008. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref>  The aircraft would have its first deployment in the region at [[Al Dhafra Air Base]] in the UAE in 2009. In April 2012, F-22s have been rotating into Al Dhafra Air Base, less than 200 miles from Iran;<ref>{{Cite news |last=Butler |first=Amy |url=http://aviationweek.com/defense/uae-based-f-22s-signal-iran |title=UAE-based F-22s a Signal to Iran |work=Aviation Week |date=12 April 2012 |accessdate=3 June 2014}}</ref><ref>Munoz, Carlos. [http://thehill.com/policy/defense/224315-reports-dod-deploys-f-22-fighters-near-iranian-border "Reports: DOD deploys F-22 fighters near Iranian border".] ''The Hill'', 27 April 2012.</ref> the Iranian defense minister referred to the deployment as a security threat.<ref>{{Cite news |url= http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/04/30/iran-us-stealth-fighter-deployment-to-uae-harmful/ |title=Iran: US stealth fighter deployment to UAE harmful |work=Fox News |date=30 April 2012 |accessdate= 31 October 2013}}</ref> In March 2013 the USAF announced that an F-22 had confronted and chased off an Iranian [[F-4 Phantom II]] that approached within 16 miles of an [[MQ-1 Predator]] flying off the Iranian coastline.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/09/17/welsh-f22-flew-to-drones-rescue-off-iran-coast.html?comp=700001075741&rank=6 |title= F-22 Flew to Drone's Rescue off Iran Coast |newspaper= Military |date= 17 September 2013}}.</ref>

===

===

On 22 September 2014, F-22s performed the type's first combat sorties during the [[2014 American intervention in Syria|U.S. intervention in Syria]]; a number of aircraft dropped 1,000-pound GPS-guided bombs on [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|Islamic State]] targets in the vicinity of [[Tishrin Dam]].<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://aviationweek.com/defense/f-22-s-takes-first-shot-against-ground-not-air-target |title= F-22s takes first shot against ground, not air target |newspaper= Aviation week}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://medium.com/war-is-boring/america-feared-syrias-air-defenses-d902ed37577e |title= America Feared Syria’s Air Defenses |publisher=medium.com |work=War Is Boring blog}}</ref> Combat operations by F-22s are planned to continue into the foreseeable future. While some missions involve striking targets, the F-22's main role is [[intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance]] (ISR) gathering.<ref>[http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140929/DEFREG02/309290029/F-22-Continuing-Operations-Syria F-22 Continuing Operations in Syria] - Defensenews.com, 29 September 2014</ref>

===

===

In one of his last interviews before retiring from ACC, Hostage said the USAF used tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP) to overcome the disparity between the Raptor's communications abilities and older, fourth-generation assets during the deployment. Although the combat operations were not the most rigorous test of the aircraft, Hostage said that it performed "flawlessly".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://breakingdefense.com/2014/10/accs-gen-hostage-on-fifth-gen-combat-cloud-and-syria/ |title=ACC’s Gen. Hostage: On Fifth Gen Combat Cloud And Syria |last1=Laird |first1=Robbin |last2=Timperlake |first2=Ed |date=22 October 2014 |website=breakingdefense.com |publisher=Breaking Media, Inc. |accessdate=22 October 2014}}</ref>

===

===

The USAF is currently testing a rapid deployment concept involving four F-22s and one C-17 for support. First proposed in 2008 by two F-22 pilots, the goal of such a deployment package is to able to set up and engage in combat within 24 hours.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.airforcemag.com/Features/Pages/2013/September%202013/box092613rapid.aspx |title=Rapid Raptor Package |last=Schanz |first=Marc |date= 28 September 2013 |website= Air force mag |publisher=Air Force Association |accessdate=1 October 2013}}</ref><ref>http://www.pacaf.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123433300</ref>

===

===

===Maintenance and training===

===

===

F-22 had a mission capable rate of 62% in 2004, 70% in 2009, and was predicted to reach 85% as the fleet reached 100,000 flight hours.<ref name="hatch.senate.gov"/><ref name= "tyndalltraining">Camelo, Maj. Wilson. [http://www.webcitation.org/6RTt4i2Et "Tyndall AFB takes F-22 pilot training to next level".] ''U.S. Air Force'', 30 July 2014. Archived from [http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/tabid/223/Article/486936/tyndall-afb-takes-f-22-pilot-training-to-next-level.aspx original.]</ref> Early on, the F-22 required more than 30 hours of maintenance per flight hour and a total cost per flight hour of $44,000; by 2008 it was reduced to 18.1, and 10.5 by 2009; lower than the Pentagon's requirement of 12 maintenance hours per flight hour.<ref name= "AWST">[http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/awst/2011/11/14/AW_11_14_2011_p37-392429.xml "USAF Weighs Future Priority Needs."]{{dead link|date=October 2013}} ''Aviation Week'', 21 November 2011.</ref> When introduced, the F-22 had a Mean Time Between Maintenance (MTBM) of 1.7 hours, short of the required 3.0; in 2012 this rose to 3.2 hours.<ref name= "hatch.senate.gov" /> By 2013, the cost per flight hour was $68,362, over three times as much as the F-16.<ref>{{cite web |last=Thompson |first=Mark |url=http://nation.time.com/2013/04/02/costly-flight-hours/ |title=Costly Flight Hours |work= Time |date= 2 April 2013 |accessdate= 1 November 2013}}</ref>

===

===

Each aircraft requires a month-long packaged maintenance plan (PMP) every 300 flight hours.<ref name= "tyndalltraining"/> The stealth system, including its radar absorbing metallic skin, account for almost one third of maintenance. The canopy was redesigned after the original design lasted an average of 331 hours instead of the required 800 hours.<ref name= "hatch.senate.gov" /> F-22 depot maintenance is performed at Ogden Air Logistics Complex at Hill AFB, Utah.<ref>[http://www.wpafb.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123350437 "Air Force to consolidate F-22 depot maintenance at Hill".] ''U.S. Air Force'', 29 May 2013. Retrieved 3 July 2014.</ref>

===

===

In January 2007, the F-22 reportedly maintained 97% sortie rate, flying 102 out of 105 tasked sorties while amassing a 144-to-zero kill ratio during "Northern Edge" air-to-air exercises in Alaska. According to Lieutenant Colonel Wade Tolliver, squadron commander of the 27th Fighter Squadron, the stealth coatings of the F-22 are more robust than those used in earlier stealth aircraft, being less sensitive to weather and wear and tear.<ref name= "avweek_20070107" /> However, rain caused "shorts and failures in sophisticated electrical components" when F-22s were posted to [[Guam]].<ref>Holmes, Erik. [http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2009/10/airforce_F22_100409w/ "F-22 problems linked to rain in Guam."] ''Air Force Times'', 5 October 2009. Retrieved: 9 May 2010.</ref>

===

===

To reduce operating costs and lengthen the F-22's service life, some pilot training sorties are performed using high fidelity flight simulators, while the [[Northrop T-38 Talon| T-38 Talon]] is used for adversary training.<ref name="tyndalltraining"/> [[Budget Control Act of 2011|DoD budget cuts]] led to F-22 demonstration flights being halted in 2013; the demonstration flights were resumed in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.swxrightnow.com/story/21748697/f-22-raptor-team-wont-fly-at-water-follies |title= F-22 Raptor Team Won't Fly at Water Follies |newspaper= SWX right now}}.</ref><ref>{{Citation |contribution-url= http://www.acc.af.mil/aerialevents/f22a/ |title= Aerial events |publisher= Air force |contribution= F-22A Demo Team |place= [[United States of America|US]]}}.</ref> In 2012, it was reported that the F-22's maintenance demands have increased as the fleet aged; maintaining the stealth coatings is particularly demanding.<ref>{{cite web |author=Axe, David |url=http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/11/f-35-gets-stealthier/ |title=Lockheed’s Dubious Claim: Stealth Fighter Will Get Stealthier With Age |work=Wired |date=6 November 2012 |accessdate=30 October 2013}}</ref><ref>King, Senior Airman Joan. [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2012/11/mil-121127-afns02.htm "F-22's success more than 'skin deep'".] ''Global security.'' Retrieved: 3 December 2012.</ref>

===

===

Operational problems have been experienced and some have caused fleet-wide groundings. Critically, pilots have experienced a decreased mental status, including losing consciousness. There were reports of instances of pilots found to have a decreased level of alertness or memory loss after landing.<ref name="Cox">Cox, Bob. "Despite investigation, safety concerns linger on F-22." ''Star Telegram'', 25 August 2012.</ref> F-22 pilots have experienced lingering respiratory problems and a chronic cough; other symptoms include irritability, emotional lability and neurological changes.<ref name= "Cox" /> A number of possible causes were investigated, including possible exposure to noxious chemical agents from the respiratory tubing, pressure suit malfunction, side effects from oxygen delivery at greater-than-atmospheric concentrations, and oxygen supply disruptions. Other problems include minor mechanical problems and navigational software failures.<ref name="Wastnage">{{cite web |last=Wastnage |first=Justin |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-navigational-software-glitch-forces-lockheed-martin-f-22-raptors-back-to-hawaii-212102/ |title=Navigational software glitch forces Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptors back to Hawaii, abandoning first foreign deployment to Japan |work=Flightglobal |date=14 February 2007 |accessdate=11 May 2012}}</ref> The fleet was grounded for four months in 2011 before resuming flight, but reports of oxygen issues persisted.<ref name=CBS_60min>Sughrue, Karen (producer) and [[Lesley Stahl]]. [http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18560_162-57427432/is-the-air-forces-f-22-fighter-jet-making-pilots-sick/ "Is the Air Force's F-22 fighter jet making pilots sick?"] ''[[60 Minutes]]: CBC News'', 6 May 2012. Retrieved: 7 May 2012.</ref>

===

===

In 2005, the Raptor Aeromedical Working Group, a USAF expert panel, recommended several changes to deal with the oxygen supply issues.<ref>Talmadge, Eric. [http://www.ajc.com/ap/ap/general/ap-impact-air-force-insiders-foresaw-f-22-woes/nSM5t/ "AP Impact: Air Force insiders foresaw F-22 woes."]{{dead link|date=October 2013}} ''AP'', 27 September 2012.</ref> In October 2011, Lockheed Martin was awarded a $24M contract to investigate the breathing difficulties.<ref>Majumdar, Dave. [http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=8066393&c=AIR&s=TOP "$24M Awarded to Find Cause of F-22 Oxygen Problem."] ''Defense News'', 26 October 2011.</ref> In July 2012, the Pentagon concluded that a pressure valve on flight vests worn during high-altitude flights and a carbon air filter were likely sources of at least some hypoxia-like symptoms. Long-distance flights were resumed, but were limited to lower altitudes until corrections had been made. The carbon filters were changed to a different model to reduce lung exposure to carbon particulates.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ackerman |first=Spencer |url= http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/07/f22-valve/ |title=Pentagon: Blame Tight Vests, Not Stealth Jets, for Choking Pilots |work=Wired |date=24 July 2012 |accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref><ref>Everstine, Brian. [http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2012/07/ap-panetta-approves-lifting-f22-flight-limits-072412/ "Panetta approves plan to lift F-22 limits."] ''[[Military Times]]'', 24 July 2012.</ref> The breathing regulator/anti-g (BRAG) valve, used to inflate the pilot's vest during high G maneuvers, was found to be defective, inflating the vest at unintended intervals and restricting the pilot's breathing.<ref>{{Citation |url= http://www.military.com/daily-news/2012/08/01/air-force-confident-f22-oxygen-riddle-solved.html |newspaper= Military |title= Air Force Confident F-22 Oxygen Riddle Solved |first= Michael |last= Hoffman |date= 1 August 2012}}.</ref> The on-board oxygen generating system (OBOGS) also unexpectedly reduced oxygen levels during high-G maneuvers.<ref>Fabey, Michael. [http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/asd_10_12_2012_p03-02-506094.xml "USAF Still Reviewing Oxygen Concentration Levels For F-22 Cockpit."] ''Aerospace Daily & Defense Report'', 12 October 2012.</ref>  In late 2012, Lockheed Martin was awarded contracts to install a supplemental automatic oxygen backup system, in addition to the primary and manual backup.<ref>Yakey, Randal. [http://www.newsherald.com/news/government/lockheed-martin-gets-additional-11-9-million-for-f-22-fixes-1.46643 "Lockheed Martin gets additional $11.9 million for F-22 fixes."] ''News Herald'', 8 November 2012.</ref> Changes recommended by the Raptor Aeromedical Working Group in 2005 received further consideration in 2012;<ref>Cox, Bob. [http://blogs.star-telegram.com/sky_talk/2012/09/air-force-we-understand-f-22-problems-and-fixing-them.html "Air Force: We understand F-22 problems and fixing them."] ''Star Telegram'', 13 September 2012.</ref> the USAF reportedly considered installing EEG brain wave monitors on the pilot's helmets for inflight monitoring.<ref>Lessig, Hugh. [http://www.dailypress.com/news/military/dp-nws-f22-pilot-brains-20121203,0,5153198.story "Taking a closer look at F-22 pilots."] "HRmilitary.com,'' 3 December 2012. Retrieved: 3 December 2012.</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Axe |first=David |url=http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/09/f-22-oxygen-unsolved/ |title=Stealth Fighter's Oxygen Woes Still A Mystery, Air Force Admits |work=Wired |date=13 September 2012 |accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref>

===

===

New backup oxygen generators and filters have been installed on the aircraft. The coughing symptoms have been attributed to acceleration [[atelectasis]], which may be exacerbated by the F-22's high performance; there is no present solution to the condition. The presence of toxins and particles in some ground crew was deemed to be unrelated.<ref>[http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CHRG-112hhrg76215/html/CHRG-112hhrg76215.htm "H.A.S.C. No. 112-154&#93; F-22 pilot physiological issues."] '' GPO''. Retrieved: 16 August 2013.</ref> On 4 April 2013, the distance and altitude flight restrictions were lifted after the F-22 Combined Test Force and 412th Aerospace Medicine Squadron determined that breathing restrictions on the pilot were responsible as opposed to an issue with the oxygen provided.<ref>{{cite web |last=Everstone |first=Brian |url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20130404/DEFREG02/304040017 |title=Flight Restrictions Lifted for F-22s with Auto Oxygen System |work=Defense News |date=4 April 2013 |accessdate=30 August 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |work=Air Combat Command Public Affairs |url=http://www.acc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123343030 |title=Air Force F-22 resumes normal flight operations|publisher=U.S. Air Force|date=4 April 2013|accessdate= 30 October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Mowry |first=Laura |url=http://www.edwards.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123344796 |title= Edwards Airmen vital to Raptor's return |publisher= U.S. Air Force |date= 17 April 2013 |accessdate=18 April 2013}}</ref>

===

===

* '''Naval F-22 variant''' – a carrier-borne variant of the F-22 with [[variable-sweep wing]]s for the [[United States Navy|U.S. Navy]]'s [[Advanced Tactical Fighter|Navy Advanced Tactical Fighter]] (NATF) program to replace the [[Grumman F-14 Tomcat|F-14 Tomcat]]. Program was canceled in 1993.<ref name=Pace_p28/> Former SoAF Donald Rice has called the possibility of the naval variant the deciding factor for his choice of the YF-22 over the YF-23.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Vartabedian |first1=Ralph |first2=W.J. |last2=Hennigan |url=http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-advanced-fighter-woes-20130616-dto-htmlstory.html#axzz2jMrTKmOE |title=F-22 program produces few planes, soaring costs |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=16 June 2013 |accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref>

===

===

The [[Lockheed Martin FB-22|FB-22]] was a proposed medium-range bomber for the USAF.<ref name="Long arm">Tirpak, John A. [http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2002/October%202002/1002longarm.aspx "Long Arm of the Air Force."] ''Air Force magazine'', October 2002. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref> The FB-22 was projected to carry up to 30 Small Diameter Bombs to about twice the range of the F-22A, while maintaining the F-22's stealth and supersonic speed.<ref>Bolkcom, Christopher. [http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metacrs6117/ "Air Force FB-22 Bomber Concept."] ''Digital.library.unt.edu''. Retrieved: 28 August 2011.</ref> However, the FB-22 in its planned form appears to have been canceled with the 2006 [[Quadrennial Defense Review]] and subsequent developments, in lieu of a larger subsonic bomber with a much greater range.<ref>[http://www.defense.gov/qdr/report/Report20060203.pdf "Quadrennial Defense Review Report"]. ''US Department of Defense'', 6 February 2006. Retrieved: 28 August 2011.</ref><ref>Hebert, Adam J. [http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2006/October%202006/10062018.aspx "The 2018 Bomber and Its Friends."] ''Air Force magazine'', October 2006. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref>

===

===

The [[Lockheed Martin X-44 MANTA|X-44 MANTA]], or ''multi-axis, no-tail aircraft'', was a planned experimental aircraft based on the F-22 with enhanced thrust vectoring controls and no aerodynamic surface backup.<ref name=nasa_monogr>Jenkins, Dennis R., Tony Landis and Jay Miller. [http://history.nasa.gov/monograph31.pdf "Monographs in Aerospace History, No. 31: American X-Vehicles: An Inventory, X-1 to X-50."] ''NASA'', June 2003. Retrieved: 13 June 2010.</ref> The aircraft was to be solely controlled by thrust vectoring, without featuring any rudders, ailerons, or elevators. Funding for this program was halted in 2000.<ref name=nasa1>{{Wayback |date=20071015155601 |url=http://nasaexplores.com/show2_articlea.php?id=03-065 |title="X-Planes Explained." }} ''NASAExplores.com'', 9 October 2003. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref>

===

===

[[File:F-22 Raptor - 070212-F-2034C-110.jpg|thumb|F-22 with drop tanks in transit to Kadena Air Base, Japan, from Langley AFB, Virginia]]

===

===

The [[United States Air Force]] is the only operator of the F-22.  It ordered 8 test and 187 operational production aircraft.  In November 2012, it had 184 production aircraft in inventory.<ref>{{cite web |author= Dave Majumdar, Dave |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-dewline/2012/11/how-many-raptors-does-the-usaf/ |title=How many Raptors does the USAF have left? |work=Flightglobal blogs |date= 30 November 2012 |accessdate=8 March 2014}}</ref>

===

===

***[[95th Fighter Squadron]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tyndall.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123366307 |title=95th returns, New F-22 squadron reflects local, military history |publisher=U.S. Air Force |accessdate=3 November 2013}}</ref>

===

===

***[[411th Flight Test Squadron]] – Conducted competition between YF-22 and [[YF-23]] from 1989 to 1991. Continues to conduct flight test on F-22 armaments and upgrades.

===

===

***[[19th Fighter Squadron]] – Active Associate squadron to the 199th Fighter Squadron ([[Hawaii Air National Guard]]).<ref>[http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=9865 "19 FIGHTER SQUADRON (PACAF)".] ''U.S. Air Force''. Retrieved: 1 July 2014.</ref>

===

===

***[[199th Fighter Squadron]], [[Hawaii Air National Guard]]

===

===

***[[302d Fighter Squadron]] – Associate AFRC squadron to the 3d Wing (Pacific Air Forces).

===

===

In April 1992, the second YF-22 crashed while landing at Edwards AFB. The test pilot, Tom Morgenfeld, escaped without injury. The cause of the crash was found to be a flight control [[software error]] that failed to prevent a [[pilot-induced oscillation]].<ref>[http://www.f-22raptor.com/index_airframe.php#1992 "F-22 Timeline."]{{dead link|date=November 2013}} ''F-22 Team web site''. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref>

===

===

The first F-22 crash occurred during [[takeoff]] at Nellis AFB on 20 December 2004, in which the pilot ejected safely before impact.<ref>Mount, Mike. [http://edition.cnn.com/2004/US/12/22/fighter.crash/index.html "Nevada crash grounds F-22 fighters."] ''CNN'', 22 December 2004. Retrieved: 28 August 2011.</ref> The crash investigation revealed that a brief interruption in power during an engine shutdown prior to flight caused a malfunction in the flight-control system;<ref name="gs_f22_flight_tests"/><ref>[http://usaf.aib.law.af.mil/ExecSum2005/F-22A_20Dec04.pdf USAF AIB Report Executive Summary on 20 December 2004 F-22A mishap.]</ref> consequently the aircraft design was corrected to avoid the problem. All F-22s were grounded after the crash; operations resumed following a review.<ref>[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29881713/ "F-22 crashes in California desert near air base."] [[Associated Press]] ''MSNBC'', 25 March 2009. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref>

===

===

On 25 March 2009, an EMD F-22 crashed {{convert|35|mi|km}} northeast of Edwards AFB during a [[test flight]], resulting in the death of Lockheed Martin test pilot [[David P. Cooley]]. An [[Air Force Materiel Command]] investigation found that Cooley momentarily lost consciousness during a high-G maneuver, then ejected when he found himself too low to recover. Cooley was killed during ejection by blunt-force [[Blunt trauma|trauma]] from windblast due to the aircraft's speed. The investigation found no design issues.<ref>"F-22 Crash Linked To G-Forces". ''The Washington Post'', 5 August 2009, p. 2.</ref><ref>[http://www.airforcemag.com/SiteCollectionDocuments/Reports/2009/July%202009/Day31/F-22_AIB_073109.pdf USAF AIB Report on 25 March 2009 F-22A mishap.] Retrieved: 31 May 2014.</ref>

===

===

[[File:F-22 Crash at Tyndall AFB.jpg|thumb|right|Wreckage of the F-22 that crashed in November 2012]]

===

===

On 16 November 2010, an F-22 from Elmendorf AFB crashed, killing the pilot, Captain Jeffrey Haney. The F-22 fleet was restricted to flying below 25,000 feet, before being grounded while the accident was investigated.<ref>Fontaine, Scott and Dave Majumdar. [http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2011/05/airforce-grounds-entire-f22-fleet-050511w/ "Air Force grounds entire F-22 fleet."] ''[[Military Times]]'', 5 May 2011.</ref> The accident was attributed to a bleed air system malfunction following the detection of an engine overheat condition, which shut down the [[Environmental control system (aircraft)|Environmental Control System]] (ECS) and OBOGS. The accident review board ruled the pilot was to blame, as he did not react properly and did not engage the emergency oxygen system.<ref>[http://www.pacaf.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-131024-066.pdf USAF AIB Report on 16 November 2010 F-22A mishap.] Retrieved: 1 July 2014.</ref> The pilot's widow sued, claiming the aircraft has defective equipment;<ref>Bouboushian, Jack. [http://www.courthousenews.com/2012/03/12/44592.htm "Pilot's Widow Calls F-22 Raptor Defective."] ''Courthouse News Service'', 12 March 2012.</ref> the manufacturers later reached a settlement.<ref>{{Cite work |author=Majumdar, Dave |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/settlement-reached-in-haney-f-22-crash-lawsuit-375445/ |title=Settlement reached in Haney F-22 crash lawsuit |work=Flightglobal |date=13 August 2012 |accessdate=30 October 2013}}</ref> In response to the investigation results, the engagement handle for the emergency oxygen system was redesigned; the emergency oxygen system should engage automatically when OBOGS is shut down due to engine failure.<ref>Hennigan, W. J., "Fatal Crash Leads To Change In F-22's Backup Oxygen System", ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'', 20 March 2012, p. B1.</ref> On 11 February 2013, the DoD's [[Office of the Inspector General|Inspector General]] released its report, which stated that the USAF had erred in assigning blame to Haney for the crash and that conclusions were not sufficiently supported by facts; the USAF stated that it stood by its conclusions.<ref>[http://www.dodig.mil/pubs/report_summary.cfm?id=5025 DoD IG report on 16 November 2010 F-22A mishap AIB report.]. Retrieved: 11 February 2013.</ref>

===

===

During a training mission, an F-22 crashed to the east of Tyndall AFB, on 15 November 2012. The pilot ejected safely and no injuries were reported on the ground.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.tyndall.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123326594 |title=Safety paramount as F-22 investigation continues (press release) |work=U.S. Air Force |date=16 November 2012 |accessdate=16 November 2013}}</ref> The investigation determined that a "chafed" electrical wire ignited the fluid in a hydraulic line, causing a fire that damaged the flight controls.<ref>Everstine, Brian. [http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130809/NEWS04/308090025/Air-Force-Faulty-wire-brought-down-F-22 "Air Force: Faulty wire brought down F-22."] ''Air Force Times'', 19 August 2013. Retrieved: 16 August 2013.</ref>

===

===

EMD F-22A 91-4003 is on display at the [[National Museum of the United States Air Force]].<ref>[http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123051335 "Museum adds the world's first stealthy air dominance fighter to collection."] ''National Museum of the U.S. Air Force''. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref>

===

===

[[File:F22 Raptor info.jpg|thumb|upright=1.35|USAF poster of key F-22 features and armament]]

===

===

* MJU-39/40 flares for protection against IR missiles<ref>Wild, Lee. [http://www.sharecast.com/cgi-bin/sharecast/story.cgi?story_id=3361020 "US quick to return for Chemring's flares."] ''Share cast,'' 26 March 2010. Retrieved: 26 September 2010.</ref>}}

===

===

{{Main|Aircraft in fiction#F-22 Raptor |l1=F-22 Raptor in fiction}}

===

===

}}

===

===

==References==

===

===

{{Reflist|group=N|50em}}

===

===

{{Reflist|30em}}

===

===

{{Refend}}

===

===

* [http://www.kbvp.com/extreme-videos/f-22-raptor F-22 Demo at 2007 Capital Airshow in Sacramento – with narrative by F-22 pilot Paul "Max" Moga]

===

===

{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2012}}

===

===

The '''Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor''' is a single-seat, [[Twinjet|twin-engine]], all weather [[Stealth technology| stealth]] tactical [[fighter aircraft]] developed for the [[United States Air Force]] (USAF). The result of the USAF's Advanced Tactical Fighter program, the aircraft was designed primarily as an [[air superiority fighter]], but has additional capabilities including [[ground attack aircraft|ground attack]], [[electronic warfare]], and [[signals intelligence]] roles.<ref>Reed, John. [http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2009/12/airforce_deptula_121909/ "Official: Fighters should be used for spying."] ''Air Force Times'', 20 December 2009. Retrieved: 9 May 2010.</ref>  [[Lockheed Martin Aeronautics|Lockheed Martin]] is the prime contractor and is responsible for the majority of the airframe, weapon systems, and final assembly of the F-22, while program partner [[Boeing Defense, Space & Security|Boeing]] provides the wings, aft fuselage, avionics integration, and training systems.

===

===

The aircraft was variously designated '''F-22''' and '''F/A-22''' prior to formally entering service in December 2005 as the '''F-22A'''. Despite a protracted development as well as operational issues, the USAF considers the F-22 a critical component of its tactical air power, and states that the aircraft is unmatched by any known or projected fighter.<ref name= "F-22_factsheet">[http://archive.is/20120629041609/http://www.af.mil/information/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=199 "F-22 Raptor fact sheet."] ''U.S. Air Force'', March 2009. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref>  The Raptor's combination of stealth, aerodynamic performance, and situational awareness gives the aircraft unprecedented air-to-air capabilities.<ref name="f22-capabilities">{{cite web |url= http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/products/f22/f-22-capabilities.html |archiveurl= http://www.webcitation.org/6QnYx4CSS |archivedate= 3 July 2014 |title=F-22 Capabilities |publisher=Lockheed Martin |accessdate= 2 July 2014}}</ref> Air Chief Marshal [[Angus Houston]], former Chief of the [[Australian Defence Force]], said in 2004 that the "F-22 will be the most outstanding fighter plane ever built."<ref name="aspi_20040818">Houston, A. [http://www.aspi.org.au/publications/publication_details.aspx?ContentID=56&pubtype=6 "Strategic Insight 9 – Is the JSF good enough?"] ''[[Australian Strategic Policy Institute]]'', 18 August 2004.</ref>

===

===

The high cost of the aircraft, a lack of clear air-to-air missions due to delays in Russian and Chinese fighter programs, a ban on exports, and development of the more versatile and lower cost [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35]] led to the end of F-22 production.{{#tag:ref|Referring to statements made by the Secretary of Defense Robert Gates: "The secretary once again highlighted his ambitious next-year request for the more-versatile F-35s."<ref>{{cite web|last=Baron|first=Kevin|url=http://www.stripes.com/news/gates-outlines-air-force-priorities-and-expectations-1.94837 |title=Gates outlines Air Force priorities and expectations |work=Stars and Stripes |date= 16 September 2009|accessdate=30 October 2013}}</ref>|group=N}} A final procurement tally of 187 operational production aircraft was established in 2009 and the last F-22 was delivered to the USAF in 2012.

===

===

{{main|Advanced Tactical Fighter|Lockheed YF-22}}

===

===

In 1981 the U.S. Air Force developed a requirement for an [[Advanced Tactical Fighter]] (ATF) as a new air superiority fighter to replace the [[McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle|F-15 Eagle]] and [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16 Fighting Falcon]]. Code named "''Senior Sky''",<ref>Jenkins, Dennis R. ''Lockheed Secret Projects: Inside the Skunk Works.'' St. Paul, Minnesota: MBI Publishing Company, 2001. ISBN 0-7603-0914-0. pp.&nbsp;70.</ref> this program was influenced by the emerging worldwide threats, including development and proliferation of Soviet [[Sukhoi Su-27|Su-27 "Flanker"]]- and [[Mikoyan MiG-29|MiG-29 "Fulcrum"]]-class fighter aircraft. It would take advantage of the new technologies in fighter design on the horizon, including [[composite material]]s, lightweight [[alloy]]s, advanced flight-control systems, more powerful propulsion systems, and [[stealth technology]]. A [[request for proposal]]s (RFP) was issued in July 1986 and two contractor teams, Lockheed/[[Boeing]]/[[General Dynamics]] and [[Northrop Corporation|Northrop]]/[[McDonnell Douglas]], were selected on 31 October 1986 to undertake a 50-month demonstration phase, culminating in the flight test of two technology demonstrator prototypes, the [[Lockheed YF-22|YF-22]] and the [[Northrop YF-23|YF-23]].<ref>Jenkins and Landis 2008, pp.&nbsp;233–234.</ref><ref>Williams 2002, pp.&nbsp;5–6.</ref><ref>[http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2382 "Fact sheet: Lockheed-Boeing-General Dynamics YF-22."] ''U.S. Air Force'', 11 February 2009. Retrieved: 18 June 2011.</ref>

===

===

Each design team produced two prototype air vehicles, one for each of the two engine options.  The Lockheed-led team employed [[thrust vectoring]] nozzles on YF-22 for enhanced maneuverability in [[dogfight]]s. The ATF's increasing weight and cost drove out some features during development. A dedicated [[infra-red search and track]] (IRST) system was downgraded from multi-color to single color and then deleted, the [[Side looking airborne radar|side-looking radar]]s were deleted and the [[ejection seat]] requirement was downgraded from a fresh design to the existing [[McDonnell Douglas]] [[ACES II]].<ref>Aronstein and Hirschberg 1998, p. 108.</ref>

===

===

After a 90-day flight test validation of the prototypes, on 23 April 1991, [[United States Secretary of the Air Force|Secretary of the USAF]] [[Donald Rice]] announced the YF-22 as the winner of the ATF competition.<ref>Jenkins and Landis 2008, p.&nbsp;234.</ref> The YF-23 design was considered stealthier and faster while the YF-22 was more maneuverable.<ref name="Goodall_p110">Goodall 1992, p.&nbsp;110.</ref> The aviation press speculated that the YF-22 was also more adaptable to the U.S. Navy's Navalized Advanced Tactical Fighter (NATF), but by 1992, the Navy had abandoned NATF.<ref name=Miller_p76>Miller 2005, p. 76.</ref> In 1991, the USAF planned to buy 650 aircraft.<ref>[[Steven Pearlstein|Pearlstein, Steven]] and Barton Gellman. "Lockheed wins huge jet contract; Air Force plans to buy 650 stealth planes at $100&nbsp;million each". ''The Washington Post'', 24 April 1991.</ref>

===

===

[[File:F-22 Raptor wytwórnie.png|thumb|left|A diagram of the various manufacturers of the F-22]]

===

===

Prime contractor [[Lockheed Martin Aeronautics]] manufactures the majority of the airframe and performs final assembly at [[Dobbins Air Reserve Base]] in [[Marietta, Georgia]]; program partner [[Boeing Defense, Space & Security]] provides additional airframe components as well as avionics integration and training systems.<ref>Aronstein and Hirschberg 1998, p. 118.</ref> F-22 production was split up over many subcontractors across 46 states to increase Congressional support,<ref>Lobe, Jim. [http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=47713 "New, Old Weapons Systems Never Die."] ''Inter Press Service'', 17 July 2009. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref><ref>Kaplan, Fred [http://www.slate.com/id/2212034/ "The Air Force tries to save a fighter plane that's never seen battle".] ''Slate,'' 24 February 2009. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref> though this production split may have contributed to increased costs and delays.<ref>Younossi, Obaid et al. [http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG276.html "Lessons Learned from the F/A–22 and F/A–18E/F Development Programs."] ''RAND,'' 2005. Retrieved: 27 August 2011.</ref> Many capabilities were deferred to post-service upgrades, reducing the initial cost but increasing total program cost.<ref>Sweetman, Bill. [http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/dti/2010/12/01/DT_12_01_2010_p35-269100.xml "Rivals Target JSF."]{{dead link|date=October 2013}} ''[[Aviation Week]]'', 30 November 2010. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref> Each aircraft built required "1,000 subcontractors and suppliers and 95,000 workers".<ref>Herman, Arthur. [http://www.nypost.com/p/news/opinion/opedcolumnists/don_let_disarm_our_military_Vg8BTKN1WuODmeW4fCfumL "Don't let O disarm our military."] ''[[New York Post]]'', 10 January 2011. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref>

===

===

The F-22 had several design changes from the YF-22. The swept-back angle on the wing's leading edge was decreased from 48° to 42°, while the vertical stabilizers were shifted rearward and their area decreased by 20%.<ref name="NASA">[http://oea.larc.nasa.gov/PAIS/Partners/F_22.html "F-22 Partners."]{{dead link|date=November 2013}} ''NASA''. Retrieved: 25 July 2009.</ref> To improve pilot visibility, the canopy was moved forward {{convert|7|in|cm}}, and the engine intakes moved rearward {{convert|14|in|cm}}. The shapes of the wing and [[stabilator]] trailing edges were refined to improve aerodynamics, strength, and stealth characteristics.<ref>Pace 1999, pp. 12–13.</ref><ref name="gs_yf22_diagram">[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/images/f-22_yf-22_comp.jpg "YF-22/F-22A comparison diagram".] ''GlobalSecurity.org''. Retrieved: 13 June 2010.</ref> Due to increasing weight during development, range and aerodynamic performance were slightly reduced.<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6QlEpVj1M "F-22 weight increase agreed."] ''Flight International'', 3 May 1995. Archived from [http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/f-22-weight-increase-agreed-26820/ original].</ref>

===

===

[[File:F-22 assembling1.jpg|thumb|F-22 being painted at the assembly plant at [[Marietta, Georgia|Marietta]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]]|alt=F-22 being painted. Workers wearing white apparel standing on the aircraft's top applying a gray and black coat over the F-22. Temporary construction equipment surrounds its leading edges and nose sections.]]

===

===

The first F-22, an engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) aircraft named Raptor 4001, was unveiled at Marietta, Georgia on 9 April 1997, and first flew on 7 September 1997.<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6QkcNHq21 "F-22 Raptor".] ''Lockheed Martin''. Archived from [http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/100years/stories/f-22.html original.] Retrieved: 1 July 2014.</ref> In 2006, the Raptor's development team, composed of over 1,000 contractors and the USAF, won the [[Collier Trophy]], American aviation's most prestigious award.<ref>[http://www.naa.aero/html/awards/shwNews.cfm?newsid=302&cmsid=58 "F-22 Raptor Wins 2006 Collier Trophy."] ''National Aeronautic Association''. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref> The F-22 was in production for 15 years, at a rate of roughly two per month during peak production.<ref>Brumby, Otis, Bill Kinney and Joe Kirby. [http://mdjonline.com/view/full_story/13886238/article-As-the-F-35-program-revs-up---the-F-22-ramps-down?instance=special "Around Town: As the F 35 program revs up the F 22 ramps down."] ''The Marietta Daily Journal'', 6 June 2011. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref>

===

===

The USAF had originally envisioned ordering 750 ATFs at a cost of $26.2 billion, with production beginning in 1994. The 1990 Major Aircraft Review led by [[United States Secretary of Defense|Secretary of Defense]] [[Dick Cheney]] reduced the number to 648 aircraft beginning in 1996. In 1994, it was cut to 438 aircraft entering service by 2004; in 1997, the number was further cut to 339.<ref name="Williams p.22">{{harvnb|Williams|2002|p=22.}}</ref> By 2003, existing funding limited procurement to 277 fighters; in 2004, the [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]] (DoD) further reduced the number to 183 operational aircraft.<ref>[[Rebecca Grant (political expert)|Grant, Rebecca]]. [http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2008/December%202008/1208dominance.aspx "Losing Air Dominance."] ''Air Force Magazine'', December 2008.</ref> In 2006, a multi-year procurement plan was implemented to save $15 billion but raise the cost of each aircraft. The program's total cost by 2006 was $62 billion, at which point the USAF sought to acquire 381 F-22s divided among seven active duty combat squadrons and three integrated [[Air Force Reserve Command]] and [[Air National Guard]] squadrons.<ref name="afpn_20060623_ad">Lopez, C.T. [http://archive.is/20120718235238/http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123022371 "F-22 excels at establishing air dominance."] ''Air Force Print News'', 23 June 2006. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref> In 2007, Lockheed Martin received a $7.3 billion contract that raised the order number of production F-22s to 183 and extended manufacturing through 2011.<ref>[http://www.defense.gov/contracts/contract.aspx?contractid=3570 "US Department of Defense contracts."] ''U.S. Department of Defense'', 31 July 2007. Retrieved: 28 August 2011.</ref>

===

===

In April 2006, the [[Government Accountability Office]] (GAO) assessed the F-22's cost to be $361 million per aircraft, with $28 billion invested in development and testing; the Unit Procurement Cost was estimated at $178 million in 2006, based on a production run of 181 aircraft.<ref name="fighter_costs">[http://www.defense-aerospace.com/dae/articles/communiques/FighterCostFinalJuly06.pdf "Sticker Shock: Estimating the Real Cost of Modern Fighter Aircraft, p. 2."] ''Defense-Aerospace.com'', July 2006. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref><ref>[http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d06391.pdf "Defense Acquisitions: Assessments of Selected Major Weapon Programs", p. 59.] ''Government Accountability Office'', 31 March 2006. Retrieved: 2 February 2008.</ref> It was estimated by the end of production, $34 billion will have been spent on procurement, resulting in a total program cost of $62 billion, around $339 million per aircraft. The [[Marginal cost|incremental cost]] for an additional F-22 was estimated at about $138 million in 2009.<ref name="afpn_20060623_ad"/><ref name="usaf_fy2009_budget">[http://www.saffm.hq.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-080204-081.pdf "FY 2009 Budget Estimates", p. 1–13.] ''U.S. Air Force'', February 2008. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref> In March 2012, the GAO increased the estimated cost to $412 million per aircraft.<ref>[http://www.gao.gov/assets/320/317081.pdf "Defense Acquisitions: Assessments of Selected Weapon Programs."] ''United States Government Accountability Office, Report to Congressional Committees'', March 2011.</ref>

===

===

[[File:Two F-22 Raptor in flying.jpg|thumb|left|Two F-22s during flight testing, the upper one being the first EMD F-22, Raptor 4001|alt=Two F-22s overflying snow-capped mountains.]]

===

===

The F-22 cannot be exported under American federal law.<ref>[http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d105:HZ00295: "HZ00295: Obey amendment overview."] ''Library of Congress''. Retrieved: 9 May 2010.</ref> Customers for U.S. fighters are acquiring earlier designs such as the [[McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle|F-15 Eagle]] and [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16 Fighting Falcon]] or the newer [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35 Lightning II]] Joint Strike Fighter, which contains technology from the F-22 but is designed to be cheaper, more flexible, and available for export.<ref name="WP">Smith, R. Jeffrey. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/09/AR2009070903020.html "Premier U.S. fighter jet has major shortcomings: F-22's maintenance demands growing."] ''The Washington Post'', 10 July 2009. Retrieved: 24 July 2009.</ref> In September 2006, Congress upheld the ban on foreign F-22 sales.<ref name="addr_20060927_fms">Bruno, M. [http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/F2209176.xml "Appropriators Approve F-22A Multiyear, But Not Foreign Sales."]{{dead link|date=October 2013}} ''Aerospace Daily & Defense Report'', 27 September 2006. Retrieved: 28 August 2011.</ref> Despite the ban, the 2010 defense authorization bill included provisions requiring the DoD to prepare a report on the costs and feasibility for an F-22 export variant, and another report on the impact of F-22 export sales on U.S. aerospace industry.<ref>[http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h2647/show "H.R. 2647: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (overview)."] ''U.S. House of Representatives'' via ''Opencongress.org.'' Retrieved: 27 April 2012.</ref><ref>[http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/D?c111:6:./temp/~c111OvEcbl:: "H.R.2647 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (see Sections 1250 & 8056.)"] ''Thomas.loc.gov.'' Retrieved: 26 September 2010.</ref>

===

===

{{Quote box|align=right|width=20%|quote=The IAF would be happy to equip itself with 24 F-22s, but the problem at this time is the U.S. refusal to sell the aircraft, and its $200&nbsp;million price tag.|source=<small>[[Israeli Air Force]] (IAF) chief procurement officer Brigadier-General Ze'ev Snir.<ref name="IAF_F-22">[http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/israel-plans-to-buy-over-100-f35s-02381/ "Israeli Plans to Buy F-35s Hitting Obstacles."] ''Defense Industry Daily'', 27 June 2006. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref> </small>}}

===

===

Some Australian politicians and defense commentators proposed that Australia should attempt to purchase F-22s instead of the planned F-35s,<ref name="age_20061002">Carmen, G. [http://www.theage.com.au/news/opinion/rapped-in-the-raptor-why-australia-must-have-the-best/2006/10/01/1159641209404.html?page=fullpage "Rapped in the Raptor: why Australia must have the best."] ''[[The Age]]'', 2 October 2006. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref><ref>Kopp, Dr. Carlo. [http://www.ausairpower.net/Analysis-JSF-Apr-04-P.pdf "Is The Joint Strike Fighter Right For Australia?"]{{dead link|date=October 2013}} ''[[Air Power Australia]]''. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref> citing the F-22's known capabilities and F-35's delays and developmental uncertainties.<ref name="alp_20060626">[http://www.kuro5hin.org/story/2006/7/3/104021/5613 "Australia and the F22 Raptor."] ''kuro5hin.org'', 26 June 2006. Retrieved: 3 July 2006.</ref> However, the [[Royal Australian Air Force|RAAF]] determined that the F-22 was unable to perform the F-35's strike and close air support roles.<ref>[http://www.airforce.gov.au/aircraft/jsf.aspx "RAAF JSF tech spec."] ''U.S. Air Force.'' Retrieved: 27 April 2012.</ref> The Japanese government also showed interest in the F-22 for its Replacement-Fighter program.<ref name="id_20060218">Bennet, J.T. [http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,88282,00.html "Air Force Plans to Sell F-22As to Allies."] ''InsideDefense.com'', 18 February 2006. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref> The [[Japan Air Self-Defense Force]] (JASDF) would reportedly require fewer fighters for its mission if it obtained the F-22, thus reducing engineering and staffing costs. However, in 2009 it was reported that the F-22 would require increases to the defense budget beyond the historical 1 percent of GDP.<ref>Konishi, Weston S. and Robert Dujarric. [http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/eo20090516a1.html "Hurdles to a Japanese F-22."] ''Japan Times'', 16 May 2009. Retrieved: 3 August 2009.</ref> With the ending of F-22 production, Japan chose the F-35 in December 2011.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.f35.com/global/participation/japan |title=JASDF's Next Generation Fighter |agency=[[Lockheed Martin]] |accessdate=31 May 2014}}</ref> Israel also expressed interest, but eventually chose the F-35 because of the F-22's price and unavailability.<ref name="IAF_F-22"/><ref>Egozi, Arie. [http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/israel-in-talks-with-usa-over-f-22-orders-213348/ "Israel in talks with USA over F-22 orders".] ''Flight Global'', 20 April 2007. Retrieved: 30 June 2014.</ref>

===

===

Throughout the 2000s, the need for F-22s was debated due to rising costs and the lack of relevant adversaries. In 2006, [[Comptroller General of the United States]] David Walker found that "the DoD has not demonstrated the need" for more investment in the F-22,<ref>[http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-06-455R GAO-06-455R "Tactical Aircraft: DOD Should Present a New F-22A Business Case before Making Further Investments."] ''Government Accountability Office''. Retrieved: 9 May 2010.</ref> and further opposition to the program was expressed by Secretary of Defense [[Donald Rumsfeld]], Deputy Secretary of Defense [[Gordon R. England]], Senator [[John McCain]], and Chairman of [[United States Senate Committee on Armed Services|U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services]] Senator [[John Warner]].<ref>Wayne, Leslie. [http://www.webcitation.org/6Qi8IrzKV "Air Force Jet Wins Battle in Congress".] ''The New York Times'', 28 September 2006. Archived from [http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/28/business/28plane.html?pagewanted=print original.] Retrieved: 29 June 2014.</ref><ref>Carroll, Ward. [http://defensetech.org/2008/11/19/dogfight-over-f-22-reveals-dod-schisms/ "Dogfight Over F-22 Reveals DoD Schisms".] ''Defense Tech'', 19 November 2008. Retrieved: 29 June 2014.</ref> The F-22 program lost influential supporters in 2008 after resignation of Secretary of the USAF [[Michael Wynne]] and General [[T. Michael Moseley]].<ref name="topgeneralwarns"/> Nevertheless, in 2008, Congress passed a defense spending bill funding the F-22's continued production and the Pentagon released $50 million of the $140 million for four additional aircraft, raising the total orders for production aircraft to 187 and leaving the program in the hands of the next administration.<ref>Trimble, Stephen. [http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-congress-passes-4877-defence-spending-bill-slashes-aircraft-316459/ "US Congress passes $487.7 defence spending bill, slashes aircraft."] ''Flightglobal.com'', 24 September 2008. Retrieved: 10 November 2012.</ref><ref>{{Cite news |author=Wolf, Jim |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/11/12/us-lockheed-raptor-idUSTRE4AB8ZV20081112 |title=Pentagon OKs funds to preserve F-22 line |agency=Reuters |date=12 November 2008 |accessdate=27 August 2011}}</ref>

===

===

[[File:Two F-22A Raptor in column flight - (Noise reduced).jpg|thumb|left|Two F-22As in close trail formation]]

===

===

In November 2008, Secretary of Defense [[Robert Gates]] stated that the Raptor was not relevant in post-Cold War conflicts such as in Iraq and Afghanistan,<ref>Cole, August. [http://www.webcitation.org/6Qi7y6JB3 "Lawmakers Pressure Pentagon to Release Funds for Controversial F-22 Fighter Jet".] ''The Wall Street Journal'', 5 November 2008. Archived from [http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB122584363466799201 original.] Retrieved: 29 June 2014.</ref> and in April 2009, under the new [[Presidency of Barack Obama|Obama Administration]], he called for ending F-22 production in fiscal year (FY) 2011, leaving the USAF with 187 production aircraft.<ref name=cut>Levine, Adam, Mike Mount and Alan Silverleib. [http://articles.cnn.com/2009-04-06/politics/gates.budget.cuts_1_pentagon-budget-defense-secretary-robert-gates-priorities?_s=PM:POLITICS "Gates Announces Major Pentagon Priority Shifts."] ''CNN'', 9 April 2009. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref> In July, General [[James Cartwright]], Vice Chairman of the [[Joint Chiefs of Staff]], stated to the Senate Committee on Armed Services his reasons for supporting termination of F-22 production, including shifting resources to the multirole F-35 to allow proliferation of fifth-generation fighters for three service branches and preserving the F/A-18 production line to maintain the military's electronic warfare (EW) capabilities in the [[EA-18G Growler]].<ref>[http://armed-services.senate.gov/Transcripts/2009/07%20July/09-58%20-%207-9-09.pdf "Transcripts."]{{dead link|date=November 2013}} ''U.S. Senate, Committee on Armed Services,'' 9 July 2009.</ref> Issues with the F-22's reliability and availability also raised concerns.<ref name="WP"/><ref name="hatch.senate.gov">[http://hatch.senate.gov/public/_files/F22AssertionsAndFacts.pdf "Assertion and Facts."] ''senate.gov.'' Retrieved: 17 January 2012.</ref> After President Obama threatened to [[presidential veto|veto]] further production, the Senate voted in July 2009 in favor of ending production and the House subsequently agreed to abide by the 187 production aircraft cap.<ref>Matthews, William. [http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4214557 "House Reverses Itself, Votes To Kill F-22 Buy."] ''Defense News'', 31 July 2009.</ref><ref>Thomas [http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d111:SP01469: "S.AMDT.1469 to cut F-22 funding."] ''Thomas.loc.gov''. Retrieved: 13 June 2010.</ref> Gates stated that the decision was taken in light of the F-35's capabilities,<ref name="Gates, Robert.">{{Cite speech |last=Gates |first=Robert |url=http://www.defense.gov/speeches/speech.aspx?speechid=1369 |title=Economic Club of Chicago |publisher=US Department of Defense |event=Economic Club of Chicago |location=Chicago, Illinois |date=16 July 2009 |accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref> and in 2010, he set the F-22 requirement to 187 aircraft by lowering the number of major regional conflict preparations from two to one.<ref>[http://assets.opencrs.com/rpts/RL31673_20090716.pdf "CRS RL31673 Air Force F-22 Fighter Program: Background and Issues for Congress, p. 15."] ''Assets.opencrs.com''. Retrieved: 26 September 2010.</ref>

===

===

In 2010, USAF initiated a study to determine the costs of retaining F-22 tooling for a future Service Life Extension Program (SLEP).<ref>{{cite web |author=Trimble, Stephen |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-considers-options-to-preserve-f-22-production-tooling-339070/ |title=USAF considers options to preserve F-22 production tooling |work=Flightglobal |date=5 March 2010 |accessdate=30 October 2013}}</ref> A [[RAND]] paper from this study estimated that restarting production and building an additional 75 F-22s would cost $17 billion, resulting in $227 million per aircraft or 54 million higher than the flyaway cost.<ref>[http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/2010/RAND_MG797.pdf "RAND: Ending F-22A Production: Costs and Industrial Base Implications of Alternative Options."] ''rand.org.'' Retrieved: 26 September 2010.</ref>  Lockheed Martin stated that restarting the production line itself would cost about $200 million.<ref name=Mothball>{{Cite news |author=Wolf, Jim |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/13/us-fighter-usa-lockheed-idUSTRE7BC09T20111213 |title=U.S. to mothball gear to build top F-22 fighter |agency=Reuters|date=12 December 2011|accessdate=30 October 2013}}</ref> Production tooling will be documented in illustrated electronic manuals stored at the [[Sierra Army Depot]].<ref>Trimble, Stephen. [http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-dewline/2010/11/for-posterity-lockheed-creates.html "For posterity, Lockheed creates F-22 'how-to' manual."] ''The DEW Line,'' 3 November 2010.</ref> Retained tooling will produce additional components; due to the limited production run there are no reserve aircraft, leading to considerable care during maintenance.<ref>Axe, David. [http://www.offiziere.ch/?p=8949 "Fixing Worn-Out Raptors at Hill Air Force Base."] ''offiziere.ch,'' 4 August 2012.</ref>

===

===

[[Sukhoi PAK FA|Russian]] and [[Chengdu J-20|Chinese]] fighter developments have fueled concern; in 2009, General [[John D. W. Corley|John Corley]], head of [[Air Combat Command]], stated that a fleet of 187 F-22s would be inadequate, but Secretary Gates dismissed this concern.<ref name="topgeneralwarns">{{Cite news |last=Wolf |first=Jim |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2009/06/18/lockheed-f-idUSN1827570420090618 |title=Top general warns against ending F-22 fighter |agency=Reuters |date=18 June 2009 |accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref> In 2011, Gates explained that Chinese fifth-generation fighter developments had been accounted for when the number of F-22s was set, and that the U.S. would have a considerable advantage in stealth aircraft in 2025, even with F-35 delays.<ref>Gertz, Bill. [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/jan/9/chinas-stealth-jet-coming-on-gates-confirms/ "China's stealth jet coming on, Gates confirms."] ''[[The Washington Times]]'', 9 January 2011. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref> In December 2011, the 195th and final F-22 was completed out of 8 test and 187 operational aircraft produced, the final aircraft was delivered to the USAF on 2 May 2012.<ref name=cut/><ref name="FG_last_f-22">{{Cite news |last=Majumdar |first=Dave |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/in-focus-usaf-receives-last-f-22-raptor-371401/ |title=USAF receives last F-22 Raptor |work=Flight Global |date=3 May 2012 |accessdate=9 June 2014}}</ref>

===

===

The first combat-capable Block 3.0 aircraft first flew in 2001.<ref>[http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/docs/man-ac-f22-010105.htm "F-22 aircraft No. 4005 completes successful first flight."] ''[[Federation of American Scientists]]''. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref> Increment 2, the first F-22 upgrade program, was implemented in 2005 and gives the aircraft the ability to employ [[Joint Direct Attack Munition]]s (JDAM).<ref name="f22-increment">{{cite web |last=Majumdar |first= Dave |url= http://www.defensenews.com/article/20110530/DEFFEAT04/105300306/F-22-Getting-New-Brain |title=F-22 Getting New Brain |work=Defense News |date=30 May 2011 |accessdate=30 October 2013}}</ref> Increment 3.1 provides improved ground-attack capability through [[synthetic-aperture radar]] mapping and radio emitter [[direction finding]], [[Electronic warfare#Electronic attack| electronic attack]] and the [[Small Diameter Bomb|GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb]] (SDB); testing began in 2009 and the first upgraded aircraft was delivered in 2012.<ref>{{Citation |url= http://www.dote.osd.mil/pub/reports/FY2013/pdf/af/2013f22a.pdf |format= [[Portable document format |PDF]] |title= DOT&E FY2013 Annual Report – F-22A Advanced Tactical Fighter |publisher= OSD}}.</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Majumdar |first=Dave |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-fields-first-upgraded-f-22-raptors-369886/ |title=USAF fields first upgraded F-22 Raptors |work=Flightglobal |date=23 March 2012 |accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref> Increment 3.2 is a two-part upgrade process; 3.2A focuses on electronic warfare, communications and identification, while 3.2B will allow the F-22 to better employ the [[AIM-9 Sidewinder|AIM-9X]] and [[AIM-120 AMRAAM|AIM-120D]] missiles.<ref name="f22-scorpion">{{cite news |url=http://news.usni.org/2014/05/16/air-force-evaluating-new-targeting-monocle-f-22-raptor |title=Air Force Evaluating New Targeting Monocle for F-22 Raptor |last=Majumdar |first=Dave |date=16 May 2014 |publisher=U.S. Naval Institute |accessdate=16 May 2014}}</ref><ref name="f22-increment"/> The subsequent Increment 3.3 may include the adoption of an open avionics platform and air traffic control updates.<ref>Majumdar, Dave.[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/lockheed-awarded-69-billion-f-22-upgrade-contract-382576/ "Lockheed awarded $6.9 billion F-22 upgrade contract."] ''FlightGlobal.com,'' 21 February 2013.</ref><ref name="FG_last_f-22"/>

===

===

To enable two-way communication between the F-22 and other platforms, three business jets were equipped with the [[Battlefield Airborne Communications Node]] (BACN) in 2009.  Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman are currently competing to connect the F-22 with other platforms while maintaining stealth.<ref>Trimble, Stephen. [http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/analysis-northrop-lockheed-vie-to-connect-f-22-to-airborne-400181/ "Analysis: Northrop, Lockheed vie to connect F-22 to airborne network."] ''Flight Global'', 2 March 2014.</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Trimble |first=Stephen |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-deploys-global-express-jet-with-new-northrop-relay-329081/ |title=USAF deploys Global Express jet with new Northrop relay suite |work=Flight global |date=1 January 2009 |accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref> Other upgrades being developed include IRST functionality for the AN/AAR-56 Missile Launch Detector (MLD) and integration of the Visionix Scorpion helmet-mounted cueing system (HMCS) to enable off-boresight missile launches.<ref name= "mld" /><ref name= "f22-scorpion"/> In March 2010, the USAF accelerated software portions of 3.2 to be completed in FY 2013.<ref>Sirak, Michael C. [http://www.airforce-magazine.com/DRArchive/Pages/default.aspx "Daily Report Friday 26 March 2010."] ''Air Force magazine''. Retrieved: 5 April 2010.</ref><ref name="Fighter of the Future">Tirpak, John A. [http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2009/July%202009/0709Fighter.aspx "Fighter of The Future."] ''Air Force magazine''. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref>

===

===

In January 2011, the USAF opened the Raptor enhancement, development and integration (REDI) contract to bidders, with a $16 billion budget.<ref>{{cite web |last=Trimble |first=Stephen |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-invites-rivals-to-break-lockheeds-grip-on-f-22-upgrade-352677/ |title=USAF invites rivals to break Lockheed's grip on F-22 upgrade work |work=Flightglobal |date=2 February 2011|accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref> In November 2011, Lockheed Martin's upgrade contract was increased by $1.4 billion to a maximum $7.4 billion.<ref>[http://www.defense.gov/contracts/contract.aspx?contractid=4667 "Department of Defense contracts."]</ref><ref>Burnett, Richard. [http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/os-cfb-tech-lockheed-1212-20111212,0,2221226.story "Lockheed defense deals prevail despite budget crunch."] ''Orlando Sentinel'', 12 December 2011.</ref> Of the $11.7 billion allocated for upgrades, almost $2 billion was for structural repairs and to increase fleet availability rate from 55.5% to 70.6% by 2015.<ref>Sullivan, Michael J. [http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-447 "GAO-12-447, F-22A Modernization Program Faces Cost, Technical, and Sustainment Risks."] ''GAO'', 2 May 2012.</ref> Some F-35 technology, such as more durable stealth coatings, have been applied to the F-22.<ref>Trimble, Stephen. [http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-dewline/2010/10/lockheed-proposes-f-35ing-the.html "Lockheed proposes F-35'ing the F-22."] ''The DEW Line,'' 29 October 2010. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref><ref>Majumdar, Dave. [http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2011/04/air-force-raptor-joint-strike-fighter-radar-absorbent-coatings-040611w/ "Raptor to use F-35 radar absorbent coatings."] ''Air Force Times'', 6 April 2011. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref> Elements such as MADL are delayed until the F-35 is in service.<ref>Majumdar, Dave. [http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2011/03/air-force-raptor-madl-upgrade-033111w/ "Cost, risk scuttle planned Raptor data upgrade."] ''Air Force Times'', 31 March 2011. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref> By 2012, the update schedule had slipped seven years due to instability in requirements and funding.<ref>Stein, Keith. "Cost concerns over F-22 Raptor modernization plan." ''The Examiner'', 27 April 2012.</ref> In 2014 the USAF moved to cut upgrade funding.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140807/CONGRESSWATCH/308070020/Senate-Blocks-F-22-Cut-Little-Else-USAF-Reprograming |title=Senate Blocks F-22 Cut, Little Else for USAF Reprograming |last=Mehta |first=Aaron |date=7 August 2014 |website= defensenews.com |publisher=Gannett Government Media |accessdate=8 August 2014}}</ref> The F-22 fleet is planned to have 36 Block 20 training and 149 Block 30/35 combat aircraft in 2016.

===

===

While no definitive cause was found for the frequent oxygen deprivation issues responsible for several incidents, including a fatal crash, the F-22 will be upgraded with a backup oxygen system, software upgrades and oxygen sensors to normal operations in spite of the problem.<ref>Rector, Gene. [http://warnerrobinspatriot.com/bookmark/17646154-Officials-No-smoking-gun-uncovered-but-changes-will-make-F-22-safe-to-fly "Officials: No 'smoking gun' uncovered but changes will make F-22 safe to fly."] ''The Warner Robins Patriot'', 24 February 2012.</ref> In 2013, the faulty flight vest valves were replaced and altitude restrictions lifted; distance restrictions will be lifted once a backup oxygen system is installed.<ref>{{cite web |last=Majumdar |first=Dave |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-to-field-f-22-life-support-mods-this-january-380820/ |title=USAF to field F-22 life support mods this January |work=Flight global |date=8 January 2013|accessdate=31 October 2013}}</ref> In April 2014 the USAF stated in Congressional testimony that installation of automatic backup oxygen systems on the F-22 fleet would be completed within twelve months.<ref>Everstine, Brian. [http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140409/DEFREG02/304090034/All-F-22s-Backup-Oxygen-Systems-Within-12-Months/ All F-22s To Have Backup Oxygen Systems Within 12 Months] ''Defense News'', 9 April 2014, Retrieved: 10 April 2014.</ref>

===

===

The F-22 was designed for a lifespan of 30 years and 8,000 flight hours, with a $100 million "structures retrofit program".<ref>Gertler, Jeremiah. [https://opencrs.com/document/RL31673/2012-10-25/?26901 "Air Force F-22 Fighter Program."] ''CRS RL31673'', 25 October 2012.</ref> Investigations are being made for upgrades to extend their useful lives further.<ref name= "f22-problems">Rolfsen, Bruce. [http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2007/11/airforce_raptor_rust_071112w/ "F-22 design problems force expensive fixes."] ''Air Force Times'', 12 November 2007.</ref> In the long term, the F-22 is expected to eventually be replaced by the [[Sixth-generation jet fighter| Next Generation TACAIR]].<ref>Sherman, Jason. [http://insidedefense.com/201403112464029/Inside-Defense-General/Public-Articles/air-force-sets-plan-to-launch-sixth-gen-fighter-program-in-2018/menu-id-926.html "Air Force Sets Plan To Launch Sixth-Gen Fighter Program In 2018".] ''Inside Defense'', 11 March 2014. Retrieved: 30 June 2014.</ref>

===

===

==Design==

===

===

[[File:F-22F119.JPG|thumb|F-22 flying with its [[Pratt & Whitney F119|F119-PW-100]] engines on full afterburner|alt=Rear view of jet aircraft in-flight at dawn/dusk above mountains. Its engines are in full afterburner, evident through the presence of shock diamonds.]]

===

===

The F-22 Raptor is a [[Fifth generation jet fighter|fifth generation fighter]] that is considered fourth-generation in [[stealth aircraft]] technology by the USAF.<ref>Carlson, Maj. Gen. Bruce. [http://www.defense.gov/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=597 "Subject: Stealth Fighters."] ''U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) News Transcript''. Retrieved: 28 August 2011.</ref> It is the first operational aircraft to combine [[supercruise]], maneuverability, stealth, and sensor fusion into a single platform.<ref name="f22-capabilities"/> The Raptor has large trapezoidal wings, fixed-geometry inlets, and a retractable [[tricycle landing gear]]. Flight control surfaces include the rudders on the canted vertical stabilizers and the all-moving horizontal tails; these control surfaces also serve as the speed brake.<ref>Kohn, Lt. Col. Allen E. and Lt. Col. [[Steven M. Rainey]]. [http://www.webcitation.org/6R59QlJl3 "F-22 Flight Test Program Update."] 9 April 1999. Archived from [http://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/docs/f-22-emd-paper.htm original.]</ref> The aircraft's dual [[afterburner|afterburning]] [[Pratt & Whitney F119|Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100]] [[turbofan]] engines are placed close together and incorporate [[flight dynamics|pitch axis]] [[thrust vectoring]] nozzles with a range of ±20 degrees; each engine has a maximum thrust in the 35,000 [[pound-force|lbf]] (156 kN) class.<ref>Boettcher, Daniel. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7502739.stm "US shows off new Raptor jet."] ''BBC'', 11 July 2008. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref><ref name="F-22_factsheet"/>  The F-22's thrust to weight ratio in typical combat configuration is nearly at unity when using maximum military thrust (not using afterburner) and 1.25 when in afterburner.<ref>Sweetman, Bill, Long lance, Aviation Week and Space Technology, November 3/10, 2014, p.58</ref>  Maximum speed without external stores is estimated to be [[Mach (speed)|Mach]] 1.82 during [[supercruise]] and greater than Mach 2 with afterburners.<ref name="AFM">Ayton, Mark. "F-22 Raptor". ''[[AirForces Monthly]]'', August 2008, p. 75. Retrieved: 19 July 2008.</ref>{{#tag:ref|This capability was demonstrated in 2005 when General [[John P. Jumper]] exceeded Mach 1.7 in the F-22 without afterburners.<ref name="Gen_Jumper_Mach1.7">Powell, 2nd Lt. William. [http://archive.is/20121212204819/http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123009594 "General Jumper qualifies in F/A-22 Raptor."] ''Air Force Link'', 13 January 2005. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref>|group=N}}

===

===

The F-22 is among only a few aircraft that can supercruise, or sustained [[Supersonic speed|supersonic]] flight without using fuel-inefficient afterburners; targets can be intercepted which subsonic aircraft would lack the speed to pursue and an afterburner-dependent aircraft would lack the fuel to reach.<ref name="F-22_factsheet"/><ref>Tirpak, John A. [http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Documents/2001/March%202001/0301fighter.pdf "Airpower, led by the F-22, can 'kick the door down' for the other forces."] ''Air Force Magazine'', March 2001.</ref> The Raptor's high operating altitude is also a significant tactical advantage over prior fighters.<ref name="avweek_20070107">Fulghum, D.A. and M.J. Fabey. [http://www.webcitation.org/6Qpsm5PUo "F-22 Combat Ready."] ''[[Aviation Week]]'', 8 January 2007. Archived from [http://www.f22-raptor.com/media/documents/aviation_week_010807.pdf original.] Retrieved: 7 November 2009.</ref> The use of internal weapons bays allows the aircraft to maintain comparatively higher performance over most other aircraft due to a lack of drag from external stores. The F-22's structure contains extensive amounts of high-strength materials to withstand stress and heat of sustained supersonic flight. Respectively, [[titanium alloy]]s and composites comprise 39% and 24% of the aircraft's structural weight.<ref>Pike, John. [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/f-22-mp.htm "F-22 Materials and Processes".] "GlobalSecurity.org".</ref>

===

===

[[File:F-22 Raptor.ogg|thumb|left|Video of a F-22 flight demonstration|alt=Demonstration video of an F-22]]

===

===

The F-22 is [[supermaneuverability|highly maneuverable]] at both supersonic and subsonic speeds. Computerized [[fly-by-wire]] [[Aircraft flight control system|control system]] and full authority digital engine control ([[FADEC]]) make the aircraft highly [[departure resistance|departure resistant]] and enable it to remain controllable at aggressive pilot inputs.<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6REwxrOCV "F119 Engine".] Pratt & Whitney. Archived from [http://www.pw.utc.com/F119_Engine original.]</ref><ref name="pilotperspective">[http://www.webcitation.org/6RGU0iAEq "F-22 Pilot Perspective".] ''Code One Magazine'', October 2000</ref> The Raptor's [[relaxed stability]] and thrust vectoring allow the aircraft to turn tightly, and perform very high alpha ([[angle of attack]]) maneuvers such as the [[Herbst maneuver]] (J-turn) and [[Pugachev's Cobra]]. The F-22 is also capable of maintaining over 60° alpha while having some roll control.<ref name="peron_aoa">Peron, L. R. [http://www.sfte-ec.se/data/Abstract/A2000-II-02.pdf "F-22 Initial High Angle-of-Attack Flight Results."(Abstract)."] ''[[Air Force Flight Test Center]]''. Retrieved: 7 November 2009.</ref>

===

===

The F-22's aerodynamic performance, sensor fusion, and stealth work together for increased effectiveness. Altitude, speed, and advanced active and passive sensors allow targets to be spotted at considerable ranges and increase weapons range. Altitude and speed also complement stealth's effectiveness by increasing distance between the aircraft and ground defenses and giving defensive systems less time to react.<ref>Bedard, David. [http://www.dvidshub.net/news/88337/bird-prey-bulldogs-accept-delivery-last-raptor "Bulldogs accept delivery of last Raptor."] ''Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Public Affairs'', 11 May 2012.</ref><ref name="F-22_factsheet"/><ref>[[Rebecca Grant (political expert)|Grant, Rebecca.]] [http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Why_The_F-22_Is_Vital_Part_13_999.html "Why The F-22 Is Vital Part 13."] ''UPI'', 31 March 2009.</ref>

===

===

Key avionics include [[BAE Systems Electronics, Intelligence & Support|BAE Systems EI&S]] AN/ALR-94 [[radar warning receiver]] (RWR),<ref>Klass, Philip J. "Sanders Will Give BAE Systems Dominant Role in Airborne EW." ''[[Aviation Week]]'', Volume 153, issue 5, 31 July 2000, p. 74.</ref> Lockheed Martin AN/AAR-56 Infra-Red and Ultra-Violet Missile Launch Detector (MLD) and [[Northrop Grumman]] [[AN/APG-77]] [[Active Electronically Scanned Array]] (AESA) radar. The MLD features six sensors to provide full spherical infrared coverage.<ref name= "mld" /> The RWR is a passive radar detector with more than 30 antennas are blended into the wings and fuselage for all-round coverage. Tom Burbage, former F-22 program head at Lockheed Martin, described it as "the most technically complex piece of equipment on the aircraft."  The range of the RWR (250+ [[Nautical mile|nmi]]) exceeds the radar's, and can cue radar emissions to be confined to a narrow beam (down to 2° by 2° in azimuth and elevation) to increase stealth.<ref name="fighter_EW_next">Sweetman 2000, pp. 41–47.</ref>

===

===

[[File:APG-77-1A.jpg|thumb|The AN/APG-77 AESA radar|alt=Two personnel in white apparel handing a radar]]

===

===

The AN/APG-77 radar features a low-observable, active-aperture, electronically scanned array that can track multiple targets under any weather conditions. Radar emissions can also be focused to overload enemy sensors as an electronic-attack capability.<ref>[http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?F=876380&C=airwar "JSF-Raptor Radar Can Fry Enemy Sensors."] ''defensenews.com''. Retrieved: 7 November 2009.Retrieved: 7 November 2009.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/products/f22.html |title=F-22 Raptor |publisher=Lockheed Martin |accessdate=10 November 2012}}</ref> The radar changes frequencies more than 1,000 times per second to [[Low probability of intercept radar|lower interception probability]] and has an estimated range of 125–150 miles, though planned upgrades will allow a range of {{convert|250|mi|km}} or more in narrow beams.<ref name="avweek_20070107"/> Radar information is processed by two [[Raytheon]] Common Integrated Processor (CIP)s, each capable of processing up to 10.5 billion [[instructions per second]]. In a process known as sensor fusion, data from the radar, other sensors, and external systems is filtered and combined by the CIP into a common view, reducing pilot workload.<ref>[http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA301209&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf "Defense Science Board report on Concurrency and risk of the F-22 program."] ''Dtic.mil'', April 1995. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref>

===

===

The F-22's ability to operate close to the battlefield gives the aircraft threat detection and identification capability comparative with the [[Rivet Joint|RC-135 Rivet Joint]], and the ability to function as a "mini-[[Airborne Early Warning and Control|AWACS]]", though the radar is less powerful than those of dedicated platforms. The F-22 can designate targets for allies, and determine whether two friendly aircraft are targeting the same aircraft. This radar system can sometimes identify targets "many times quicker than the AWACS".<ref name="avweek_20070107"/> The [[FireWire|IEEE-1394B]] data bus developed for the F-22 was derived from the commercial IEEE-1394 "FireWire" bus system.<ref name="avweek_20070205">Philips, E.H. "The Electric Jet." ''[[Aviation Week]]'', 5 February 2007.</ref> In 2007, the F-22's radar was used as a wireless data transceiver during tests, transmitting data at 548 megabits per second and receiving at gigabit speed, far faster than the [[Link 16]] system.<ref>Page, Lewis. [http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/06/19/super_stealth_jet_acts_as_flying_wifi_hotspots/ "F-22 superjets could act as flying Wi-Fi hotspots."] ''The Register'', 19 June 2007. Retrieved: 7 November 2009.</ref>

===

===

The F-22's software has some 1.7 million [[source lines of code|lines of code]], the majority involving processing radar data.<ref>Pace 1999, p. 58.</ref> Former Secretary of the USAF Michael Wynne blamed the use of the DoD's [[Ada (programming language)|Ada]] for cost overruns and delays on many military projects, including the F-22.<ref>Wynne, Michael. [http://www.sldinfo.com/the-industrial-impact-of-the-decision-to-terminate-the-f-22-program/ "Michael Wynne on: The Industrial Impact of the Decision to Terminate the F-22 Program."] ''Second Line of Defense''. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref> Cyberattacks on subcontractors have reportedly raised doubts about the security of the F-22's systems and combat-effectiveness.<ref>{{cite web |author=Riley, Michael; Elgin, Ben |url=http://www.businessweek.com/news/2013-05-01/china-cyberspies-outwitting-u-dot-s-dot-stealing-vital-military-secrets |title=Business Week: China Cyberspies Outwit U.S. Stealing Military Secrets |work=Bloomberg Businessweek |date=2 May 2013 |accessdate=3 May 2013}}</ref>  In 2009, former Navy Secretary John Lehman considered the F-22 to be safe from cyberattack, citing the age of its IBM software.<ref>Thompson, Mark. [http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1912084,00.html "Defense Secretary Gates Downs the F-22."] ''Time'', 22 July 2009. Retrieved: 27 March 2010.</ref>

===

===

[[File:F-22-raptor-16.jpg|thumb|Cockpit of the F-22, showing instruments, head up display and throttle top (lower left)]]

===

===

The F-22 has a [[glass cockpit]] with all-digital flight instruments. The monochrome [[head-up display]] offers a wide field of view and serves as a primary flight instrument; information is also displayed upon six color [[liquid crystal display]] (LCD) panels.<ref name=Williams_p10>Williams 2002, p. 10.</ref> The primary flight controls are a force-sensitive [[side-stick]] controller and a pair of throttles. The USAF initially wanted to implement [[direct voice input]] (DVI) controls, but this was judged to be too technically risky and was abandoned.<ref>Goebel, Greg. [http://www.airvectors.net/avf22.html "The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor."] ''airvectors.net,'' 1 July 2011. Retrieved: 10 November 2012.</ref> The canopy's dimensions are approximately 140 inches long, 45 inches wide, and 27 inches tall (355 cm x 115 cm x 69 cm) and weighs 360 pounds.<ref name=LMBrettSHaisty>{{cite web |url=http://www.f22fighter.com/AffordableStealth.pdf |title=Lockheed Martin’s Affordable Stealth |publisher=Lockheed Martin |date=15 November 2000|page=2}}</ref>

===

===

The F-22 has integrated radio functionality, the signal processing systems are virtualized rather than as a separate hardware module.<ref>Kopp, Carlo. [http://www.ausairpower.net/API-Metz-Interview.html "~Just How Good Is The F-22 Raptor?"] "Australian Air Power", September 1998.</ref> There has been several reports on the F-22's inability to communicate with other aircraft, and funding cuts have affected the development of the [[Multifunction Advanced Data Link|MADL]] data link.<ref>[http://www.dodbuzz.com/2011/03/31/f-22s-wont-get-f-35-datalinksyet/ "F-22s Won’t Get F-35 Datalinks,Yet"] ''DoDBuzz'', 31 March 2011</ref> Voice communication is possible, but not data transfer.<ref name=AFM201008>AirForces Monthly, August 2010, p. 56.</ref>

===

===

The integrated control panel (ICP) is a keypad system for entering communications, navigation, and autopilot data. Two {{Convert|3|x|4|in|cm|abbr=on}} up-front displays located around the ICP are used to display integrated caution advisory/warning data, communications, navigation and identification (CNI) data and also serve as the stand-by flight instrumentation group and fuel quantity indicator.<ref name=MoirSeabridge>"Military Avionics Systems", Ian Moir and Allan Seabridge, Wiley, pp. 360</ref><ref name=Williams_p11>Williams 2002, p.&nbsp;11.</ref> The stand-by flight group displays an [[artificial horizon]], for basic [[instrument meteorological conditions]]. The {{Convert|8|x|8|in|cm|abbr=on}} [[Multi-function display|primary multi-function display]] (PMFD) is located under the ICP, and is used for navigation and situation assessment. Three {{Convert|6.25|x|6.25|in|cm|abbr=on}} secondary multi-function displays are located around the PMFD for tactical information and stores management.<ref name=Williams_p11/>

===

===

The ejection seat is a version of the [[ACES II]] (Advanced Concept Ejection Seat) commonly used in USAF aircraft, with a center-mounted ejection control.<ref name=goodrichflyer>[http://www.goodrich.com/gr-ext-templating/images/Goodrich%20Content/Business%20Content/Interiors/Products/Specialty%20Seating%20Systems/ACESII%20Data%20Sheet%20for%20website.pdf "ACES ll® Ejection Seat Programs"]{{dead link|date=October 2013}} ''Goodrich''.</ref> The F-22 has a complex [[life support system]], which includes the on-board oxygen generation system (OBOGS), protective pilot garments, and a breathing regulator/anti-g (BRAG) valve controlling flow and pressure to the pilot's mask and garments. The protective garments are designed to protect against chemical/biological hazards and [[Water landing|cold-water immersion]], to counter [[g-force]]s and low pressure at high altitudes, and to provide thermal relief. It was developed under the Advanced Technology Anti-G Suit (ATAGS) project.<ref name=ATAGSRichardsonSchwartz>"A preliminary investigation of a fluid-filled ECG-triggered anti-g suit", February 1994</ref> Suspicions regarding the performance of the OBOGS and life support equipment have been raised by several mishaps, including a fatal crash.<ref>Majumdar, Dave. [http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2011/09/air-force-bleed-air-issue-led-to-raptor-crash-sources-say-090811w/ "Sources: Bleed-air issue led to Raptor crash."] ''Air Force Times'', 8 September 2011.</ref>

===

===

[[File:F-22 GBU39B AIM-120 m02006120800117.jpg|thumb|right|AIM-120 AMRAAM (right) fitted in a weapons bay of an F-22]]

===

===

The Raptor has three internal weapons bays: a large bay on the bottom of the fuselage, and two smaller bays on the sides of the fuselage, aft of the engine intakes.<ref>Pace 1999, pp. 65–66.</ref> It can carry six medium range missiles in the center bay and one short–range missile in each side bay;<ref>[http://handle.dtic.mil/100.2/ADP010957 "Technologies for Future Precision Strike Missile Systems – Missile/Aircraft Integration."] ''Handle.dtic.mil.'' Retrieved: 26 September 2010.</ref> Four of the medium range missiles can be replaced with two bomb racks that can each carry one medium-size or four smaller bombs.<ref name="F-22_factsheet"/> Carrying armaments internally maintains the aircraft's stealth and minimizes additional drag. Missile launches require the bay doors to be open for less than a second, during which hydraulic arms push missiles clear of the aircraft; this is to reduce vulnerability to detection and to deploy missiles during high speed flight.<ref>[http://es.is.itt.com/AMRAAMAVEL.htm "LAU-142/A AMRAAM Vertical Eject Launcher AVEL."]{{dead link|date=November 2013}} ''es.is.itt.com''. Retrieved: 7 November 2009.</ref>

===

===

The F-22 can also carry air-to-surface weapons such as bombs with [[Joint Direct Attack Munition]] (JDAM) guidance and the [[Small-Diameter Bomb]], but cannot self-designate for laser-guided weapons.<ref name=DefIndDaily>{{cite web |author=Staff |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/f22-raptor-procurement-events-updated-02908/ |title=The F-22 Raptor: Program & Events |work=Defense Industry Daily |date=13 October 2013 |accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref> Internal air-to-surface ordnance is limited to 2,000 lb.<ref name=Polmar>Polmar 2005, p. 397.</ref> An internally mounted [[M61 Vulcan|M61A2 Vulcan]] 20 mm [[Gatling gun|cannon]] is embedded in the right wing root with the muzzle covered by a door to maintain stealth.<ref name=Miller_2005_p94>Miller 2005, p. 94.</ref> The radar projection of the cannon fire's path is displayed on the pilot's head-up display.<ref>DeMarban, Alex. [http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/target-towing-cessna-pilot-unconcerned-about-live-fire-practice-f-22s "Target-towing Cessna pilot unconcerned about live-fire practice with F-22s."] ''Alaska Dispatch'', 3 May 2012.</ref>

===

===

[[File:F-22 AIM-120.jpg|thumb|left|F-22 with external weapons pylons]]

===

===

The F-22's high cruise speed and altitude increase the effective ranges of its munitions, it has 50% greater employment range for the [[AIM-120 AMRAAM]] than prior platforms, and range will be further extended with the eventual introduction of the AIM-120D.<ref name="pilotperspective"/> While specifics are [[Classified information in the United States|classified]], it is expected that JDAMs employed by F-22s will have twice or more the effective range of legacy platforms.<ref name="afm_200605">"USAF Almanac." ''Air Force magazine'', May 2006.</ref> In testing, a F-22 dropped a 1,000 lb (450 kg) JDAM from 50,000 feet (15,000 m) while cruising at Mach 1.5, striking a moving target {{convert|24|mi|km}} away.<ref name="upi_20061122">{{Cite news |url=http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2006/11/22/US-orders-two-dozen-raptors-for-2010/UPI-51851164210418/ |title=U.S. orders two dozen raptors for 2010 |agency=[[United Press International]] |date=22 November 2006 |accessdate=24 June 2010}}</ref>

===

===

While the F-22 typically carries weapons internally, the wings include four [[hardpoint]]s, each rated to handle {{convert|5000|lb|kg|abbr=on}}. Each hardpoint has a pylon that can carry a detachable 600 gallon fuel tank or a launcher holding two air-air missiles. The use of external stores degrades the F-22's stealth, maneuverability and speed. The two inner hardpoints are "plumbed" for external fuel tanks; the hardpoints can be jettisoned in flight to maximize the aircraft's stealth after exhausting external stores.<ref>Pace 1999, pp. 71–72.</ref> A stealth ordnance pod and pylon is being developed to carry additional weapons internally.<ref>Tirpak, John A. [http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2005/January%202005/0105raptor.aspx "The Raptor as Bomber."] ''Air Force magazine'', January 2005. Retrieved: 25 July 2009.</ref>

===

===

[[File:F 22 raptor bomb bay display 2014 Reno Air Races photo D Ramey Logan.jpg|thumb|left|For stealth, the F-22 carries weapons in internal bays. The doors for the center and side bays are open; note the six LAU-142/A AMRAAM Vertical Ejection Launchers (AVEL).]]

===

===

The F-22 was designed to be highly difficult to detect and track by radar. Measures to reduce its radar signature include airframe shaping such as planform alignment of edges, [[Intake ramp|fixed-geometry]] serpentine inlets that prevent line-of-sight of the engine faces from any exterior view, use of radar absorbent material (RAM), and attention to detail such as hinges and pilot helmets that could provide a radar return. The F-22 was also designed to have decreased radio, heat and noise emissions as well as reduced visibility to the naked eye.<ref name= "gs_f22_stealth">Pike, John. [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/f-22-stealth.htm "F-22 Stealth".] ''Global Security''. Retrieved: 21 February 2007.</ref> The aircraft's flat thrust vectoring nozzle reduces infrared emissions to mitigate the threat of [[infrared homing]] ("heat seeking") [[Surface-to-air missile|surface-to-air]] or [[air-to-air missiles]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Trimble |first= Stephen |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-dewline/2008/07/russias-views-about-the-new-f2/ |title=Russia's views about the new F-22 flying display |work=Flight global |date= 16 July 2008 |accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref> Further measures to reduce the infrared signature include special paint and [[Regenerative cooling|active cooling]] of leading edges to manage the heat buildup from supersonic flight.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.northropgrumman.com/analysis-center/paper/assets/analogues_stealth.pdf |title= Analogues of Stealth |publisher= Northrop Grumman |date= 27 April 2012 |type= analysis paper |format= [[Portable document format|PDF]] }}.</ref>

===

===

Compared to previous stealth designs like the [[F-117 Nighthawk|F-117]], the F-22 is less reliant on RAM, which are maintenance-intensive and susceptible to adverse weather conditions. Unlike the [[Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit |B-2]], which requires climate-controlled hangars, the F-22 can undergo repairs on the flight line or in a normal hangar. The F-22 features a ''Signature Assessment System'' which delivers warnings when the radar signature is degraded and necessitates repair.<ref name= "avweek_20070107" /> The F-22's exact [[radar cross-section]] (RCS) is classified; however, in 2009 Lockheed Martin released information indicating it has an RCS (from certain angles) of −40 [[Decibel#Radar|dBsm]] – equivalent to the radar reflection of a "steel marble".<ref name="f22-design-shows">Fulghum, David A. [http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/F22-020409.xml "F-22 Raptor To Make Paris Air Show Debut"]{{dead link|date=October 2013}} ''[[Aviation Week]]'', 4 February 2009. Retrieved: 15 February 2009.</ref>  Effectively maintaining the stealth features can decrease the F-22's [[availability|mission capable rate]] to 62–70%.{{#tag:ref|"…noting that Raptors are ready for a mission around 62 percent of the time, if its low-observable requirements are met (DAILY, 20 November). Reliability goes up above 70 percent for missions with lower stealth demands."<ref>Butler, Amy. [http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/F22s021709.xml "USAF Chief Defends F-22 Need, Capabilities."]{{dead link|date= October 2013}} ''[[Aviation Week]]'', 17 February 2009. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref> |group= N}}

===

===

The effectiveness of the stealth characteristics is difficult to gauge.  The RCS value is a restrictive measurement of the aircraft's frontal or side area from the perspective of a static radar. When an aircraft maneuvers it exposes a completely different set of angles and surface area, potentially increasing radar observability. Furthermore, stealth contouring and radar absorbent materials are chiefly effective against high-frequency radars, usually found on other aircraft. [[Low-frequency radar]]s, employed by weather radars and ground warning stations, are alleged to be less affected by stealth technologies and are thus more capable as detection platforms.<ref>Sprey, Pierre. "Interview," 22 June 2008.</ref><ref>Weiner, Tim. ''Blank Check: The Pentagon's Black Budget''. New York: Warner Books, 1990. ISBN 978-0-44639-275-4.</ref> While faint or fleeting radar contacts make defenders aware that a stealth aircraft is present, reliably vectoring interception to attack the aircraft is much more challenging.<ref>[[Rebecca Grant (political expert)|Grant, Rebecca]]. [http://www.afa.org/Mitchell/Reports/MS_RadarGame_0910.pdf "The Radar Game."]{{dead link|date=October 2013}} ''[[Mitchell Institute]]'', 2010. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref> According to the USAF an F-22 surprised an Iranian [[F-4 Phantom II]] that was attempting to intercept an American [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|UAV]], despite Iran's claim of having [[Matla-ul-fajr|military VHF radar coverage]] over the Persian Gulf.<ref>http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/09/17/welsh-f22-flew-to-drones-rescue-off-iran-coast.html</ref>

===

===

==Operational history==

===

===

[[File:Usaf.kc135.750pix.jpg|thumb|An F-22 refuels from a [[KC-135 Stratotanker|KC-135]] during testing; the attachment on the back top is for a spin recovery chute|alt=Rear/starboard view of aerial refueling tanker transferring fuel to a jet fighter via a long boom. The two aircraft are slightly banking left.]]

===

===

The YF-22 was originally given the unofficial name "Lightning II", after the World War II fighter [[P-38]], by Lockheed, which persisted until the mid-1990s when the USAF officially named the aircraft "Raptor". The aircraft was also briefly dubbed "SuperStar" and "Rapier".<ref>[http://www.aerospaceweb.org/question/history/q0221.shtml "Military Aircraft Names."] ''Aerospaceweb.org.'' Retrieved: 26 September 2010.</ref> In September 2002, USAF changed the Raptor's designation to F/A-22, mimicking the Navy's [[McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet]] and intended to highlight a planned ground-attack capability amid debate over the aircraft's role and relevance. The F-22 designation was reinstated in December 2005, when the aircraft entered service.<ref name="F-22_factsheet"/><ref name="afp_20051205">"U.S. to Declare F-22 Fighter Operational." ''[[Agence France-Presse]]'', 15 December 2005.</ref>

===

===

Flight testing of the F-22 began in 1997 with Raptor 4001, the first EMD jet, and eight more F-22s would participate in the EMD and flight test program.<ref name="gs_f22_flight_tests">Pike, John. [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/f-22-testfly.htm "F-22 Raptor Flight Test".] ''GlobalSecurity.org''. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref> Raptor 4001 was retired from flight testing in 2000 and subsequently sent to [[Wright-Patterson Air Force Base]] (AFB) for survivability testing, including live fire testing and battle damage repair training.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.codeonemagazine.com/gallery_slideshow.html?fa44c7e5ba83d833e4ac50ea5bc58dd6=2&gallery_id=129&gallery_style=3 |title=F-22 Milestones – Part 2 |publisher=Code One Magazine |date= |accessdate=2013-11-16}}</ref> EMD F-22s have been used for testing upgrades, and also as maintenance trainers.<ref>{{cite web|last=Majumdar |first=Dave |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-dewline/2013/05/raptor-4007-starts-testing-inc/ |title=Raptor 4007 starts testing Inc 3.2A upgrade on its 1000th sortie |publisher= Flightglobal.com |date=7 May 2013 |accessdate=16 November 2013}}</ref> The first production F-22 was delivered to [[Nellis Air Force Base|Nellis AFB]], [[Nevada]], in January 2003.<ref>Miller 2005, p.&nbsp;65.</ref>

===

===

In May 2006, a released report documented a problem with the F-22's forward titanium boom, caused by defective heat-treating.  This made the boom on roughly the first 80 F-22s less [[ductile]] than specified and potentially shortened the part's life. Modifications and inspections were implemented to the booms to restore life expectancy.<ref name="f22-problems"/><ref name=autogenerated1>Offley, Ed. [http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-145240376.html "Flaw Could Shorten Raptors' Lives."] News Herald (Panama City, FL), 4 May 2006. Retrieved: 12 February 2014.</ref>

===

===

In August 2008, an unmodified F-22 of the 411th Flight Test Squadron performed in the first ever air-to-air refueling of an aircraft using synthetic jet fuel as part of a wider USAF effort to qualify aircraft to use the fuel, a 50/50 mix of [[JP-8]] and a [[Fischer-Tropsch process]]-produced, natural gas-based fuel.<ref>Delos Reyes, Julius. [http://www.f-16.net/news_article3040.html "Edwards F-22 Raptor performs aerial refueling using synthetic fuel."] ''Desert Eagle'', 3 September 2008, via ''F-16.net''. Retrieved: 14 September 2011.</ref> In 2011, an F-22 flew supersonic on a 50% mixture of biofuel derived from [[camelina]].<ref>Quick, Darren. [http://www.gizmag.com/f-22-raptor-biofuel-flight/18218/ "F-22 Raptor hits Mach 1.5 on camelina-based biofuel."] ''Gizmag'', 23 March 2011.</ref>

===

===

[[File:F-22A Raptor -03-4058.jpg|thumb|An F-22 fires an [[AIM-120 AMRAAM]]|alt=Jet fighter flying above a streaking missile, which had moments earlier been released by the former.]]

===

===

In December 2005, the USAF announced that the F-22 had achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://archive.is/20120723113239/http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123013572 |archivedate=23 July 2012 |title=F-22A Raptor goes operational |publisher=U.S. Air Force |date=15 December 2005 |accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref> During Exercise [[Northern Edge]] in Alaska in June 2006, in simulated combat exercises 12 F-22s of the 94th FS downed 108 adversaries with no losses.<ref name="afpn_20060623_ad" /> In the exercises, the Raptor-led Blue Force amassed 241 kills against two losses in air-to-air combat; neither Blue Force loss was an F-22. During [[Red Flag (USAF)|Red Flag]] 07-1 in February 2007, 14 F-22s of the 94th FS supported Blue Force strikes and undertook close air support sorties. Against superior numbers of [[Aggressor squadron|Red Force Aggressor]] F-15s and F-16s, 6–8 F-22s maintained air dominance throughout. No sorties were missed because of maintenance or other failures, a single F-22 was judged lost against the defeated opposing force.{{#tag:ref|The F-22 was "lost" when a victim exited the area, regenerated and immediately re-engaged; the pilot had erroneously assumed it was still "dead".|group=N}} F-22s also provided airborne electronic surveillance.<ref name="flag">Schanz, Marc V. [http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2007/May%202007/0507world.aspx "Aerospace World: Red Flag Raptors."] ''Air Force magazine'', May 2007. Retrieved: 9 February 2008.</ref>

===

===

The Raptor achieved Full Operational Capability (FOC) in December 2007, when General John Corley of Air Combat Command (ACC) officially declared the F-22s of the integrated active duty [[1st Fighter Wing]] and [[Virginia Air National Guard]] [[192d Fighter Wing]] fully operational.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hopper |first=David |archiveurl=http://archive.is/20120718072158/http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123079133 |archivedate=18 July 2012 |title=F-22s at Langley receive FOC status |url=http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123079133 |publisher=U.S. Air Force |date=12 December 2007 |accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref> This was followed by an Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI) of the integrated wing in April 2008, in which it was rated "excellent" in all categories, with a simulated kill-ratio of 221–0.<ref>Schultz, 2nd Lt. Georganne E. [http://www.f-16.net/news_article2848.html "Langley earns 'excellent' in ORI."] ''F-16.net,'' 22 April 20078. Retrieved: 9 May 2010.</ref>

===

===

[[File:Raptor and TU-95.jpg|thumb|An F-22 from [[Elmendorf AFB]], Alaska, intercepting a Russian [[Tupolev Tu-95]] near American airspace |alt=Aerial port view of two aircraft in flight, one on top of the other. The bottom aircraft is a four-engined propeller-driven aircraft, which is escorted by a jet fighter.]]

===

===

In February 2007, while attempting its first overseas deployment to the [[Kadena Air Base]] in Okinawa, Japan, six F-22s of [[27th Fighter Squadron]] flying from [[Hickam AFB]], Hawaii, experienced multiple software-related system failures while crossing the [[International Date Line]] ([[180th meridian]] of [[longitude]]).  The aircraft returned to Hawaii by following [[Aerial refueling|tanker aircraft]]. Within 48 hours, the error was resolved and the journey resumed.<ref>[http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/f22-squadron-shot-down-by-the-international-date-line-03087/ "F-22 Squadron Shot Down by the International Date Line."] ''Defense Industry Daily,'' 1 March 2007. Retrieved: 5 February 2014.</ref><ref name= Raptors_arrive>{{cite web |url=http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123041567 |last=Johnson |first=Maj. Dani |title=Raptors arrive at Kadena |publisher=US Air Force |date= 19 February 2007 |accessdate=1 November 2013 |archiveurl=http://archive.is/20120525231804/http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123041567 |archivedate=25 May 2012}}</ref> By January 2013, F-22s have been deployed to Kadena Air Base seven times,<ref>[http://airrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=603 "12 F-22 Raptors deployed to Japan."] ''Air recognition'', 14 January 2013.</ref> and in early 2013, F-22s were involved in U.S.-South Korean military drills.<ref>{{Cite news |url= http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/04/01/us-reportedly-sends-f-22-jets-to-join-south-korea-drills/ |title=US sends F-22 jets to join South Korea drills |work= Fox News |date= 1 April 2013 |accessdate= 31 October 2013}}</ref> In June 2014, F-22s from the 199th Fighter Squadron of the Hawaii Air National Guard were deployed to Malaysia to participate in the Cope Taufan 2014 exercise conducted by the USAF Pacific Air Forces and [[Royal Malaysian Air Force]].<ref>{{Cite web |last= Mahadzir |first= Dzirhan |place= Kuala Lumpur |url= http://www.janes.com/article/38842/f-22s-land-in-malaysia-for-first-southeast-asian-exercise |title= F-22s land in Malaysia for first Southeast Asian exercise |publisher= IHS |newspaper= Jane's 360 |date= 4 June 2014 |accessdate= 29 June 2014}}.</ref>

===

===

In November 2007, F-22s of 90th Fighter Squadron performed their first NORAD interception of two Russian [[Tupolev Tu-95 |Tu-95MS "Bear-H"]] bombers over Alaska.<ref>[http://www.airforce-magazine.com/DRArchive/Pages/2007/December%202007/December%2014%202007/1025raptor.aspx "Raptors Perform First Intercept of Russian Bombers."] ''Air Force magazine'', Daily Report, 14 December 2007. Retrieved: 9 May 2010.</ref>  Since then, F-22s have also escorted probing [[Tupolev Tu-160| Tu-160 "Blackjack"]] bombers.<ref>{{Cite news |place= [[Russia |RU]] |url= http://en.ria.ru/russia/20100325/158312005.html |title=Russian Air Force denies it violated British airspace |agency=RIA Novosti |date=25 March 2010 |accessdate= 30 October 2013}}</ref> The first pair of F-22s assigned to the [[49th Fighter Wing]] became operational at [[Holloman Air Force Base| Holloman AFB]], [[New Mexico]], in June 2008.<ref>"Air Force World." ''Air Force magazine'', July 2008, Vol. 91, No. 7, p. 20.</ref>  In 2014, Holloman Raptors and their support personnel were reassigned to the reactivated [[95th Fighter Squadron]] at Tyndall AFB.<ref name= IOC>{{cite web |url= http://www.tyndall.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123407983 |title= IOC declared for 95th Fighter Squadron |first= Ashley M. |last=Wright |publisher=325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs |date=April 21, 2014 |accessdate=June 13, 2014}}</ref>

===

===

Secretary of Defense Gates initially refused to deploy F-22s to the Middle East in 2007.<ref>Clark, Colin. [http://www.dodbuzz.com/2008/06/30/gates-opposed-af-plans-to-deploy-f-22-to-iraq/ "Gates Opposed AF Plans to Deploy F-22 to Iraq."] ''DOD Buzz'', 30 June 2008. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref>  The aircraft would have its first deployment in the region at [[Al Dhafra Air Base]] in the UAE in 2009. In April 2012, F-22s have been rotating into Al Dhafra Air Base, less than 200 miles from Iran;<ref>{{Cite news |last=Butler |first=Amy |url=http://aviationweek.com/defense/uae-based-f-22s-signal-iran |title=UAE-based F-22s a Signal to Iran |work=Aviation Week |date=12 April 2012 |accessdate=3 June 2014}}</ref><ref>Munoz, Carlos. [http://thehill.com/policy/defense/224315-reports-dod-deploys-f-22-fighters-near-iranian-border "Reports: DOD deploys F-22 fighters near Iranian border".] ''The Hill'', 27 April 2012.</ref> the Iranian defense minister referred to the deployment as a security threat.<ref>{{Cite news |url= http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/04/30/iran-us-stealth-fighter-deployment-to-uae-harmful/ |title=Iran: US stealth fighter deployment to UAE harmful |work=Fox News |date=30 April 2012 |accessdate= 31 October 2013}}</ref> In March 2013 the USAF announced that an F-22 had confronted and chased off an Iranian [[F-4 Phantom II]] that approached within 16 miles of an [[MQ-1 Predator]] flying off the Iranian coastline.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/09/17/welsh-f22-flew-to-drones-rescue-off-iran-coast.html?comp=700001075741&rank=6 |title= F-22 Flew to Drone's Rescue off Iran Coast |newspaper= Military |date= 17 September 2013}}.</ref>

===

===

On 22 September 2014, F-22s performed the type's first combat sorties during the [[2014 American intervention in Syria|U.S. intervention in Syria]]; a number of aircraft dropped 1,000-pound GPS-guided bombs on [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|Islamic State]] targets in the vicinity of [[Tishrin Dam]].<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://aviationweek.com/defense/f-22-s-takes-first-shot-against-ground-not-air-target |title= F-22s takes first shot against ground, not air target |newspaper= Aviation week}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://medium.com/war-is-boring/america-feared-syrias-air-defenses-d902ed37577e |title= America Feared Syria’s Air Defenses |publisher=medium.com |work=War Is Boring blog}}</ref> Combat operations by F-22s are planned to continue into the foreseeable future. While some missions involve striking targets, the F-22's main role is [[intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance]] (ISR) gathering.<ref>[http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140929/DEFREG02/309290029/F-22-Continuing-Operations-Syria F-22 Continuing Operations in Syria] - Defensenews.com, 29 September 2014</ref>

===

===

In one of his last interviews before retiring from ACC, Hostage said the USAF used tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP) to overcome the disparity between the Raptor's communications abilities and older, fourth-generation assets during the deployment. Although the combat operations were not the most rigorous test of the aircraft, Hostage said that it performed "flawlessly".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://breakingdefense.com/2014/10/accs-gen-hostage-on-fifth-gen-combat-cloud-and-syria/ |title=ACC’s Gen. Hostage: On Fifth Gen Combat Cloud And Syria |last1=Laird |first1=Robbin |last2=Timperlake |first2=Ed |date=22 October 2014 |website=breakingdefense.com |publisher=Breaking Media, Inc. |accessdate=22 October 2014}}</ref>

===

===

The USAF is currently testing a rapid deployment concept involving four F-22s and one C-17 for support. First proposed in 2008 by two F-22 pilots, the goal of such a deployment package is to able to set up and engage in combat within 24 hours.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.airforcemag.com/Features/Pages/2013/September%202013/box092613rapid.aspx |title=Rapid Raptor Package |last=Schanz |first=Marc |date= 28 September 2013 |website= Air force mag |publisher=Air Force Association |accessdate=1 October 2013}}</ref><ref>http://www.pacaf.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123433300</ref>

===

===

===Maintenance and training===

===

===

F-22 had a mission capable rate of 62% in 2004, 70% in 2009, and was predicted to reach 85% as the fleet reached 100,000 flight hours.<ref name="hatch.senate.gov"/><ref name= "tyndalltraining">Camelo, Maj. Wilson. [http://www.webcitation.org/6RTt4i2Et "Tyndall AFB takes F-22 pilot training to next level".] ''U.S. Air Force'', 30 July 2014. Archived from [http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/tabid/223/Article/486936/tyndall-afb-takes-f-22-pilot-training-to-next-level.aspx original.]</ref> Early on, the F-22 required more than 30 hours of maintenance per flight hour and a total cost per flight hour of $44,000; by 2008 it was reduced to 18.1, and 10.5 by 2009; lower than the Pentagon's requirement of 12 maintenance hours per flight hour.<ref name= "AWST">[http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/awst/2011/11/14/AW_11_14_2011_p37-392429.xml "USAF Weighs Future Priority Needs."]{{dead link|date=October 2013}} ''Aviation Week'', 21 November 2011.</ref> When introduced, the F-22 had a Mean Time Between Maintenance (MTBM) of 1.7 hours, short of the required 3.0; in 2012 this rose to 3.2 hours.<ref name= "hatch.senate.gov" /> By 2013, the cost per flight hour was $68,362, over three times as much as the F-16.<ref>{{cite web |last=Thompson |first=Mark |url=http://nation.time.com/2013/04/02/costly-flight-hours/ |title=Costly Flight Hours |work= Time |date= 2 April 2013 |accessdate= 1 November 2013}}</ref>

===

===

Each aircraft requires a month-long packaged maintenance plan (PMP) every 300 flight hours.<ref name= "tyndalltraining"/> The stealth system, including its radar absorbing metallic skin, account for almost one third of maintenance. The canopy was redesigned after the original design lasted an average of 331 hours instead of the required 800 hours.<ref name= "hatch.senate.gov" /> F-22 depot maintenance is performed at Ogden Air Logistics Complex at Hill AFB, Utah.<ref>[http://www.wpafb.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123350437 "Air Force to consolidate F-22 depot maintenance at Hill".] ''U.S. Air Force'', 29 May 2013. Retrieved 3 July 2014.</ref>

===

===

In January 2007, the F-22 reportedly maintained 97% sortie rate, flying 102 out of 105 tasked sorties while amassing a 144-to-zero kill ratio during "Northern Edge" air-to-air exercises in Alaska. According to Lieutenant Colonel Wade Tolliver, squadron commander of the 27th Fighter Squadron, the stealth coatings of the F-22 are more robust than those used in earlier stealth aircraft, being less sensitive to weather and wear and tear.<ref name= "avweek_20070107" /> However, rain caused "shorts and failures in sophisticated electrical components" when F-22s were posted to [[Guam]].<ref>Holmes, Erik. [http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2009/10/airforce_F22_100409w/ "F-22 problems linked to rain in Guam."] ''Air Force Times'', 5 October 2009. Retrieved: 9 May 2010.</ref>

===

===

To reduce operating costs and lengthen the F-22's service life, some pilot training sorties are performed using high fidelity flight simulators, while the [[Northrop T-38 Talon| T-38 Talon]] is used for adversary training.<ref name="tyndalltraining"/> [[Budget Control Act of 2011|DoD budget cuts]] led to F-22 demonstration flights being halted in 2013; the demonstration flights were resumed in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.swxrightnow.com/story/21748697/f-22-raptor-team-wont-fly-at-water-follies |title= F-22 Raptor Team Won't Fly at Water Follies |newspaper= SWX right now}}.</ref><ref>{{Citation |contribution-url= http://www.acc.af.mil/aerialevents/f22a/ |title= Aerial events |publisher= Air force |contribution= F-22A Demo Team |place= [[United States of America|US]]}}.</ref> In 2012, it was reported that the F-22's maintenance demands have increased as the fleet aged; maintaining the stealth coatings is particularly demanding.<ref>{{cite web |author=Axe, David |url=http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/11/f-35-gets-stealthier/ |title=Lockheed’s Dubious Claim: Stealth Fighter Will Get Stealthier With Age |work=Wired |date=6 November 2012 |accessdate=30 October 2013}}</ref><ref>King, Senior Airman Joan. [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2012/11/mil-121127-afns02.htm "F-22's success more than 'skin deep'".] ''Global security.'' Retrieved: 3 December 2012.</ref>

===

===

Operational problems have been experienced and some have caused fleet-wide groundings. Critically, pilots have experienced a decreased mental status, including losing consciousness. There were reports of instances of pilots found to have a decreased level of alertness or memory loss after landing.<ref name="Cox">Cox, Bob. "Despite investigation, safety concerns linger on F-22." ''Star Telegram'', 25 August 2012.</ref> F-22 pilots have experienced lingering respiratory problems and a chronic cough; other symptoms include irritability, emotional lability and neurological changes.<ref name= "Cox" /> A number of possible causes were investigated, including possible exposure to noxious chemical agents from the respiratory tubing, pressure suit malfunction, side effects from oxygen delivery at greater-than-atmospheric concentrations, and oxygen supply disruptions. Other problems include minor mechanical problems and navigational software failures.<ref name="Wastnage">{{cite web |last=Wastnage |first=Justin |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-navigational-software-glitch-forces-lockheed-martin-f-22-raptors-back-to-hawaii-212102/ |title=Navigational software glitch forces Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptors back to Hawaii, abandoning first foreign deployment to Japan |work=Flightglobal |date=14 February 2007 |accessdate=11 May 2012}}</ref> The fleet was grounded for four months in 2011 before resuming flight, but reports of oxygen issues persisted.<ref name=CBS_60min>Sughrue, Karen (producer) and [[Lesley Stahl]]. [http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18560_162-57427432/is-the-air-forces-f-22-fighter-jet-making-pilots-sick/ "Is the Air Force's F-22 fighter jet making pilots sick?"] ''[[60 Minutes]]: CBC News'', 6 May 2012. Retrieved: 7 May 2012.</ref>

===

===

In 2005, the Raptor Aeromedical Working Group, a USAF expert panel, recommended several changes to deal with the oxygen supply issues.<ref>Talmadge, Eric. [http://www.ajc.com/ap/ap/general/ap-impact-air-force-insiders-foresaw-f-22-woes/nSM5t/ "AP Impact: Air Force insiders foresaw F-22 woes."]{{dead link|date=October 2013}} ''AP'', 27 September 2012.</ref> In October 2011, Lockheed Martin was awarded a $24M contract to investigate the breathing difficulties.<ref>Majumdar, Dave. [http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=8066393&c=AIR&s=TOP "$24M Awarded to Find Cause of F-22 Oxygen Problem."] ''Defense News'', 26 October 2011.</ref> In July 2012, the Pentagon concluded that a pressure valve on flight vests worn during high-altitude flights and a carbon air filter were likely sources of at least some hypoxia-like symptoms. Long-distance flights were resumed, but were limited to lower altitudes until corrections had been made. The carbon filters were changed to a different model to reduce lung exposure to carbon particulates.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ackerman |first=Spencer |url= http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/07/f22-valve/ |title=Pentagon: Blame Tight Vests, Not Stealth Jets, for Choking Pilots |work=Wired |date=24 July 2012 |accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref><ref>Everstine, Brian. [http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2012/07/ap-panetta-approves-lifting-f22-flight-limits-072412/ "Panetta approves plan to lift F-22 limits."] ''[[Military Times]]'', 24 July 2012.</ref> The breathing regulator/anti-g (BRAG) valve, used to inflate the pilot's vest during high G maneuvers, was found to be defective, inflating the vest at unintended intervals and restricting the pilot's breathing.<ref>{{Citation |url= http://www.military.com/daily-news/2012/08/01/air-force-confident-f22-oxygen-riddle-solved.html |newspaper= Military |title= Air Force Confident F-22 Oxygen Riddle Solved |first= Michael |last= Hoffman |date= 1 August 2012}}.</ref> The on-board oxygen generating system (OBOGS) also unexpectedly reduced oxygen levels during high-G maneuvers.<ref>Fabey, Michael. [http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/asd_10_12_2012_p03-02-506094.xml "USAF Still Reviewing Oxygen Concentration Levels For F-22 Cockpit."] ''Aerospace Daily & Defense Report'', 12 October 2012.</ref>  In late 2012, Lockheed Martin was awarded contracts to install a supplemental automatic oxygen backup system, in addition to the primary and manual backup.<ref>Yakey, Randal. [http://www.newsherald.com/news/government/lockheed-martin-gets-additional-11-9-million-for-f-22-fixes-1.46643 "Lockheed Martin gets additional $11.9 million for F-22 fixes."] ''News Herald'', 8 November 2012.</ref> Changes recommended by the Raptor Aeromedical Working Group in 2005 received further consideration in 2012;<ref>Cox, Bob. [http://blogs.star-telegram.com/sky_talk/2012/09/air-force-we-understand-f-22-problems-and-fixing-them.html "Air Force: We understand F-22 problems and fixing them."] ''Star Telegram'', 13 September 2012.</ref> the USAF reportedly considered installing EEG brain wave monitors on the pilot's helmets for inflight monitoring.<ref>Lessig, Hugh. [http://www.dailypress.com/news/military/dp-nws-f22-pilot-brains-20121203,0,5153198.story "Taking a closer look at F-22 pilots."] "HRmilitary.com,'' 3 December 2012. Retrieved: 3 December 2012.</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Axe |first=David |url=http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/09/f-22-oxygen-unsolved/ |title=Stealth Fighter's Oxygen Woes Still A Mystery, Air Force Admits |work=Wired |date=13 September 2012 |accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref>

===

===

New backup oxygen generators and filters have been installed on the aircraft. The coughing symptoms have been attributed to acceleration [[atelectasis]], which may be exacerbated by the F-22's high performance; there is no present solution to the condition. The presence of toxins and particles in some ground crew was deemed to be unrelated.<ref>[http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CHRG-112hhrg76215/html/CHRG-112hhrg76215.htm "H.A.S.C. No. 112-154&#93; F-22 pilot physiological issues."] '' GPO''. Retrieved: 16 August 2013.</ref> On 4 April 2013, the distance and altitude flight restrictions were lifted after the F-22 Combined Test Force and 412th Aerospace Medicine Squadron determined that breathing restrictions on the pilot were responsible as opposed to an issue with the oxygen provided.<ref>{{cite web |last=Everstone |first=Brian |url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20130404/DEFREG02/304040017 |title=Flight Restrictions Lifted for F-22s with Auto Oxygen System |work=Defense News |date=4 April 2013 |accessdate=30 August 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |work=Air Combat Command Public Affairs |url=http://www.acc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123343030 |title=Air Force F-22 resumes normal flight operations|publisher=U.S. Air Force|date=4 April 2013|accessdate= 30 October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Mowry |first=Laura |url=http://www.edwards.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123344796 |title= Edwards Airmen vital to Raptor's return |publisher= U.S. Air Force |date= 17 April 2013 |accessdate=18 April 2013}}</ref>

===

===

* '''Naval F-22 variant''' – a carrier-borne variant of the F-22 with [[variable-sweep wing]]s for the [[United States Navy|U.S. Navy]]'s [[Advanced Tactical Fighter|Navy Advanced Tactical Fighter]] (NATF) program to replace the [[Grumman F-14 Tomcat|F-14 Tomcat]]. Program was canceled in 1993.<ref name=Pace_p28/> Former SoAF Donald Rice has called the possibility of the naval variant the deciding factor for his choice of the YF-22 over the YF-23.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Vartabedian |first1=Ralph |first2=W.J. |last2=Hennigan |url=http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-advanced-fighter-woes-20130616-dto-htmlstory.html#axzz2jMrTKmOE |title=F-22 program produces few planes, soaring costs |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=16 June 2013 |accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref>

===

===

The [[Lockheed Martin FB-22|FB-22]] was a proposed medium-range bomber for the USAF.<ref name="Long arm">Tirpak, John A. [http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2002/October%202002/1002longarm.aspx "Long Arm of the Air Force."] ''Air Force magazine'', October 2002. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref> The FB-22 was projected to carry up to 30 Small Diameter Bombs to about twice the range of the F-22A, while maintaining the F-22's stealth and supersonic speed.<ref>Bolkcom, Christopher. [http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metacrs6117/ "Air Force FB-22 Bomber Concept."] ''Digital.library.unt.edu''. Retrieved: 28 August 2011.</ref> However, the FB-22 in its planned form appears to have been canceled with the 2006 [[Quadrennial Defense Review]] and subsequent developments, in lieu of a larger subsonic bomber with a much greater range.<ref>[http://www.defense.gov/qdr/report/Report20060203.pdf "Quadrennial Defense Review Report"]. ''US Department of Defense'', 6 February 2006. Retrieved: 28 August 2011.</ref><ref>Hebert, Adam J. [http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2006/October%202006/10062018.aspx "The 2018 Bomber and Its Friends."] ''Air Force magazine'', October 2006. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref>

===

===

The [[Lockheed Martin X-44 MANTA|X-44 MANTA]], or ''multi-axis, no-tail aircraft'', was a planned experimental aircraft based on the F-22 with enhanced thrust vectoring controls and no aerodynamic surface backup.<ref name=nasa_monogr>Jenkins, Dennis R., Tony Landis and Jay Miller. [http://history.nasa.gov/monograph31.pdf "Monographs in Aerospace History, No. 31: American X-Vehicles: An Inventory, X-1 to X-50."] ''NASA'', June 2003. Retrieved: 13 June 2010.</ref> The aircraft was to be solely controlled by thrust vectoring, without featuring any rudders, ailerons, or elevators. Funding for this program was halted in 2000.<ref name=nasa1>{{Wayback |date=20071015155601 |url=http://nasaexplores.com/show2_articlea.php?id=03-065 |title="X-Planes Explained." }} ''NASAExplores.com'', 9 October 2003. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref>

===

===

[[File:F-22 Raptor - 070212-F-2034C-110.jpg|thumb|F-22 with drop tanks in transit to Kadena Air Base, Japan, from Langley AFB, Virginia]]

===

===

The [[United States Air Force]] is the only operator of the F-22.  It ordered 8 test and 187 operational production aircraft.  In November 2012, it had 184 production aircraft in inventory.<ref>{{cite web |author= Dave Majumdar, Dave |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-dewline/2012/11/how-many-raptors-does-the-usaf/ |title=How many Raptors does the USAF have left? |work=Flightglobal blogs |date= 30 November 2012 |accessdate=8 March 2014}}</ref>

===

===

***[[95th Fighter Squadron]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tyndall.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123366307 |title=95th returns, New F-22 squadron reflects local, military history |publisher=U.S. Air Force |accessdate=3 November 2013}}</ref>

===

===

***[[411th Flight Test Squadron]] – Conducted competition between YF-22 and [[YF-23]] from 1989 to 1991. Continues to conduct flight test on F-22 armaments and upgrades.

===

===

***[[19th Fighter Squadron]] – Active Associate squadron to the 199th Fighter Squadron ([[Hawaii Air National Guard]]).<ref>[http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=9865 "19 FIGHTER SQUADRON (PACAF)".] ''U.S. Air Force''. Retrieved: 1 July 2014.</ref>

===

===

***[[199th Fighter Squadron]], [[Hawaii Air National Guard]]

===

===

***[[302d Fighter Squadron]] – Associate AFRC squadron to the 3d Wing (Pacific Air Forces).

===

===

In April 1992, the second YF-22 crashed while landing at Edwards AFB. The test pilot, Tom Morgenfeld, escaped without injury. The cause of the crash was found to be a flight control [[software error]] that failed to prevent a [[pilot-induced oscillation]].<ref>[http://www.f-22raptor.com/index_airframe.php#1992 "F-22 Timeline."]{{dead link|date=November 2013}} ''F-22 Team web site''. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref>

===

===

The first F-22 crash occurred during [[takeoff]] at Nellis AFB on 20 December 2004, in which the pilot ejected safely before impact.<ref>Mount, Mike. [http://edition.cnn.com/2004/US/12/22/fighter.crash/index.html "Nevada crash grounds F-22 fighters."] ''CNN'', 22 December 2004. Retrieved: 28 August 2011.</ref> The crash investigation revealed that a brief interruption in power during an engine shutdown prior to flight caused a malfunction in the flight-control system;<ref name="gs_f22_flight_tests"/><ref>[http://usaf.aib.law.af.mil/ExecSum2005/F-22A_20Dec04.pdf USAF AIB Report Executive Summary on 20 December 2004 F-22A mishap.]</ref> consequently the aircraft design was corrected to avoid the problem. All F-22s were grounded after the crash; operations resumed following a review.<ref>[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29881713/ "F-22 crashes in California desert near air base."] [[Associated Press]] ''MSNBC'', 25 March 2009. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref>

===

===

On 25 March 2009, an EMD F-22 crashed {{convert|35|mi|km}} northeast of Edwards AFB during a [[test flight]], resulting in the death of Lockheed Martin test pilot [[David P. Cooley]]. An [[Air Force Materiel Command]] investigation found that Cooley momentarily lost consciousness during a high-G maneuver, then ejected when he found himself too low to recover. Cooley was killed during ejection by blunt-force [[Blunt trauma|trauma]] from windblast due to the aircraft's speed. The investigation found no design issues.<ref>"F-22 Crash Linked To G-Forces". ''The Washington Post'', 5 August 2009, p. 2.</ref><ref>[http://www.airforcemag.com/SiteCollectionDocuments/Reports/2009/July%202009/Day31/F-22_AIB_073109.pdf USAF AIB Report on 25 March 2009 F-22A mishap.] Retrieved: 31 May 2014.</ref>

===

===

[[File:F-22 Crash at Tyndall AFB.jpg|thumb|right|Wreckage of the F-22 that crashed in November 2012]]

===

===

On 16 November 2010, an F-22 from Elmendorf AFB crashed, killing the pilot, Captain Jeffrey Haney. The F-22 fleet was restricted to flying below 25,000 feet, before being grounded while the accident was investigated.<ref>Fontaine, Scott and Dave Majumdar. [http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2011/05/airforce-grounds-entire-f22-fleet-050511w/ "Air Force grounds entire F-22 fleet."] ''[[Military Times]]'', 5 May 2011.</ref> The accident was attributed to a bleed air system malfunction following the detection of an engine overheat condition, which shut down the [[Environmental control system (aircraft)|Environmental Control System]] (ECS) and OBOGS. The accident review board ruled the pilot was to blame, as he did not react properly and did not engage the emergency oxygen system.<ref>[http://www.pacaf.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-131024-066.pdf USAF AIB Report on 16 November 2010 F-22A mishap.] Retrieved: 1 July 2014.</ref> The pilot's widow sued, claiming the aircraft has defective equipment;<ref>Bouboushian, Jack. [http://www.courthousenews.com/2012/03/12/44592.htm "Pilot's Widow Calls F-22 Raptor Defective."] ''Courthouse News Service'', 12 March 2012.</ref> the manufacturers later reached a settlement.<ref>{{Cite work |author=Majumdar, Dave |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/settlement-reached-in-haney-f-22-crash-lawsuit-375445/ |title=Settlement reached in Haney F-22 crash lawsuit |work=Flightglobal |date=13 August 2012 |accessdate=30 October 2013}}</ref> In response to the investigation results, the engagement handle for the emergency oxygen system was redesigned; the emergency oxygen system should engage automatically when OBOGS is shut down due to engine failure.<ref>Hennigan, W. J., "Fatal Crash Leads To Change In F-22's Backup Oxygen System", ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'', 20 March 2012, p. B1.</ref> On 11 February 2013, the DoD's [[Office of the Inspector General|Inspector General]] released its report, which stated that the USAF had erred in assigning blame to Haney for the crash and that conclusions were not sufficiently supported by facts; the USAF stated that it stood by its conclusions.<ref>[http://www.dodig.mil/pubs/report_summary.cfm?id=5025 DoD IG report on 16 November 2010 F-22A mishap AIB report.]. Retrieved: 11 February 2013.</ref>

===

===

During a training mission, an F-22 crashed to the east of Tyndall AFB, on 15 November 2012. The pilot ejected safely and no injuries were reported on the ground.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.tyndall.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123326594 |title=Safety paramount as F-22 investigation continues (press release) |work=U.S. Air Force |date=16 November 2012 |accessdate=16 November 2013}}</ref> The investigation determined that a "chafed" electrical wire ignited the fluid in a hydraulic line, causing a fire that damaged the flight controls.<ref>Everstine, Brian. [http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130809/NEWS04/308090025/Air-Force-Faulty-wire-brought-down-F-22 "Air Force: Faulty wire brought down F-22."] ''Air Force Times'', 19 August 2013. Retrieved: 16 August 2013.</ref>

===

===

EMD F-22A 91-4003 is on display at the [[National Museum of the United States Air Force]].<ref>[http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123051335 "Museum adds the world's first stealthy air dominance fighter to collection."] ''National Museum of the U.S. Air Force''. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref>

===

===

[[File:F22 Raptor info.jpg|thumb|upright=1.35|USAF poster of key F-22 features and armament]]

===

===

* MJU-39/40 flares for protection against IR missiles<ref>Wild, Lee. [http://www.sharecast.com/cgi-bin/sharecast/story.cgi?story_id=3361020 "US quick to return for Chemring's flares."] ''Share cast,'' 26 March 2010. Retrieved: 26 September 2010.</ref>}}

===

===

{{Main|Aircraft in fiction#F-22 Raptor |l1=F-22 Raptor in fiction}}

===

===

}}

===

===

==References==

===

===

{{Reflist|group=N|50em}}

===

===

{{Reflist|30em}}

===

===

{{Refend}}

===

===

* [http://www.kbvp.com/extreme-videos/f-22-raptor F-22 Demo at 2007 Capital Airshow in Sacramento – with narrative by F-22 pilot Paul "Max" Moga]

===

===

{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2012}}

===

===

{Redirect|F-22|other uses|F22 (disambiguation)}}

The '''Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor''' is a single-seat, [[Twinjet|twin-engine]], all weather [[Stealth technology| stealth]] tactical [[fighter aircraft]] developed for the [[United States Air Force]] (USAF). The result of the USAF's Advanced Tactical Fighter program, the aircraft was designed primarily as an [[air superiority fighter]], but has additional capabilities including [[ground attack aircraft|ground attack]], [[electronic warfare]], and [[signals intelligence]] roles.<ref>Reed, John. [http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2009/12/airforce_deptula_121909/ "Official: Fighters should be used for spying."] ''Air Force Times'', 20 December 2009. Retrieved: 9 May 2010.</ref>  [[Lockheed Martin Aeronautics|Lockheed Martin]] is the prime contractor and is responsible for the majority of the airframe, weapon systems, and final assembly of the F-22, while program partner [[Boeing Defense, Space & Security|Boeing]] provides the wings, aft fuselage, avionics integration, and training systems.

===

===

The aircraft was variously designated '''F-22''' and '''F/A-22''' prior to formally entering service in December 2005 as the '''F-22A'''. Despite a protracted development as well as operational issues, the USAF considers the F-22 a critical component of its tactical air power, and states that the aircraft is unmatched by any known or projected fighter.<ref name= "F-22_factsheet">[http://archive.is/20120629041609/http://www.af.mil/information/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=199 "F-22 Raptor fact sheet."] ''U.S. Air Force'', March 2009. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref>  The Raptor's combination of stealth, aerodynamic performance, and situational awareness gives the aircraft unprecedented air-to-air capabilities.<ref name="f22-capabilities">{{cite web |url= http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/products/f22/f-22-capabilities.html |archiveurl= http://www.webcitation.org/6QnYx4CSS |archivedate= 3 July 2014 |title=F-22 Capabilities |publisher=Lockheed Martin |accessdate= 2 July 2014}}</ref> Air Chief Marshal [[Angus Houston]], former Chief of the [[Australian Defence Force]], said in 2004 that the "F-22 will be the most outstanding fighter plane ever built."<ref name="aspi_20040818">Houston, A. [http://www.aspi.org.au/publications/publication_details.aspx?ContentID=56&pubtype=6 "Strategic Insight 9 – Is the JSF good enough?"] ''[[Australian Strategic Policy Institute]]'', 18 August 2004.</ref>

===

===

The high cost of the aircraft, a lack of clear air-to-air missions due to delays in Russian and Chinese fighter programs, a ban on exports, and development of the more versatile and lower cost [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35]] led to the end of F-22 production.{{#tag:ref|Referring to statements made by the Secretary of Defense Robert Gates: "The secretary once again highlighted his ambitious next-year request for the more-versatile F-35s."<ref>{{cite web|last=Baron|first=Kevin|url=http://www.stripes.com/news/gates-outlines-air-force-priorities-and-expectations-1.94837 |title=Gates outlines Air Force priorities and expectations |work=Stars and Stripes |date= 16 September 2009|accessdate=30 October 2013}}</ref>|group=N}} A final procurement tally of 187 operational production aircraft was established in 2009 and the last F-22 was delivered to the USAF in 2012.

===

===

{{main|Advanced Tactical Fighter|Lockheed YF-22}}

===

===

In 1981 the U.S. Air Force developed a requirement for an [[Advanced Tactical Fighter]] (ATF) as a new air superiority fighter to replace the [[McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle|F-15 Eagle]] and [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16 Fighting Falcon]]. Code named "''Senior Sky''",<ref>Jenkins, Dennis R. ''Lockheed Secret Projects: Inside the Skunk Works.'' St. Paul, Minnesota: MBI Publishing Company, 2001. ISBN 0-7603-0914-0. pp.&nbsp;70.</ref> this program was influenced by the emerging worldwide threats, including development and proliferation of Soviet [[Sukhoi Su-27|Su-27 "Flanker"]]- and [[Mikoyan MiG-29|MiG-29 "Fulcrum"]]-class fighter aircraft. It would take advantage of the new technologies in fighter design on the horizon, including [[composite material]]s, lightweight [[alloy]]s, advanced flight-control systems, more powerful propulsion systems, and [[stealth technology]]. A [[request for proposal]]s (RFP) was issued in July 1986 and two contractor teams, Lockheed/[[Boeing]]/[[General Dynamics]] and [[Northrop Corporation|Northrop]]/[[McDonnell Douglas]], were selected on 31 October 1986 to undertake a 50-month demonstration phase, culminating in the flight test of two technology demonstrator prototypes, the [[Lockheed YF-22|YF-22]] and the [[Northrop YF-23|YF-23]].<ref>Jenkins and Landis 2008, pp.&nbsp;233–234.</ref><ref>Williams 2002, pp.&nbsp;5–6.</ref><ref>[http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2382 "Fact sheet: Lockheed-Boeing-General Dynamics YF-22."] ''U.S. Air Force'', 11 February 2009. Retrieved: 18 June 2011.</ref>

===

===

Each design team produced two prototype air vehicles, one for each of the two engine options.  The Lockheed-led team employed [[thrust vectoring]] nozzles on YF-22 for enhanced maneuverability in [[dogfight]]s. The ATF's increasing weight and cost drove out some features during development. A dedicated [[infra-red search and track]] (IRST) system was downgraded from multi-color to single color and then deleted, the [[Side looking airborne radar|side-looking radar]]s were deleted and the [[ejection seat]] requirement was downgraded from a fresh design to the existing [[McDonnell Douglas]] [[ACES II]].<ref>Aronstein and Hirschberg 1998, p. 108.</ref>

===

===

After a 90-day flight test validation of the prototypes, on 23 April 1991, [[United States Secretary of the Air Force|Secretary of the USAF]] [[Donald Rice]] announced the YF-22 as the winner of the ATF competition.<ref>Jenkins and Landis 2008, p.&nbsp;234.</ref> The YF-23 design was considered stealthier and faster while the YF-22 was more maneuverable.<ref name="Goodall_p110">Goodall 1992, p.&nbsp;110.</ref> The aviation press speculated that the YF-22 was also more adaptable to the U.S. Navy's Navalized Advanced Tactical Fighter (NATF), but by 1992, the Navy had abandoned NATF.<ref name=Miller_p76>Miller 2005, p. 76.</ref> In 1991, the USAF planned to buy 650 aircraft.<ref>[[Steven Pearlstein|Pearlstein, Steven]] and Barton Gellman. "Lockheed wins huge jet contract; Air Force plans to buy 650 stealth planes at $100&nbsp;million each". ''The Washington Post'', 24 April 1991.</ref>

===

===

[[File:F-22 Raptor wytwórnie.png|thumb|left|A diagram of the various manufacturers of the F-22]]

===

===

Prime contractor [[Lockheed Martin Aeronautics]] manufactures the majority of the airframe and performs final assembly at [[Dobbins Air Reserve Base]] in [[Marietta, Georgia]]; program partner [[Boeing Defense, Space & Security]] provides additional airframe components as well as avionics integration and training systems.<ref>Aronstein and Hirschberg 1998, p. 118.</ref> F-22 production was split up over many subcontractors across 46 states to increase Congressional support,<ref>Lobe, Jim. [http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=47713 "New, Old Weapons Systems Never Die."] ''Inter Press Service'', 17 July 2009. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref><ref>Kaplan, Fred [http://www.slate.com/id/2212034/ "The Air Force tries to save a fighter plane that's never seen battle".] ''Slate,'' 24 February 2009. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref> though this production split may have contributed to increased costs and delays.<ref>Younossi, Obaid et al. [http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG276.html "Lessons Learned from the F/A–22 and F/A–18E/F Development Programs."] ''RAND,'' 2005. Retrieved: 27 August 2011.</ref> Many capabilities were deferred to post-service upgrades, reducing the initial cost but increasing total program cost.<ref>Sweetman, Bill. [http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/dti/2010/12/01/DT_12_01_2010_p35-269100.xml "Rivals Target JSF."]{{dead link|date=October 2013}} ''[[Aviation Week]]'', 30 November 2010. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref> Each aircraft built required "1,000 subcontractors and suppliers and 95,000 workers".<ref>Herman, Arthur. [http://www.nypost.com/p/news/opinion/opedcolumnists/don_let_disarm_our_military_Vg8BTKN1WuODmeW4fCfumL "Don't let O disarm our military."] ''[[New York Post]]'', 10 January 2011. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref>

===

===

The F-22 had several design changes from the YF-22. The swept-back angle on the wing's leading edge was decreased from 48° to 42°, while the vertical stabilizers were shifted rearward and their area decreased by 20%.<ref name="NASA">[http://oea.larc.nasa.gov/PAIS/Partners/F_22.html "F-22 Partners."]{{dead link|date=November 2013}} ''NASA''. Retrieved: 25 July 2009.</ref> To improve pilot visibility, the canopy was moved forward {{convert|7|in|cm}}, and the engine intakes moved rearward {{convert|14|in|cm}}. The shapes of the wing and [[stabilator]] trailing edges were refined to improve aerodynamics, strength, and stealth characteristics.<ref>Pace 1999, pp. 12–13.</ref><ref name="gs_yf22_diagram">[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/images/f-22_yf-22_comp.jpg "YF-22/F-22A comparison diagram".] ''GlobalSecurity.org''. Retrieved: 13 June 2010.</ref> Due to increasing weight during development, range and aerodynamic performance were slightly reduced.<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6QlEpVj1M "F-22 weight increase agreed."] ''Flight International'', 3 May 1995. Archived from [http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/f-22-weight-increase-agreed-26820/ original].</ref>

===

===

[[File:F-22 assembling1.jpg|thumb|F-22 being painted at the assembly plant at [[Marietta, Georgia|Marietta]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]]|alt=F-22 being painted. Workers wearing white apparel standing on the aircraft's top applying a gray and black coat over the F-22. Temporary construction equipment surrounds its leading edges and nose sections.]]

===

===

The first F-22, an engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) aircraft named Raptor 4001, was unveiled at Marietta, Georgia on 9 April 1997, and first flew on 7 September 1997.<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6QkcNHq21 "F-22 Raptor".] ''Lockheed Martin''. Archived from [http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/100years/stories/f-22.html original.] Retrieved: 1 July 2014.</ref> In 2006, the Raptor's development team, composed of over 1,000 contractors and the USAF, won the [[Collier Trophy]], American aviation's most prestigious award.<ref>[http://www.naa.aero/html/awards/shwNews.cfm?newsid=302&cmsid=58 "F-22 Raptor Wins 2006 Collier Trophy."] ''National Aeronautic Association''. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref> The F-22 was in production for 15 years, at a rate of roughly two per month during peak production.<ref>Brumby, Otis, Bill Kinney and Joe Kirby. [http://mdjonline.com/view/full_story/13886238/article-As-the-F-35-program-revs-up---the-F-22-ramps-down?instance=special "Around Town: As the F 35 program revs up the F 22 ramps down."] ''The Marietta Daily Journal'', 6 June 2011. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref>

===

===

The USAF had originally envisioned ordering 750 ATFs at a cost of $26.2 billion, with production beginning in 1994. The 1990 Major Aircraft Review led by [[United States Secretary of Defense|Secretary of Defense]] [[Dick Cheney]] reduced the number to 648 aircraft beginning in 1996. In 1994, it was cut to 438 aircraft entering service by 2004; in 1997, the number was further cut to 339.<ref name="Williams p.22">{{harvnb|Williams|2002|p=22.}}</ref> By 2003, existing funding limited procurement to 277 fighters; in 2004, the [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]] (DoD) further reduced the number to 183 operational aircraft.<ref>[[Rebecca Grant (political expert)|Grant, Rebecca]]. [http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2008/December%202008/1208dominance.aspx "Losing Air Dominance."] ''Air Force Magazine'', December 2008.</ref> In 2006, a multi-year procurement plan was implemented to save $15 billion but raise the cost of each aircraft. The program's total cost by 2006 was $62 billion, at which point the USAF sought to acquire 381 F-22s divided among seven active duty combat squadrons and three integrated [[Air Force Reserve Command]] and [[Air National Guard]] squadrons.<ref name="afpn_20060623_ad">Lopez, C.T. [http://archive.is/20120718235238/http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123022371 "F-22 excels at establishing air dominance."] ''Air Force Print News'', 23 June 2006. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref> In 2007, Lockheed Martin received a $7.3 billion contract that raised the order number of production F-22s to 183 and extended manufacturing through 2011.<ref>[http://www.defense.gov/contracts/contract.aspx?contractid=3570 "US Department of Defense contracts."] ''U.S. Department of Defense'', 31 July 2007. Retrieved: 28 August 2011.</ref>

===

===

In April 2006, the [[Government Accountability Office]] (GAO) assessed the F-22's cost to be $361 million per aircraft, with $28 billion invested in development and testing; the Unit Procurement Cost was estimated at $178 million in 2006, based on a production run of 181 aircraft.<ref name="fighter_costs">[http://www.defense-aerospace.com/dae/articles/communiques/FighterCostFinalJuly06.pdf "Sticker Shock: Estimating the Real Cost of Modern Fighter Aircraft, p. 2."] ''Defense-Aerospace.com'', July 2006. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref><ref>[http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d06391.pdf "Defense Acquisitions: Assessments of Selected Major Weapon Programs", p. 59.] ''Government Accountability Office'', 31 March 2006. Retrieved: 2 February 2008.</ref> It was estimated by the end of production, $34 billion will have been spent on procurement, resulting in a total program cost of $62 billion, around $339 million per aircraft. The [[Marginal cost|incremental cost]] for an additional F-22 was estimated at about $138 million in 2009.<ref name="afpn_20060623_ad"/><ref name="usaf_fy2009_budget">[http://www.saffm.hq.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-080204-081.pdf "FY 2009 Budget Estimates", p. 1–13.] ''U.S. Air Force'', February 2008. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref> In March 2012, the GAO increased the estimated cost to $412 million per aircraft.<ref>[http://www.gao.gov/assets/320/317081.pdf "Defense Acquisitions: Assessments of Selected Weapon Programs."] ''United States Government Accountability Office, Report to Congressional Committees'', March 2011.</ref>

===

===

[[File:Two F-22 Raptor in flying.jpg|thumb|left|Two F-22s during flight testing, the upper one being the first EMD F-22, Raptor 4001|alt=Two F-22s overflying snow-capped mountains.]]

===

===

The F-22 cannot be exported under American federal law.<ref>[http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d105:HZ00295: "HZ00295: Obey amendment overview."] ''Library of Congress''. Retrieved: 9 May 2010.</ref> Customers for U.S. fighters are acquiring earlier designs such as the [[McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle|F-15 Eagle]] and [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16 Fighting Falcon]] or the newer [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35 Lightning II]] Joint Strike Fighter, which contains technology from the F-22 but is designed to be cheaper, more flexible, and available for export.<ref name="WP">Smith, R. Jeffrey. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/09/AR2009070903020.html "Premier U.S. fighter jet has major shortcomings: F-22's maintenance demands growing."] ''The Washington Post'', 10 July 2009. Retrieved: 24 July 2009.</ref> In September 2006, Congress upheld the ban on foreign F-22 sales.<ref name="addr_20060927_fms">Bruno, M. [http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/F2209176.xml "Appropriators Approve F-22A Multiyear, But Not Foreign Sales."]{{dead link|date=October 2013}} ''Aerospace Daily & Defense Report'', 27 September 2006. Retrieved: 28 August 2011.</ref> Despite the ban, the 2010 defense authorization bill included provisions requiring the DoD to prepare a report on the costs and feasibility for an F-22 export variant, and another report on the impact of F-22 export sales on U.S. aerospace industry.<ref>[http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h2647/show "H.R. 2647: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (overview)."] ''U.S. House of Representatives'' via ''Opencongress.org.'' Retrieved: 27 April 2012.</ref><ref>[http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/D?c111:6:./temp/~c111OvEcbl:: "H.R.2647 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (see Sections 1250 & 8056.)"] ''Thomas.loc.gov.'' Retrieved: 26 September 2010.</ref>

===

===

{{Quote box|align=right|width=20%|quote=The IAF would be happy to equip itself with 24 F-22s, but the problem at this time is the U.S. refusal to sell the aircraft, and its $200&nbsp;million price tag.|source=<small>[[Israeli Air Force]] (IAF) chief procurement officer Brigadier-General Ze'ev Snir.<ref name="IAF_F-22">[http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/israel-plans-to-buy-over-100-f35s-02381/ "Israeli Plans to Buy F-35s Hitting Obstacles."] ''Defense Industry Daily'', 27 June 2006. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref> </small>}}

===

===

Some Australian politicians and defense commentators proposed that Australia should attempt to purchase F-22s instead of the planned F-35s,<ref name="age_20061002">Carmen, G. [http://www.theage.com.au/news/opinion/rapped-in-the-raptor-why-australia-must-have-the-best/2006/10/01/1159641209404.html?page=fullpage "Rapped in the Raptor: why Australia must have the best."] ''[[The Age]]'', 2 October 2006. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref><ref>Kopp, Dr. Carlo. [http://www.ausairpower.net/Analysis-JSF-Apr-04-P.pdf "Is The Joint Strike Fighter Right For Australia?"]{{dead link|date=October 2013}} ''[[Air Power Australia]]''. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref> citing the F-22's known capabilities and F-35's delays and developmental uncertainties.<ref name="alp_20060626">[http://www.kuro5hin.org/story/2006/7/3/104021/5613 "Australia and the F22 Raptor."] ''kuro5hin.org'', 26 June 2006. Retrieved: 3 July 2006.</ref> However, the [[Royal Australian Air Force|RAAF]] determined that the F-22 was unable to perform the F-35's strike and close air support roles.<ref>[http://www.airforce.gov.au/aircraft/jsf.aspx "RAAF JSF tech spec."] ''U.S. Air Force.'' Retrieved: 27 April 2012.</ref> The Japanese government also showed interest in the F-22 for its Replacement-Fighter program.<ref name="id_20060218">Bennet, J.T. [http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,88282,00.html "Air Force Plans to Sell F-22As to Allies."] ''InsideDefense.com'', 18 February 2006. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref> The [[Japan Air Self-Defense Force]] (JASDF) would reportedly require fewer fighters for its mission if it obtained the F-22, thus reducing engineering and staffing costs. However, in 2009 it was reported that the F-22 would require increases to the defense budget beyond the historical 1 percent of GDP.<ref>Konishi, Weston S. and Robert Dujarric. [http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/eo20090516a1.html "Hurdles to a Japanese F-22."] ''Japan Times'', 16 May 2009. Retrieved: 3 August 2009.</ref> With the ending of F-22 production, Japan chose the F-35 in December 2011.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.f35.com/global/participation/japan |title=JASDF's Next Generation Fighter |agency=[[Lockheed Martin]] |accessdate=31 May 2014}}</ref> Israel also expressed interest, but eventually chose the F-35 because of the F-22's price and unavailability.<ref name="IAF_F-22"/><ref>Egozi, Arie. [http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/israel-in-talks-with-usa-over-f-22-orders-213348/ "Israel in talks with USA over F-22 orders".] ''Flight Global'', 20 April 2007. Retrieved: 30 June 2014.</ref>

===

===

Throughout the 2000s, the need for F-22s was debated due to rising costs and the lack of relevant adversaries. In 2006, [[Comptroller General of the United States]] David Walker found that "the DoD has not demonstrated the need" for more investment in the F-22,<ref>[http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-06-455R GAO-06-455R "Tactical Aircraft: DOD Should Present a New F-22A Business Case before Making Further Investments."] ''Government Accountability Office''. Retrieved: 9 May 2010.</ref> and further opposition to the program was expressed by Secretary of Defense [[Donald Rumsfeld]], Deputy Secretary of Defense [[Gordon R. England]], Senator [[John McCain]], and Chairman of [[United States Senate Committee on Armed Services|U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services]] Senator [[John Warner]].<ref>Wayne, Leslie. [http://www.webcitation.org/6Qi8IrzKV "Air Force Jet Wins Battle in Congress".] ''The New York Times'', 28 September 2006. Archived from [http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/28/business/28plane.html?pagewanted=print original.] Retrieved: 29 June 2014.</ref><ref>Carroll, Ward. [http://defensetech.org/2008/11/19/dogfight-over-f-22-reveals-dod-schisms/ "Dogfight Over F-22 Reveals DoD Schisms".] ''Defense Tech'', 19 November 2008. Retrieved: 29 June 2014.</ref> The F-22 program lost influential supporters in 2008 after resignation of Secretary of the USAF [[Michael Wynne]] and General [[T. Michael Moseley]].<ref name="topgeneralwarns"/> Nevertheless, in 2008, Congress passed a defense spending bill funding the F-22's continued production and the Pentagon released $50 million of the $140 million for four additional aircraft, raising the total orders for production aircraft to 187 and leaving the program in the hands of the next administration.<ref>Trimble, Stephen. [http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-congress-passes-4877-defence-spending-bill-slashes-aircraft-316459/ "US Congress passes $487.7 defence spending bill, slashes aircraft."] ''Flightglobal.com'', 24 September 2008. Retrieved: 10 November 2012.</ref><ref>{{Cite news |author=Wolf, Jim |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/11/12/us-lockheed-raptor-idUSTRE4AB8ZV20081112 |title=Pentagon OKs funds to preserve F-22 line |agency=Reuters |date=12 November 2008 |accessdate=27 August 2011}}</ref>

===

===

[[File:Two F-22A Raptor in column flight - (Noise reduced).jpg|thumb|left|Two F-22As in close trail formation]]

===

===

In November 2008, Secretary of Defense [[Robert Gates]] stated that the Raptor was not relevant in post-Cold War conflicts such as in Iraq and Afghanistan,<ref>Cole, August. [http://www.webcitation.org/6Qi7y6JB3 "Lawmakers Pressure Pentagon to Release Funds for Controversial F-22 Fighter Jet".] ''The Wall Street Journal'', 5 November 2008. Archived from [http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB122584363466799201 original.] Retrieved: 29 June 2014.</ref> and in April 2009, under the new [[Presidency of Barack Obama|Obama Administration]], he called for ending F-22 production in fiscal year (FY) 2011, leaving the USAF with 187 production aircraft.<ref name=cut>Levine, Adam, Mike Mount and Alan Silverleib. [http://articles.cnn.com/2009-04-06/politics/gates.budget.cuts_1_pentagon-budget-defense-secretary-robert-gates-priorities?_s=PM:POLITICS "Gates Announces Major Pentagon Priority Shifts."] ''CNN'', 9 April 2009. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref> In July, General [[James Cartwright]], Vice Chairman of the [[Joint Chiefs of Staff]], stated to the Senate Committee on Armed Services his reasons for supporting termination of F-22 production, including shifting resources to the multirole F-35 to allow proliferation of fifth-generation fighters for three service branches and preserving the F/A-18 production line to maintain the military's electronic warfare (EW) capabilities in the [[EA-18G Growler]].<ref>[http://armed-services.senate.gov/Transcripts/2009/07%20July/09-58%20-%207-9-09.pdf "Transcripts."]{{dead link|date=November 2013}} ''U.S. Senate, Committee on Armed Services,'' 9 July 2009.</ref> Issues with the F-22's reliability and availability also raised concerns.<ref name="WP"/><ref name="hatch.senate.gov">[http://hatch.senate.gov/public/_files/F22AssertionsAndFacts.pdf "Assertion and Facts."] ''senate.gov.'' Retrieved: 17 January 2012.</ref> After President Obama threatened to [[presidential veto|veto]] further production, the Senate voted in July 2009 in favor of ending production and the House subsequently agreed to abide by the 187 production aircraft cap.<ref>Matthews, William. [http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4214557 "House Reverses Itself, Votes To Kill F-22 Buy."] ''Defense News'', 31 July 2009.</ref><ref>Thomas [http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d111:SP01469: "S.AMDT.1469 to cut F-22 funding."] ''Thomas.loc.gov''. Retrieved: 13 June 2010.</ref> Gates stated that the decision was taken in light of the F-35's capabilities,<ref name="Gates, Robert.">{{Cite speech |last=Gates |first=Robert |url=http://www.defense.gov/speeches/speech.aspx?speechid=1369 |title=Economic Club of Chicago |publisher=US Department of Defense |event=Economic Club of Chicago |location=Chicago, Illinois |date=16 July 2009 |accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref> and in 2010, he set the F-22 requirement to 187 aircraft by lowering the number of major regional conflict preparations from two to one.<ref>[http://assets.opencrs.com/rpts/RL31673_20090716.pdf "CRS RL31673 Air Force F-22 Fighter Program: Background and Issues for Congress, p. 15."] ''Assets.opencrs.com''. Retrieved: 26 September 2010.</ref>

===

===

In 2010, USAF initiated a study to determine the costs of retaining F-22 tooling for a future Service Life Extension Program (SLEP).<ref>{{cite web |author=Trimble, Stephen |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-considers-options-to-preserve-f-22-production-tooling-339070/ |title=USAF considers options to preserve F-22 production tooling |work=Flightglobal |date=5 March 2010 |accessdate=30 October 2013}}</ref> A [[RAND]] paper from this study estimated that restarting production and building an additional 75 F-22s would cost $17 billion, resulting in $227 million per aircraft or 54 million higher than the flyaway cost.<ref>[http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/2010/RAND_MG797.pdf "RAND: Ending F-22A Production: Costs and Industrial Base Implications of Alternative Options."] ''rand.org.'' Retrieved: 26 September 2010.</ref>  Lockheed Martin stated that restarting the production line itself would cost about $200 million.<ref name=Mothball>{{Cite news |author=Wolf, Jim |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/13/us-fighter-usa-lockheed-idUSTRE7BC09T20111213 |title=U.S. to mothball gear to build top F-22 fighter |agency=Reuters|date=12 December 2011|accessdate=30 October 2013}}</ref> Production tooling will be documented in illustrated electronic manuals stored at the [[Sierra Army Depot]].<ref>Trimble, Stephen. [http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-dewline/2010/11/for-posterity-lockheed-creates.html "For posterity, Lockheed creates F-22 'how-to' manual."] ''The DEW Line,'' 3 November 2010.</ref> Retained tooling will produce additional components; due to the limited production run there are no reserve aircraft, leading to considerable care during maintenance.<ref>Axe, David. [http://www.offiziere.ch/?p=8949 "Fixing Worn-Out Raptors at Hill Air Force Base."] ''offiziere.ch,'' 4 August 2012.</ref>

===

===

[[Sukhoi PAK FA|Russian]] and [[Chengdu J-20|Chinese]] fighter developments have fueled concern; in 2009, General [[John D. W. Corley|John Corley]], head of [[Air Combat Command]], stated that a fleet of 187 F-22s would be inadequate, but Secretary Gates dismissed this concern.<ref name="topgeneralwarns">{{Cite news |last=Wolf |first=Jim |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2009/06/18/lockheed-f-idUSN1827570420090618 |title=Top general warns against ending F-22 fighter |agency=Reuters |date=18 June 2009 |accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref> In 2011, Gates explained that Chinese fifth-generation fighter developments had been accounted for when the number of F-22s was set, and that the U.S. would have a considerable advantage in stealth aircraft in 2025, even with F-35 delays.<ref>Gertz, Bill. [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/jan/9/chinas-stealth-jet-coming-on-gates-confirms/ "China's stealth jet coming on, Gates confirms."] ''[[The Washington Times]]'', 9 January 2011. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref> In December 2011, the 195th and final F-22 was completed out of 8 test and 187 operational aircraft produced, the final aircraft was delivered to the USAF on 2 May 2012.<ref name=cut/><ref name="FG_last_f-22">{{Cite news |last=Majumdar |first=Dave |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/in-focus-usaf-receives-last-f-22-raptor-371401/ |title=USAF receives last F-22 Raptor |work=Flight Global |date=3 May 2012 |accessdate=9 June 2014}}</ref>

===

===

The first combat-capable Block 3.0 aircraft first flew in 2001.<ref>[http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/docs/man-ac-f22-010105.htm "F-22 aircraft No. 4005 completes successful first flight."] ''[[Federation of American Scientists]]''. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref> Increment 2, the first F-22 upgrade program, was implemented in 2005 and gives the aircraft the ability to employ [[Joint Direct Attack Munition]]s (JDAM).<ref name="f22-increment">{{cite web |last=Majumdar |first= Dave |url= http://www.defensenews.com/article/20110530/DEFFEAT04/105300306/F-22-Getting-New-Brain |title=F-22 Getting New Brain |work=Defense News |date=30 May 2011 |accessdate=30 October 2013}}</ref> Increment 3.1 provides improved ground-attack capability through [[synthetic-aperture radar]] mapping and radio emitter [[direction finding]], [[Electronic warfare#Electronic attack| electronic attack]] and the [[Small Diameter Bomb|GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb]] (SDB); testing began in 2009 and the first upgraded aircraft was delivered in 2012.<ref>{{Citation |url= http://www.dote.osd.mil/pub/reports/FY2013/pdf/af/2013f22a.pdf |format= [[Portable document format |PDF]] |title= DOT&E FY2013 Annual Report – F-22A Advanced Tactical Fighter |publisher= OSD}}.</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Majumdar |first=Dave |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-fields-first-upgraded-f-22-raptors-369886/ |title=USAF fields first upgraded F-22 Raptors |work=Flightglobal |date=23 March 2012 |accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref> Increment 3.2 is a two-part upgrade process; 3.2A focuses on electronic warfare, communications and identification, while 3.2B will allow the F-22 to better employ the [[AIM-9 Sidewinder|AIM-9X]] and [[AIM-120 AMRAAM|AIM-120D]] missiles.<ref name="f22-scorpion">{{cite news |url=http://news.usni.org/2014/05/16/air-force-evaluating-new-targeting-monocle-f-22-raptor |title=Air Force Evaluating New Targeting Monocle for F-22 Raptor |last=Majumdar |first=Dave |date=16 May 2014 |publisher=U.S. Naval Institute |accessdate=16 May 2014}}</ref><ref name="f22-increment"/> The subsequent Increment 3.3 may include the adoption of an open avionics platform and air traffic control updates.<ref>Majumdar, Dave.[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/lockheed-awarded-69-billion-f-22-upgrade-contract-382576/ "Lockheed awarded $6.9 billion F-22 upgrade contract."] ''FlightGlobal.com,'' 21 February 2013.</ref><ref name="FG_last_f-22"/>

===

===

To enable two-way communication between the F-22 and other platforms, three business jets were equipped with the [[Battlefield Airborne Communications Node]] (BACN) in 2009.  Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman are currently competing to connect the F-22 with other platforms while maintaining stealth.<ref>Trimble, Stephen. [http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/analysis-northrop-lockheed-vie-to-connect-f-22-to-airborne-400181/ "Analysis: Northrop, Lockheed vie to connect F-22 to airborne network."] ''Flight Global'', 2 March 2014.</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Trimble |first=Stephen |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-deploys-global-express-jet-with-new-northrop-relay-329081/ |title=USAF deploys Global Express jet with new Northrop relay suite |work=Flight global |date=1 January 2009 |accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref> Other upgrades being developed include IRST functionality for the AN/AAR-56 Missile Launch Detector (MLD) and integration of the Visionix Scorpion helmet-mounted cueing system (HMCS) to enable off-boresight missile launches.<ref name= "mld" /><ref name= "f22-scorpion"/> In March 2010, the USAF accelerated software portions of 3.2 to be completed in FY 2013.<ref>Sirak, Michael C. [http://www.airforce-magazine.com/DRArchive/Pages/default.aspx "Daily Report Friday 26 March 2010."] ''Air Force magazine''. Retrieved: 5 April 2010.</ref><ref name="Fighter of the Future">Tirpak, John A. [http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2009/July%202009/0709Fighter.aspx "Fighter of The Future."] ''Air Force magazine''. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref>

===

===

In January 2011, the USAF opened the Raptor enhancement, development and integration (REDI) contract to bidders, with a $16 billion budget.<ref>{{cite web |last=Trimble |first=Stephen |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-invites-rivals-to-break-lockheeds-grip-on-f-22-upgrade-352677/ |title=USAF invites rivals to break Lockheed's grip on F-22 upgrade work |work=Flightglobal |date=2 February 2011|accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref> In November 2011, Lockheed Martin's upgrade contract was increased by $1.4 billion to a maximum $7.4 billion.<ref>[http://www.defense.gov/contracts/contract.aspx?contractid=4667 "Department of Defense contracts."]</ref><ref>Burnett, Richard. [http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/os-cfb-tech-lockheed-1212-20111212,0,2221226.story "Lockheed defense deals prevail despite budget crunch."] ''Orlando Sentinel'', 12 December 2011.</ref> Of the $11.7 billion allocated for upgrades, almost $2 billion was for structural repairs and to increase fleet availability rate from 55.5% to 70.6% by 2015.<ref>Sullivan, Michael J. [http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-447 "GAO-12-447, F-22A Modernization Program Faces Cost, Technical, and Sustainment Risks."] ''GAO'', 2 May 2012.</ref> Some F-35 technology, such as more durable stealth coatings, have been applied to the F-22.<ref>Trimble, Stephen. [http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-dewline/2010/10/lockheed-proposes-f-35ing-the.html "Lockheed proposes F-35'ing the F-22."] ''The DEW Line,'' 29 October 2010. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref><ref>Majumdar, Dave. [http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2011/04/air-force-raptor-joint-strike-fighter-radar-absorbent-coatings-040611w/ "Raptor to use F-35 radar absorbent coatings."] ''Air Force Times'', 6 April 2011. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref> Elements such as MADL are delayed until the F-35 is in service.<ref>Majumdar, Dave. [http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2011/03/air-force-raptor-madl-upgrade-033111w/ "Cost, risk scuttle planned Raptor data upgrade."] ''Air Force Times'', 31 March 2011. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref> By 2012, the update schedule had slipped seven years due to instability in requirements and funding.<ref>Stein, Keith. "Cost concerns over F-22 Raptor modernization plan." ''The Examiner'', 27 April 2012.</ref> In 2014 the USAF moved to cut upgrade funding.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140807/CONGRESSWATCH/308070020/Senate-Blocks-F-22-Cut-Little-Else-USAF-Reprograming |title=Senate Blocks F-22 Cut, Little Else for USAF Reprograming |last=Mehta |first=Aaron |date=7 August 2014 |website= defensenews.com |publisher=Gannett Government Media |accessdate=8 August 2014}}</ref> The F-22 fleet is planned to have 36 Block 20 training and 149 Block 30/35 combat aircraft in 2016.

===

===

While no definitive cause was found for the frequent oxygen deprivation issues responsible for several incidents, including a fatal crash, the F-22 will be upgraded with a backup oxygen system, software upgrades and oxygen sensors to normal operations in spite of the problem.<ref>Rector, Gene. [http://warnerrobinspatriot.com/bookmark/17646154-Officials-No-smoking-gun-uncovered-but-changes-will-make-F-22-safe-to-fly "Officials: No 'smoking gun' uncovered but changes will make F-22 safe to fly."] ''The Warner Robins Patriot'', 24 February 2012.</ref> In 2013, the faulty flight vest valves were replaced and altitude restrictions lifted; distance restrictions will be lifted once a backup oxygen system is installed.<ref>{{cite web |last=Majumdar |first=Dave |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-to-field-f-22-life-support-mods-this-january-380820/ |title=USAF to field F-22 life support mods this January |work=Flight global |date=8 January 2013|accessdate=31 October 2013}}</ref> In April 2014 the USAF stated in Congressional testimony that installation of automatic backup oxygen systems on the F-22 fleet would be completed within twelve months.<ref>Everstine, Brian. [http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140409/DEFREG02/304090034/All-F-22s-Backup-Oxygen-Systems-Within-12-Months/ All F-22s To Have Backup Oxygen Systems Within 12 Months] ''Defense News'', 9 April 2014, Retrieved: 10 April 2014.</ref>

===

===

The F-22 was designed for a lifespan of 30 years and 8,000 flight hours, with a $100 million "structures retrofit program".<ref>Gertler, Jeremiah. [https://opencrs.com/document/RL31673/2012-10-25/?26901 "Air Force F-22 Fighter Program."] ''CRS RL31673'', 25 October 2012.</ref> Investigations are being made for upgrades to extend their useful lives further.<ref name= "f22-problems">Rolfsen, Bruce. [http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2007/11/airforce_raptor_rust_071112w/ "F-22 design problems force expensive fixes."] ''Air Force Times'', 12 November 2007.</ref> In the long term, the F-22 is expected to eventually be replaced by the [[Sixth-generation jet fighter| Next Generation TACAIR]].<ref>Sherman, Jason. [http://insidedefense.com/201403112464029/Inside-Defense-General/Public-Articles/air-force-sets-plan-to-launch-sixth-gen-fighter-program-in-2018/menu-id-926.html "Air Force Sets Plan To Launch Sixth-Gen Fighter Program In 2018".] ''Inside Defense'', 11 March 2014. Retrieved: 30 June 2014.</ref>

===

===

==Design==

===

===

[[File:F-22F119.JPG|thumb|F-22 flying with its [[Pratt & Whitney F119|F119-PW-100]] engines on full afterburner|alt=Rear view of jet aircraft in-flight at dawn/dusk above mountains. Its engines are in full afterburner, evident through the presence of shock diamonds.]]

===

===

The F-22 Raptor is a [[Fifth generation jet fighter|fifth generation fighter]] that is considered fourth-generation in [[stealth aircraft]] technology by the USAF.<ref>Carlson, Maj. Gen. Bruce. [http://www.defense.gov/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=597 "Subject: Stealth Fighters."] ''U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) News Transcript''. Retrieved: 28 August 2011.</ref> It is the first operational aircraft to combine [[supercruise]], maneuverability, stealth, and sensor fusion into a single platform.<ref name="f22-capabilities"/> The Raptor has large trapezoidal wings, fixed-geometry inlets, and a retractable [[tricycle landing gear]]. Flight control surfaces include the rudders on the canted vertical stabilizers and the all-moving horizontal tails; these control surfaces also serve as the speed brake.<ref>Kohn, Lt. Col. Allen E. and Lt. Col. [[Steven M. Rainey]]. [http://www.webcitation.org/6R59QlJl3 "F-22 Flight Test Program Update."] 9 April 1999. Archived from [http://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/docs/f-22-emd-paper.htm original.]</ref> The aircraft's dual [[afterburner|afterburning]] [[Pratt & Whitney F119|Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100]] [[turbofan]] engines are placed close together and incorporate [[flight dynamics|pitch axis]] [[thrust vectoring]] nozzles with a range of ±20 degrees; each engine has a maximum thrust in the 35,000 [[pound-force|lbf]] (156 kN) class.<ref>Boettcher, Daniel. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7502739.stm "US shows off new Raptor jet."] ''BBC'', 11 July 2008. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref><ref name="F-22_factsheet"/>  The F-22's thrust to weight ratio in typical combat configuration is nearly at unity when using maximum military thrust (not using afterburner) and 1.25 when in afterburner.<ref>Sweetman, Bill, Long lance, Aviation Week and Space Technology, November 3/10, 2014, p.58</ref>  Maximum speed without external stores is estimated to be [[Mach (speed)|Mach]] 1.82 during [[supercruise]] and greater than Mach 2 with afterburners.<ref name="AFM">Ayton, Mark. "F-22 Raptor". ''[[AirForces Monthly]]'', August 2008, p. 75. Retrieved: 19 July 2008.</ref>{{#tag:ref|This capability was demonstrated in 2005 when General [[John P. Jumper]] exceeded Mach 1.7 in the F-22 without afterburners.<ref name="Gen_Jumper_Mach1.7">Powell, 2nd Lt. William. [http://archive.is/20121212204819/http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123009594 "General Jumper qualifies in F/A-22 Raptor."] ''Air Force Link'', 13 January 2005. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref>|group=N}}

===

===

The F-22 is among only a few aircraft that can supercruise, or sustained [[Supersonic speed|supersonic]] flight without using fuel-inefficient afterburners; targets can be intercepted which subsonic aircraft would lack the speed to pursue and an afterburner-dependent aircraft would lack the fuel to reach.<ref name="F-22_factsheet"/><ref>Tirpak, John A. [http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Documents/2001/March%202001/0301fighter.pdf "Airpower, led by the F-22, can 'kick the door down' for the other forces."] ''Air Force Magazine'', March 2001.</ref> The Raptor's high operating altitude is also a significant tactical advantage over prior fighters.<ref name="avweek_20070107">Fulghum, D.A. and M.J. Fabey. [http://www.webcitation.org/6Qpsm5PUo "F-22 Combat Ready."] ''[[Aviation Week]]'', 8 January 2007. Archived from [http://www.f22-raptor.com/media/documents/aviation_week_010807.pdf original.] Retrieved: 7 November 2009.</ref> The use of internal weapons bays allows the aircraft to maintain comparatively higher performance over most other aircraft due to a lack of drag from external stores. The F-22's structure contains extensive amounts of high-strength materials to withstand stress and heat of sustained supersonic flight. Respectively, [[titanium alloy]]s and composites comprise 39% and 24% of the aircraft's structural weight.<ref>Pike, John. [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/f-22-mp.htm "F-22 Materials and Processes".] "GlobalSecurity.org".</ref>

===

===

[[File:F-22 Raptor.ogg|thumb|left|Video of a F-22 flight demonstration|alt=Demonstration video of an F-22]]

===

===

The F-22 is [[supermaneuverability|highly maneuverable]] at both supersonic and subsonic speeds. Computerized [[fly-by-wire]] [[Aircraft flight control system|control system]] and full authority digital engine control ([[FADEC]]) make the aircraft highly [[departure resistance|departure resistant]] and enable it to remain controllable at aggressive pilot inputs.<ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/6REwxrOCV "F119 Engine".] Pratt & Whitney. Archived from [http://www.pw.utc.com/F119_Engine original.]</ref><ref name="pilotperspective">[http://www.webcitation.org/6RGU0iAEq "F-22 Pilot Perspective".] ''Code One Magazine'', October 2000</ref> The Raptor's [[relaxed stability]] and thrust vectoring allow the aircraft to turn tightly, and perform very high alpha ([[angle of attack]]) maneuvers such as the [[Herbst maneuver]] (J-turn) and [[Pugachev's Cobra]]. The F-22 is also capable of maintaining over 60° alpha while having some roll control.<ref name="peron_aoa">Peron, L. R. [http://www.sfte-ec.se/data/Abstract/A2000-II-02.pdf "F-22 Initial High Angle-of-Attack Flight Results."(Abstract)."] ''[[Air Force Flight Test Center]]''. Retrieved: 7 November 2009.</ref>

===

===

The F-22's aerodynamic performance, sensor fusion, and stealth work together for increased effectiveness. Altitude, speed, and advanced active and passive sensors allow targets to be spotted at considerable ranges and increase weapons range. Altitude and speed also complement stealth's effectiveness by increasing distance between the aircraft and ground defenses and giving defensive systems less time to react.<ref>Bedard, David. [http://www.dvidshub.net/news/88337/bird-prey-bulldogs-accept-delivery-last-raptor "Bulldogs accept delivery of last Raptor."] ''Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Public Affairs'', 11 May 2012.</ref><ref name="F-22_factsheet"/><ref>[[Rebecca Grant (political expert)|Grant, Rebecca.]] [http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Why_The_F-22_Is_Vital_Part_13_999.html "Why The F-22 Is Vital Part 13."] ''UPI'', 31 March 2009.</ref>

===

===

Key avionics include [[BAE Systems Electronics, Intelligence & Support|BAE Systems EI&S]] AN/ALR-94 [[radar warning receiver]] (RWR),<ref>Klass, Philip J. "Sanders Will Give BAE Systems Dominant Role in Airborne EW." ''[[Aviation Week]]'', Volume 153, issue 5, 31 July 2000, p. 74.</ref> Lockheed Martin AN/AAR-56 Infra-Red and Ultra-Violet Missile Launch Detector (MLD) and [[Northrop Grumman]] [[AN/APG-77]] [[Active Electronically Scanned Array]] (AESA) radar. The MLD features six sensors to provide full spherical infrared coverage.<ref name= "mld" /> The RWR is a passive radar detector with more than 30 antennas are blended into the wings and fuselage for all-round coverage. Tom Burbage, former F-22 program head at Lockheed Martin, described it as "the most technically complex piece of equipment on the aircraft."  The range of the RWR (250+ [[Nautical mile|nmi]]) exceeds the radar's, and can cue radar emissions to be confined to a narrow beam (down to 2° by 2° in azimuth and elevation) to increase stealth.<ref name="fighter_EW_next">Sweetman 2000, pp. 41–47.</ref>

===

===

[[File:APG-77-1A.jpg|thumb|The AN/APG-77 AESA radar|alt=Two personnel in white apparel handing a radar]]

===

===

The AN/APG-77 radar features a low-observable, active-aperture, electronically scanned array that can track multiple targets under any weather conditions. Radar emissions can also be focused to overload enemy sensors as an electronic-attack capability.<ref>[http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?F=876380&C=airwar "JSF-Raptor Radar Can Fry Enemy Sensors."] ''defensenews.com''. Retrieved: 7 November 2009.Retrieved: 7 November 2009.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/products/f22.html |title=F-22 Raptor |publisher=Lockheed Martin |accessdate=10 November 2012}}</ref> The radar changes frequencies more than 1,000 times per second to [[Low probability of intercept radar|lower interception probability]] and has an estimated range of 125–150 miles, though planned upgrades will allow a range of {{convert|250|mi|km}} or more in narrow beams.<ref name="avweek_20070107"/> Radar information is processed by two [[Raytheon]] Common Integrated Processor (CIP)s, each capable of processing up to 10.5 billion [[instructions per second]]. In a process known as sensor fusion, data from the radar, other sensors, and external systems is filtered and combined by the CIP into a common view, reducing pilot workload.<ref>[http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA301209&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf "Defense Science Board report on Concurrency and risk of the F-22 program."] ''Dtic.mil'', April 1995. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref>

===

===

The F-22's ability to operate close to the battlefield gives the aircraft threat detection and identification capability comparative with the [[Rivet Joint|RC-135 Rivet Joint]], and the ability to function as a "mini-[[Airborne Early Warning and Control|AWACS]]", though the radar is less powerful than those of dedicated platforms. The F-22 can designate targets for allies, and determine whether two friendly aircraft are targeting the same aircraft. This radar system can sometimes identify targets "many times quicker than the AWACS".<ref name="avweek_20070107"/> The [[FireWire|IEEE-1394B]] data bus developed for the F-22 was derived from the commercial IEEE-1394 "FireWire" bus system.<ref name="avweek_20070205">Philips, E.H. "The Electric Jet." ''[[Aviation Week]]'', 5 February 2007.</ref> In 2007, the F-22's radar was used as a wireless data transceiver during tests, transmitting data at 548 megabits per second and receiving at gigabit speed, far faster than the [[Link 16]] system.<ref>Page, Lewis. [http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/06/19/super_stealth_jet_acts_as_flying_wifi_hotspots/ "F-22 superjets could act as flying Wi-Fi hotspots."] ''The Register'', 19 June 2007. Retrieved: 7 November 2009.</ref>

===

===

The F-22's software has some 1.7 million [[source lines of code|lines of code]], the majority involving processing radar data.<ref>Pace 1999, p. 58.</ref> Former Secretary of the USAF Michael Wynne blamed the use of the DoD's [[Ada (programming language)|Ada]] for cost overruns and delays on many military projects, including the F-22.<ref>Wynne, Michael. [http://www.sldinfo.com/the-industrial-impact-of-the-decision-to-terminate-the-f-22-program/ "Michael Wynne on: The Industrial Impact of the Decision to Terminate the F-22 Program."] ''Second Line of Defense''. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref> Cyberattacks on subcontractors have reportedly raised doubts about the security of the F-22's systems and combat-effectiveness.<ref>{{cite web |author=Riley, Michael; Elgin, Ben |url=http://www.businessweek.com/news/2013-05-01/china-cyberspies-outwitting-u-dot-s-dot-stealing-vital-military-secrets |title=Business Week: China Cyberspies Outwit U.S. Stealing Military Secrets |work=Bloomberg Businessweek |date=2 May 2013 |accessdate=3 May 2013}}</ref>  In 2009, former Navy Secretary John Lehman considered the F-22 to be safe from cyberattack, citing the age of its IBM software.<ref>Thompson, Mark. [http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1912084,00.html "Defense Secretary Gates Downs the F-22."] ''Time'', 22 July 2009. Retrieved: 27 March 2010.</ref>

===

===

[[File:F-22-raptor-16.jpg|thumb|Cockpit of the F-22, showing instruments, head up display and throttle top (lower left)]]

===

===

The F-22 has a [[glass cockpit]] with all-digital flight instruments. The monochrome [[head-up display]] offers a wide field of view and serves as a primary flight instrument; information is also displayed upon six color [[liquid crystal display]] (LCD) panels.<ref name=Williams_p10>Williams 2002, p. 10.</ref> The primary flight controls are a force-sensitive [[side-stick]] controller and a pair of throttles. The USAF initially wanted to implement [[direct voice input]] (DVI) controls, but this was judged to be too technically risky and was abandoned.<ref>Goebel, Greg. [http://www.airvectors.net/avf22.html "The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor."] ''airvectors.net,'' 1 July 2011. Retrieved: 10 November 2012.</ref> The canopy's dimensions are approximately 140 inches long, 45 inches wide, and 27 inches tall (355 cm x 115 cm x 69 cm) and weighs 360 pounds.<ref name=LMBrettSHaisty>{{cite web |url=http://www.f22fighter.com/AffordableStealth.pdf |title=Lockheed Martin’s Affordable Stealth |publisher=Lockheed Martin |date=15 November 2000|page=2}}</ref>

===

===

The F-22 has integrated radio functionality, the signal processing systems are virtualized rather than as a separate hardware module.<ref>Kopp, Carlo. [http://www.ausairpower.net/API-Metz-Interview.html "~Just How Good Is The F-22 Raptor?"] "Australian Air Power", September 1998.</ref> There has been several reports on the F-22's inability to communicate with other aircraft, and funding cuts have affected the development of the [[Multifunction Advanced Data Link|MADL]] data link.<ref>[http://www.dodbuzz.com/2011/03/31/f-22s-wont-get-f-35-datalinksyet/ "F-22s Won’t Get F-35 Datalinks,Yet"] ''DoDBuzz'', 31 March 2011</ref> Voice communication is possible, but not data transfer.<ref name=AFM201008>AirForces Monthly, August 2010, p. 56.</ref>

===

===

The integrated control panel (ICP) is a keypad system for entering communications, navigation, and autopilot data. Two {{Convert|3|x|4|in|cm|abbr=on}} up-front displays located around the ICP are used to display integrated caution advisory/warning data, communications, navigation and identification (CNI) data and also serve as the stand-by flight instrumentation group and fuel quantity indicator.<ref name=MoirSeabridge>"Military Avionics Systems", Ian Moir and Allan Seabridge, Wiley, pp. 360</ref><ref name=Williams_p11>Williams 2002, p.&nbsp;11.</ref> The stand-by flight group displays an [[artificial horizon]], for basic [[instrument meteorological conditions]]. The {{Convert|8|x|8|in|cm|abbr=on}} [[Multi-function display|primary multi-function display]] (PMFD) is located under the ICP, and is used for navigation and situation assessment. Three {{Convert|6.25|x|6.25|in|cm|abbr=on}} secondary multi-function displays are located around the PMFD for tactical information and stores management.<ref name=Williams_p11/>

===

===

The ejection seat is a version of the [[ACES II]] (Advanced Concept Ejection Seat) commonly used in USAF aircraft, with a center-mounted ejection control.<ref name=goodrichflyer>[http://www.goodrich.com/gr-ext-templating/images/Goodrich%20Content/Business%20Content/Interiors/Products/Specialty%20Seating%20Systems/ACESII%20Data%20Sheet%20for%20website.pdf "ACES ll® Ejection Seat Programs"]{{dead link|date=October 2013}} ''Goodrich''.</ref> The F-22 has a complex [[life support system]], which includes the on-board oxygen generation system (OBOGS), protective pilot garments, and a breathing regulator/anti-g (BRAG) valve controlling flow and pressure to the pilot's mask and garments. The protective garments are designed to protect against chemical/biological hazards and [[Water landing|cold-water immersion]], to counter [[g-force]]s and low pressure at high altitudes, and to provide thermal relief. It was developed under the Advanced Technology Anti-G Suit (ATAGS) project.<ref name=ATAGSRichardsonSchwartz>"A preliminary investigation of a fluid-filled ECG-triggered anti-g suit", February 1994</ref> Suspicions regarding the performance of the OBOGS and life support equipment have been raised by several mishaps, including a fatal crash.<ref>Majumdar, Dave. [http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2011/09/air-force-bleed-air-issue-led-to-raptor-crash-sources-say-090811w/ "Sources: Bleed-air issue led to Raptor crash."] ''Air Force Times'', 8 September 2011.</ref>

===

===

[[File:F-22 GBU39B AIM-120 m02006120800117.jpg|thumb|right|AIM-120 AMRAAM (right) fitted in a weapons bay of an F-22]]

===

===

The Raptor has three internal weapons bays: a large bay on the bottom of the fuselage, and two smaller bays on the sides of the fuselage, aft of the engine intakes.<ref>Pace 1999, pp. 65–66.</ref> It can carry six medium range missiles in the center bay and one short–range missile in each side bay;<ref>[http://handle.dtic.mil/100.2/ADP010957 "Technologies for Future Precision Strike Missile Systems – Missile/Aircraft Integration."] ''Handle.dtic.mil.'' Retrieved: 26 September 2010.</ref> Four of the medium range missiles can be replaced with two bomb racks that can each carry one medium-size or four smaller bombs.<ref name="F-22_factsheet"/> Carrying armaments internally maintains the aircraft's stealth and minimizes additional drag. Missile launches require the bay doors to be open for less than a second, during which hydraulic arms push missiles clear of the aircraft; this is to reduce vulnerability to detection and to deploy missiles during high speed flight.<ref>[http://es.is.itt.com/AMRAAMAVEL.htm "LAU-142/A AMRAAM Vertical Eject Launcher AVEL."]{{dead link|date=November 2013}} ''es.is.itt.com''. Retrieved: 7 November 2009.</ref>

===

===

The F-22 can also carry air-to-surface weapons such as bombs with [[Joint Direct Attack Munition]] (JDAM) guidance and the [[Small-Diameter Bomb]], but cannot self-designate for laser-guided weapons.<ref name=DefIndDaily>{{cite web |author=Staff |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/f22-raptor-procurement-events-updated-02908/ |title=The F-22 Raptor: Program & Events |work=Defense Industry Daily |date=13 October 2013 |accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref> Internal air-to-surface ordnance is limited to 2,000 lb.<ref name=Polmar>Polmar 2005, p. 397.</ref> An internally mounted [[M61 Vulcan|M61A2 Vulcan]] 20 mm [[Gatling gun|cannon]] is embedded in the right wing root with the muzzle covered by a door to maintain stealth.<ref name=Miller_2005_p94>Miller 2005, p. 94.</ref> The radar projection of the cannon fire's path is displayed on the pilot's head-up display.<ref>DeMarban, Alex. [http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/target-towing-cessna-pilot-unconcerned-about-live-fire-practice-f-22s "Target-towing Cessna pilot unconcerned about live-fire practice with F-22s."] ''Alaska Dispatch'', 3 May 2012.</ref>

===

===

[[File:F-22 AIM-120.jpg|thumb|left|F-22 with external weapons pylons]]

===

===

The F-22's high cruise speed and altitude increase the effective ranges of its munitions, it has 50% greater employment range for the [[AIM-120 AMRAAM]] than prior platforms, and range will be further extended with the eventual introduction of the AIM-120D.<ref name="pilotperspective"/> While specifics are [[Classified information in the United States|classified]], it is expected that JDAMs employed by F-22s will have twice or more the effective range of legacy platforms.<ref name="afm_200605">"USAF Almanac." ''Air Force magazine'', May 2006.</ref> In testing, a F-22 dropped a 1,000 lb (450 kg) JDAM from 50,000 feet (15,000 m) while cruising at Mach 1.5, striking a moving target {{convert|24|mi|km}} away.<ref name="upi_20061122">{{Cite news |url=http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2006/11/22/US-orders-two-dozen-raptors-for-2010/UPI-51851164210418/ |title=U.S. orders two dozen raptors for 2010 |agency=[[United Press International]] |date=22 November 2006 |accessdate=24 June 2010}}</ref>

===

===

While the F-22 typically carries weapons internally, the wings include four [[hardpoint]]s, each rated to handle {{convert|5000|lb|kg|abbr=on}}. Each hardpoint has a pylon that can carry a detachable 600 gallon fuel tank or a launcher holding two air-air missiles. The use of external stores degrades the F-22's stealth, maneuverability and speed. The two inner hardpoints are "plumbed" for external fuel tanks; the hardpoints can be jettisoned in flight to maximize the aircraft's stealth after exhausting external stores.<ref>Pace 1999, pp. 71–72.</ref> A stealth ordnance pod and pylon is being developed to carry additional weapons internally.<ref>Tirpak, John A. [http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2005/January%202005/0105raptor.aspx "The Raptor as Bomber."] ''Air Force magazine'', January 2005. Retrieved: 25 July 2009.</ref>

===

===

[[File:F 22 raptor bomb bay display 2014 Reno Air Races photo D Ramey Logan.jpg|thumb|left|For stealth, the F-22 carries weapons in internal bays. The doors for the center and side bays are open; note the six LAU-142/A AMRAAM Vertical Ejection Launchers (AVEL).]]

===

===

The F-22 was designed to be highly difficult to detect and track by radar. Measures to reduce its radar signature include airframe shaping such as planform alignment of edges, [[Intake ramp|fixed-geometry]] serpentine inlets that prevent line-of-sight of the engine faces from any exterior view, use of radar absorbent material (RAM), and attention to detail such as hinges and pilot helmets that could provide a radar return. The F-22 was also designed to have decreased radio, heat and noise emissions as well as reduced visibility to the naked eye.<ref name= "gs_f22_stealth">Pike, John. [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/f-22-stealth.htm "F-22 Stealth".] ''Global Security''. Retrieved: 21 February 2007.</ref> The aircraft's flat thrust vectoring nozzle reduces infrared emissions to mitigate the threat of [[infrared homing]] ("heat seeking") [[Surface-to-air missile|surface-to-air]] or [[air-to-air missiles]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Trimble |first= Stephen |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-dewline/2008/07/russias-views-about-the-new-f2/ |title=Russia's views about the new F-22 flying display |work=Flight global |date= 16 July 2008 |accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref> Further measures to reduce the infrared signature include special paint and [[Regenerative cooling|active cooling]] of leading edges to manage the heat buildup from supersonic flight.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.northropgrumman.com/analysis-center/paper/assets/analogues_stealth.pdf |title= Analogues of Stealth |publisher= Northrop Grumman |date= 27 April 2012 |type= analysis paper |format= [[Portable document format|PDF]] }}.</ref>

===

===

Compared to previous stealth designs like the [[F-117 Nighthawk|F-117]], the F-22 is less reliant on RAM, which are maintenance-intensive and susceptible to adverse weather conditions. Unlike the [[Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit |B-2]], which requires climate-controlled hangars, the F-22 can undergo repairs on the flight line or in a normal hangar. The F-22 features a ''Signature Assessment System'' which delivers warnings when the radar signature is degraded and necessitates repair.<ref name= "avweek_20070107" /> The F-22's exact [[radar cross-section]] (RCS) is classified; however, in 2009 Lockheed Martin released information indicating it has an RCS (from certain angles) of −40 [[Decibel#Radar|dBsm]] – equivalent to the radar reflection of a "steel marble".<ref name="f22-design-shows">Fulghum, David A. [http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/F22-020409.xml "F-22 Raptor To Make Paris Air Show Debut"]{{dead link|date=October 2013}} ''[[Aviation Week]]'', 4 February 2009. Retrieved: 15 February 2009.</ref>  Effectively maintaining the stealth features can decrease the F-22's [[availability|mission capable rate]] to 62–70%.{{#tag:ref|"…noting that Raptors are ready for a mission around 62 percent of the time, if its low-observable requirements are met (DAILY, 20 November). Reliability goes up above 70 percent for missions with lower stealth demands."<ref>Butler, Amy. [http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/F22s021709.xml "USAF Chief Defends F-22 Need, Capabilities."]{{dead link|date= October 2013}} ''[[Aviation Week]]'', 17 February 2009. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref> |group= N}}

===

===

The effectiveness of the stealth characteristics is difficult to gauge.  The RCS value is a restrictive measurement of the aircraft's frontal or side area from the perspective of a static radar. When an aircraft maneuvers it exposes a completely different set of angles and surface area, potentially increasing radar observability. Furthermore, stealth contouring and radar absorbent materials are chiefly effective against high-frequency radars, usually found on other aircraft. [[Low-frequency radar]]s, employed by weather radars and ground warning stations, are alleged to be less affected by stealth technologies and are thus more capable as detection platforms.<ref>Sprey, Pierre. "Interview," 22 June 2008.</ref><ref>Weiner, Tim. ''Blank Check: The Pentagon's Black Budget''. New York: Warner Books, 1990. ISBN 978-0-44639-275-4.</ref> While faint or fleeting radar contacts make defenders aware that a stealth aircraft is present, reliably vectoring interception to attack the aircraft is much more challenging.<ref>[[Rebecca Grant (political expert)|Grant, Rebecca]]. [http://www.afa.org/Mitchell/Reports/MS_RadarGame_0910.pdf "The Radar Game."]{{dead link|date=October 2013}} ''[[Mitchell Institute]]'', 2010. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref> According to the USAF an F-22 surprised an Iranian [[F-4 Phantom II]] that was attempting to intercept an American [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|UAV]], despite Iran's claim of having [[Matla-ul-fajr|military VHF radar coverage]] over the Persian Gulf.<ref>http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/09/17/welsh-f22-flew-to-drones-rescue-off-iran-coast.html</ref>

===

===

==Operational history==

===

===

[[File:Usaf.kc135.750pix.jpg|thumb|An F-22 refuels from a [[KC-135 Stratotanker|KC-135]] during testing; the attachment on the back top is for a spin recovery chute|alt=Rear/starboard view of aerial refueling tanker transferring fuel to a jet fighter via a long boom. The two aircraft are slightly banking left.]]

===

===

The YF-22 was originally given the unofficial name "Lightning II", after the World War II fighter [[P-38]], by Lockheed, which persisted until the mid-1990s when the USAF officially named the aircraft "Raptor". The aircraft was also briefly dubbed "SuperStar" and "Rapier".<ref>[http://www.aerospaceweb.org/question/history/q0221.shtml "Military Aircraft Names."] ''Aerospaceweb.org.'' Retrieved: 26 September 2010.</ref> In September 2002, USAF changed the Raptor's designation to F/A-22, mimicking the Navy's [[McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet]] and intended to highlight a planned ground-attack capability amid debate over the aircraft's role and relevance. The F-22 designation was reinstated in December 2005, when the aircraft entered service.<ref name="F-22_factsheet"/><ref name="afp_20051205">"U.S. to Declare F-22 Fighter Operational." ''[[Agence France-Presse]]'', 15 December 2005.</ref>

===

===

Flight testing of the F-22 began in 1997 with Raptor 4001, the first EMD jet, and eight more F-22s would participate in the EMD and flight test program.<ref name="gs_f22_flight_tests">Pike, John. [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/f-22-testfly.htm "F-22 Raptor Flight Test".] ''GlobalSecurity.org''. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref> Raptor 4001 was retired from flight testing in 2000 and subsequently sent to [[Wright-Patterson Air Force Base]] (AFB) for survivability testing, including live fire testing and battle damage repair training.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.codeonemagazine.com/gallery_slideshow.html?fa44c7e5ba83d833e4ac50ea5bc58dd6=2&gallery_id=129&gallery_style=3 |title=F-22 Milestones – Part 2 |publisher=Code One Magazine |date= |accessdate=2013-11-16}}</ref> EMD F-22s have been used for testing upgrades, and also as maintenance trainers.<ref>{{cite web|last=Majumdar |first=Dave |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-dewline/2013/05/raptor-4007-starts-testing-inc/ |title=Raptor 4007 starts testing Inc 3.2A upgrade on its 1000th sortie |publisher= Flightglobal.com |date=7 May 2013 |accessdate=16 November 2013}}</ref> The first production F-22 was delivered to [[Nellis Air Force Base|Nellis AFB]], [[Nevada]], in January 2003.<ref>Miller 2005, p.&nbsp;65.</ref>

===

===

In May 2006, a released report documented a problem with the F-22's forward titanium boom, caused by defective heat-treating.  This made the boom on roughly the first 80 F-22s less [[ductile]] than specified and potentially shortened the part's life. Modifications and inspections were implemented to the booms to restore life expectancy.<ref name="f22-problems"/><ref name=autogenerated1>Offley, Ed. [http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-145240376.html "Flaw Could Shorten Raptors' Lives."] News Herald (Panama City, FL), 4 May 2006. Retrieved: 12 February 2014.</ref>

===

===

In August 2008, an unmodified F-22 of the 411th Flight Test Squadron performed in the first ever air-to-air refueling of an aircraft using synthetic jet fuel as part of a wider USAF effort to qualify aircraft to use the fuel, a 50/50 mix of [[JP-8]] and a [[Fischer-Tropsch process]]-produced, natural gas-based fuel.<ref>Delos Reyes, Julius. [http://www.f-16.net/news_article3040.html "Edwards F-22 Raptor performs aerial refueling using synthetic fuel."] ''Desert Eagle'', 3 September 2008, via ''F-16.net''. Retrieved: 14 September 2011.</ref> In 2011, an F-22 flew supersonic on a 50% mixture of biofuel derived from [[camelina]].<ref>Quick, Darren. [http://www.gizmag.com/f-22-raptor-biofuel-flight/18218/ "F-22 Raptor hits Mach 1.5 on camelina-based biofuel."] ''Gizmag'', 23 March 2011.</ref>

===

===

[[File:F-22A Raptor -03-4058.jpg|thumb|An F-22 fires an [[AIM-120 AMRAAM]]|alt=Jet fighter flying above a streaking missile, which had moments earlier been released by the former.]]

===

===

In December 2005, the USAF announced that the F-22 had achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://archive.is/20120723113239/http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123013572 |archivedate=23 July 2012 |title=F-22A Raptor goes operational |publisher=U.S. Air Force |date=15 December 2005 |accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref> During Exercise [[Northern Edge]] in Alaska in June 2006, in simulated combat exercises 12 F-22s of the 94th FS downed 108 adversaries with no losses.<ref name="afpn_20060623_ad" /> In the exercises, the Raptor-led Blue Force amassed 241 kills against two losses in air-to-air combat; neither Blue Force loss was an F-22. During [[Red Flag (USAF)|Red Flag]] 07-1 in February 2007, 14 F-22s of the 94th FS supported Blue Force strikes and undertook close air support sorties. Against superior numbers of [[Aggressor squadron|Red Force Aggressor]] F-15s and F-16s, 6–8 F-22s maintained air dominance throughout. No sorties were missed because of maintenance or other failures, a single F-22 was judged lost against the defeated opposing force.{{#tag:ref|The F-22 was "lost" when a victim exited the area, regenerated and immediately re-engaged; the pilot had erroneously assumed it was still "dead".|group=N}} F-22s also provided airborne electronic surveillance.<ref name="flag">Schanz, Marc V. [http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2007/May%202007/0507world.aspx "Aerospace World: Red Flag Raptors."] ''Air Force magazine'', May 2007. Retrieved: 9 February 2008.</ref>

===

===

The Raptor achieved Full Operational Capability (FOC) in December 2007, when General John Corley of Air Combat Command (ACC) officially declared the F-22s of the integrated active duty [[1st Fighter Wing]] and [[Virginia Air National Guard]] [[192d Fighter Wing]] fully operational.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hopper |first=David |archiveurl=http://archive.is/20120718072158/http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123079133 |archivedate=18 July 2012 |title=F-22s at Langley receive FOC status |url=http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123079133 |publisher=U.S. Air Force |date=12 December 2007 |accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref> This was followed by an Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI) of the integrated wing in April 2008, in which it was rated "excellent" in all categories, with a simulated kill-ratio of 221–0.<ref>Schultz, 2nd Lt. Georganne E. [http://www.f-16.net/news_article2848.html "Langley earns 'excellent' in ORI."] ''F-16.net,'' 22 April 20078. Retrieved: 9 May 2010.</ref>

===

===

[[File:Raptor and TU-95.jpg|thumb|An F-22 from [[Elmendorf AFB]], Alaska, intercepting a Russian [[Tupolev Tu-95]] near American airspace |alt=Aerial port view of two aircraft in flight, one on top of the other. The bottom aircraft is a four-engined propeller-driven aircraft, which is escorted by a jet fighter.]]

===

===

In February 2007, while attempting its first overseas deployment to the [[Kadena Air Base]] in Okinawa, Japan, six F-22s of [[27th Fighter Squadron]] flying from [[Hickam AFB]], Hawaii, experienced multiple software-related system failures while crossing the [[International Date Line]] ([[180th meridian]] of [[longitude]]).  The aircraft returned to Hawaii by following [[Aerial refueling|tanker aircraft]]. Within 48 hours, the error was resolved and the journey resumed.<ref>[http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/f22-squadron-shot-down-by-the-international-date-line-03087/ "F-22 Squadron Shot Down by the International Date Line."] ''Defense Industry Daily,'' 1 March 2007. Retrieved: 5 February 2014.</ref><ref name= Raptors_arrive>{{cite web |url=http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123041567 |last=Johnson |first=Maj. Dani |title=Raptors arrive at Kadena |publisher=US Air Force |date= 19 February 2007 |accessdate=1 November 2013 |archiveurl=http://archive.is/20120525231804/http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123041567 |archivedate=25 May 2012}}</ref> By January 2013, F-22s have been deployed to Kadena Air Base seven times,<ref>[http://airrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=603 "12 F-22 Raptors deployed to Japan."] ''Air recognition'', 14 January 2013.</ref> and in early 2013, F-22s were involved in U.S.-South Korean military drills.<ref>{{Cite news |url= http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/04/01/us-reportedly-sends-f-22-jets-to-join-south-korea-drills/ |title=US sends F-22 jets to join South Korea drills |work= Fox News |date= 1 April 2013 |accessdate= 31 October 2013}}</ref> In June 2014, F-22s from the 199th Fighter Squadron of the Hawaii Air National Guard were deployed to Malaysia to participate in the Cope Taufan 2014 exercise conducted by the USAF Pacific Air Forces and [[Royal Malaysian Air Force]].<ref>{{Cite web |last= Mahadzir |first= Dzirhan |place= Kuala Lumpur |url= http://www.janes.com/article/38842/f-22s-land-in-malaysia-for-first-southeast-asian-exercise |title= F-22s land in Malaysia for first Southeast Asian exercise |publisher= IHS |newspaper= Jane's 360 |date= 4 June 2014 |accessdate= 29 June 2014}}.</ref>

===

===

In November 2007, F-22s of 90th Fighter Squadron performed their first NORAD interception of two Russian [[Tupolev Tu-95 |Tu-95MS "Bear-H"]] bombers over Alaska.<ref>[http://www.airforce-magazine.com/DRArchive/Pages/2007/December%202007/December%2014%202007/1025raptor.aspx "Raptors Perform First Intercept of Russian Bombers."] ''Air Force magazine'', Daily Report, 14 December 2007. Retrieved: 9 May 2010.</ref>  Since then, F-22s have also escorted probing [[Tupolev Tu-160| Tu-160 "Blackjack"]] bombers.<ref>{{Cite news |place= [[Russia |RU]] |url= http://en.ria.ru/russia/20100325/158312005.html |title=Russian Air Force denies it violated British airspace |agency=RIA Novosti |date=25 March 2010 |accessdate= 30 October 2013}}</ref> The first pair of F-22s assigned to the [[49th Fighter Wing]] became operational at [[Holloman Air Force Base| Holloman AFB]], [[New Mexico]], in June 2008.<ref>"Air Force World." ''Air Force magazine'', July 2008, Vol. 91, No. 7, p. 20.</ref>  In 2014, Holloman Raptors and their support personnel were reassigned to the reactivated [[95th Fighter Squadron]] at Tyndall AFB.<ref name= IOC>{{cite web |url= http://www.tyndall.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123407983 |title= IOC declared for 95th Fighter Squadron |first= Ashley M. |last=Wright |publisher=325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs |date=April 21, 2014 |accessdate=June 13, 2014}}</ref>

===

===

Secretary of Defense Gates initially refused to deploy F-22s to the Middle East in 2007.<ref>Clark, Colin. [http://www.dodbuzz.com/2008/06/30/gates-opposed-af-plans-to-deploy-f-22-to-iraq/ "Gates Opposed AF Plans to Deploy F-22 to Iraq."] ''DOD Buzz'', 30 June 2008. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref>  The aircraft would have its first deployment in the region at [[Al Dhafra Air Base]] in the UAE in 2009. In April 2012, F-22s have been rotating into Al Dhafra Air Base, less than 200 miles from Iran;<ref>{{Cite news |last=Butler |first=Amy |url=http://aviationweek.com/defense/uae-based-f-22s-signal-iran |title=UAE-based F-22s a Signal to Iran |work=Aviation Week |date=12 April 2012 |accessdate=3 June 2014}}</ref><ref>Munoz, Carlos. [http://thehill.com/policy/defense/224315-reports-dod-deploys-f-22-fighters-near-iranian-border "Reports: DOD deploys F-22 fighters near Iranian border".] ''The Hill'', 27 April 2012.</ref> the Iranian defense minister referred to the deployment as a security threat.<ref>{{Cite news |url= http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/04/30/iran-us-stealth-fighter-deployment-to-uae-harmful/ |title=Iran: US stealth fighter deployment to UAE harmful |work=Fox News |date=30 April 2012 |accessdate= 31 October 2013}}</ref> In March 2013 the USAF announced that an F-22 had confronted and chased off an Iranian [[F-4 Phantom II]] that approached within 16 miles of an [[MQ-1 Predator]] flying off the Iranian coastline.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/09/17/welsh-f22-flew-to-drones-rescue-off-iran-coast.html?comp=700001075741&rank=6 |title= F-22 Flew to Drone's Rescue off Iran Coast |newspaper= Military |date= 17 September 2013}}.</ref>

===

===

On 22 September 2014, F-22s performed the type's first combat sorties during the [[2014 American intervention in Syria|U.S. intervention in Syria]]; a number of aircraft dropped 1,000-pound GPS-guided bombs on [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|Islamic State]] targets in the vicinity of [[Tishrin Dam]].<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://aviationweek.com/defense/f-22-s-takes-first-shot-against-ground-not-air-target |title= F-22s takes first shot against ground, not air target |newspaper= Aviation week}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://medium.com/war-is-boring/america-feared-syrias-air-defenses-d902ed37577e |title= America Feared Syria’s Air Defenses |publisher=medium.com |work=War Is Boring blog}}</ref> Combat operations by F-22s are planned to continue into the foreseeable future. While some missions involve striking targets, the F-22's main role is [[intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance]] (ISR) gathering.<ref>[http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140929/DEFREG02/309290029/F-22-Continuing-Operations-Syria F-22 Continuing Operations in Syria] - Defensenews.com, 29 September 2014</ref>

===

===

In one of his last interviews before retiring from ACC, Hostage said the USAF used tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP) to overcome the disparity between the Raptor's communications abilities and older, fourth-generation assets during the deployment. Although the combat operations were not the most rigorous test of the aircraft, Hostage said that it performed "flawlessly".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://breakingdefense.com/2014/10/accs-gen-hostage-on-fifth-gen-combat-cloud-and-syria/ |title=ACC’s Gen. Hostage: On Fifth Gen Combat Cloud And Syria |last1=Laird |first1=Robbin |last2=Timperlake |first2=Ed |date=22 October 2014 |website=breakingdefense.com |publisher=Breaking Media, Inc. |accessdate=22 October 2014}}</ref>

===

===

The USAF is currently testing a rapid deployment concept involving four F-22s and one C-17 for support. First proposed in 2008 by two F-22 pilots, the goal of such a deployment package is to able to set up and engage in combat within 24 hours.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.airforcemag.com/Features/Pages/2013/September%202013/box092613rapid.aspx |title=Rapid Raptor Package |last=Schanz |first=Marc |date= 28 September 2013 |website= Air force mag |publisher=Air Force Association |accessdate=1 October 2013}}</ref><ref>http://www.pacaf.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123433300</ref>

===

===

===Maintenance and training===

===

===

F-22 had a mission capable rate of 62% in 2004, 70% in 2009, and was predicted to reach 85% as the fleet reached 100,000 flight hours.<ref name="hatch.senate.gov"/><ref name= "tyndalltraining">Camelo, Maj. Wilson. [http://www.webcitation.org/6RTt4i2Et "Tyndall AFB takes F-22 pilot training to next level".] ''U.S. Air Force'', 30 July 2014. Archived from [http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/tabid/223/Article/486936/tyndall-afb-takes-f-22-pilot-training-to-next-level.aspx original.]</ref> Early on, the F-22 required more than 30 hours of maintenance per flight hour and a total cost per flight hour of $44,000; by 2008 it was reduced to 18.1, and 10.5 by 2009; lower than the Pentagon's requirement of 12 maintenance hours per flight hour.<ref name= "AWST">[http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/awst/2011/11/14/AW_11_14_2011_p37-392429.xml "USAF Weighs Future Priority Needs."]{{dead link|date=October 2013}} ''Aviation Week'', 21 November 2011.</ref> When introduced, the F-22 had a Mean Time Between Maintenance (MTBM) of 1.7 hours, short of the required 3.0; in 2012 this rose to 3.2 hours.<ref name= "hatch.senate.gov" /> By 2013, the cost per flight hour was $68,362, over three times as much as the F-16.<ref>{{cite web |last=Thompson |first=Mark |url=http://nation.time.com/2013/04/02/costly-flight-hours/ |title=Costly Flight Hours |work= Time |date= 2 April 2013 |accessdate= 1 November 2013}}</ref>

===

===

Each aircraft requires a month-long packaged maintenance plan (PMP) every 300 flight hours.<ref name= "tyndalltraining"/> The stealth system, including its radar absorbing metallic skin, account for almost one third of maintenance. The canopy was redesigned after the original design lasted an average of 331 hours instead of the required 800 hours.<ref name= "hatch.senate.gov" /> F-22 depot maintenance is performed at Ogden Air Logistics Complex at Hill AFB, Utah.<ref>[http://www.wpafb.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123350437 "Air Force to consolidate F-22 depot maintenance at Hill".] ''U.S. Air Force'', 29 May 2013. Retrieved 3 July 2014.</ref>

===

===

In January 2007, the F-22 reportedly maintained 97% sortie rate, flying 102 out of 105 tasked sorties while amassing a 144-to-zero kill ratio during "Northern Edge" air-to-air exercises in Alaska. According to Lieutenant Colonel Wade Tolliver, squadron commander of the 27th Fighter Squadron, the stealth coatings of the F-22 are more robust than those used in earlier stealth aircraft, being less sensitive to weather and wear and tear.<ref name= "avweek_20070107" /> However, rain caused "shorts and failures in sophisticated electrical components" when F-22s were posted to [[Guam]].<ref>Holmes, Erik. [http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2009/10/airforce_F22_100409w/ "F-22 problems linked to rain in Guam."] ''Air Force Times'', 5 October 2009. Retrieved: 9 May 2010.</ref>

===

===

To reduce operating costs and lengthen the F-22's service life, some pilot training sorties are performed using high fidelity flight simulators, while the [[Northrop T-38 Talon| T-38 Talon]] is used for adversary training.<ref name="tyndalltraining"/> [[Budget Control Act of 2011|DoD budget cuts]] led to F-22 demonstration flights being halted in 2013; the demonstration flights were resumed in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.swxrightnow.com/story/21748697/f-22-raptor-team-wont-fly-at-water-follies |title= F-22 Raptor Team Won't Fly at Water Follies |newspaper= SWX right now}}.</ref><ref>{{Citation |contribution-url= http://www.acc.af.mil/aerialevents/f22a/ |title= Aerial events |publisher= Air force |contribution= F-22A Demo Team |place= [[United States of America|US]]}}.</ref> In 2012, it was reported that the F-22's maintenance demands have increased as the fleet aged; maintaining the stealth coatings is particularly demanding.<ref>{{cite web |author=Axe, David |url=http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/11/f-35-gets-stealthier/ |title=Lockheed’s Dubious Claim: Stealth Fighter Will Get Stealthier With Age |work=Wired |date=6 November 2012 |accessdate=30 October 2013}}</ref><ref>King, Senior Airman Joan. [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2012/11/mil-121127-afns02.htm "F-22's success more than 'skin deep'".] ''Global security.'' Retrieved: 3 December 2012.</ref>

===

===

Operational problems have been experienced and some have caused fleet-wide groundings. Critically, pilots have experienced a decreased mental status, including losing consciousness. There were reports of instances of pilots found to have a decreased level of alertness or memory loss after landing.<ref name="Cox">Cox, Bob. "Despite investigation, safety concerns linger on F-22." ''Star Telegram'', 25 August 2012.</ref> F-22 pilots have experienced lingering respiratory problems and a chronic cough; other symptoms include irritability, emotional lability and neurological changes.<ref name= "Cox" /> A number of possible causes were investigated, including possible exposure to noxious chemical agents from the respiratory tubing, pressure suit malfunction, side effects from oxygen delivery at greater-than-atmospheric concentrations, and oxygen supply disruptions. Other problems include minor mechanical problems and navigational software failures.<ref name="Wastnage">{{cite web |last=Wastnage |first=Justin |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-navigational-software-glitch-forces-lockheed-martin-f-22-raptors-back-to-hawaii-212102/ |title=Navigational software glitch forces Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptors back to Hawaii, abandoning first foreign deployment to Japan |work=Flightglobal |date=14 February 2007 |accessdate=11 May 2012}}</ref> The fleet was grounded for four months in 2011 before resuming flight, but reports of oxygen issues persisted.<ref name=CBS_60min>Sughrue, Karen (producer) and [[Lesley Stahl]]. [http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18560_162-57427432/is-the-air-forces-f-22-fighter-jet-making-pilots-sick/ "Is the Air Force's F-22 fighter jet making pilots sick?"] ''[[60 Minutes]]: CBC News'', 6 May 2012. Retrieved: 7 May 2012.</ref>

===

===

In 2005, the Raptor Aeromedical Working Group, a USAF expert panel, recommended several changes to deal with the oxygen supply issues.<ref>Talmadge, Eric. [http://www.ajc.com/ap/ap/general/ap-impact-air-force-insiders-foresaw-f-22-woes/nSM5t/ "AP Impact: Air Force insiders foresaw F-22 woes."]{{dead link|date=October 2013}} ''AP'', 27 September 2012.</ref> In October 2011, Lockheed Martin was awarded a $24M contract to investigate the breathing difficulties.<ref>Majumdar, Dave. [http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=8066393&c=AIR&s=TOP "$24M Awarded to Find Cause of F-22 Oxygen Problem."] ''Defense News'', 26 October 2011.</ref> In July 2012, the Pentagon concluded that a pressure valve on flight vests worn during high-altitude flights and a carbon air filter were likely sources of at least some hypoxia-like symptoms. Long-distance flights were resumed, but were limited to lower altitudes until corrections had been made. The carbon filters were changed to a different model to reduce lung exposure to carbon particulates.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ackerman |first=Spencer |url= http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/07/f22-valve/ |title=Pentagon: Blame Tight Vests, Not Stealth Jets, for Choking Pilots |work=Wired |date=24 July 2012 |accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref><ref>Everstine, Brian. [http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2012/07/ap-panetta-approves-lifting-f22-flight-limits-072412/ "Panetta approves plan to lift F-22 limits."] ''[[Military Times]]'', 24 July 2012.</ref> The breathing regulator/anti-g (BRAG) valve, used to inflate the pilot's vest during high G maneuvers, was found to be defective, inflating the vest at unintended intervals and restricting the pilot's breathing.<ref>{{Citation |url= http://www.military.com/daily-news/2012/08/01/air-force-confident-f22-oxygen-riddle-solved.html |newspaper= Military |title= Air Force Confident F-22 Oxygen Riddle Solved |first= Michael |last= Hoffman |date= 1 August 2012}}.</ref> The on-board oxygen generating system (OBOGS) also unexpectedly reduced oxygen levels during high-G maneuvers.<ref>Fabey, Michael. [http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/asd_10_12_2012_p03-02-506094.xml "USAF Still Reviewing Oxygen Concentration Levels For F-22 Cockpit."] ''Aerospace Daily & Defense Report'', 12 October 2012.</ref>  In late 2012, Lockheed Martin was awarded contracts to install a supplemental automatic oxygen backup system, in addition to the primary and manual backup.<ref>Yakey, Randal. [http://www.newsherald.com/news/government/lockheed-martin-gets-additional-11-9-million-for-f-22-fixes-1.46643 "Lockheed Martin gets additional $11.9 million for F-22 fixes."] ''News Herald'', 8 November 2012.</ref> Changes recommended by the Raptor Aeromedical Working Group in 2005 received further consideration in 2012;<ref>Cox, Bob. [http://blogs.star-telegram.com/sky_talk/2012/09/air-force-we-understand-f-22-problems-and-fixing-them.html "Air Force: We understand F-22 problems and fixing them."] ''Star Telegram'', 13 September 2012.</ref> the USAF reportedly considered installing EEG brain wave monitors on the pilot's helmets for inflight monitoring.<ref>Lessig, Hugh. [http://www.dailypress.com/news/military/dp-nws-f22-pilot-brains-20121203,0,5153198.story "Taking a closer look at F-22 pilots."] "HRmilitary.com,'' 3 December 2012. Retrieved: 3 December 2012.</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Axe |first=David |url=http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/09/f-22-oxygen-unsolved/ |title=Stealth Fighter's Oxygen Woes Still A Mystery, Air Force Admits |work=Wired |date=13 September 2012 |accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref>

===

===

New backup oxygen generators and filters have been installed on the aircraft. The coughing symptoms have been attributed to acceleration [[atelectasis]], which may be exacerbated by the F-22's high performance; there is no present solution to the condition. The presence of toxins and particles in some ground crew was deemed to be unrelated.<ref>[http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CHRG-112hhrg76215/html/CHRG-112hhrg76215.htm "H.A.S.C. No. 112-154&#93; F-22 pilot physiological issues."] '' GPO''. Retrieved: 16 August 2013.</ref> On 4 April 2013, the distance and altitude flight restrictions were lifted after the F-22 Combined Test Force and 412th Aerospace Medicine Squadron determined that breathing restrictions on the pilot were responsible as opposed to an issue with the oxygen provided.<ref>{{cite web |last=Everstone |first=Brian |url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20130404/DEFREG02/304040017 |title=Flight Restrictions Lifted for F-22s with Auto Oxygen System |work=Defense News |date=4 April 2013 |accessdate=30 August 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |work=Air Combat Command Public Affairs |url=http://www.acc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123343030 |title=Air Force F-22 resumes normal flight operations|publisher=U.S. Air Force|date=4 April 2013|accessdate= 30 October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Mowry |first=Laura |url=http://www.edwards.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123344796 |title= Edwards Airmen vital to Raptor's return |publisher= U.S. Air Force |date= 17 April 2013 |accessdate=18 April 2013}}</ref>

===

===

* '''Naval F-22 variant''' – a carrier-borne variant of the F-22 with [[variable-sweep wing]]s for the [[United States Navy|U.S. Navy]]'s [[Advanced Tactical Fighter|Navy Advanced Tactical Fighter]] (NATF) program to replace the [[Grumman F-14 Tomcat|F-14 Tomcat]]. Program was canceled in 1993.<ref name=Pace_p28/> Former SoAF Donald Rice has called the possibility of the naval variant the deciding factor for his choice of the YF-22 over the YF-23.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Vartabedian |first1=Ralph |first2=W.J. |last2=Hennigan |url=http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-advanced-fighter-woes-20130616-dto-htmlstory.html#axzz2jMrTKmOE |title=F-22 program produces few planes, soaring costs |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=16 June 2013 |accessdate=1 November 2013}}</ref>

===

===

The [[Lockheed Martin FB-22|FB-22]] was a proposed medium-range bomber for the USAF.<ref name="Long arm">Tirpak, John A. [http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2002/October%202002/1002longarm.aspx "Long Arm of the Air Force."] ''Air Force magazine'', October 2002. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref> The FB-22 was projected to carry up to 30 Small Diameter Bombs to about twice the range of the F-22A, while maintaining the F-22's stealth and supersonic speed.<ref>Bolkcom, Christopher. [http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metacrs6117/ "Air Force FB-22 Bomber Concept."] ''Digital.library.unt.edu''. Retrieved: 28 August 2011.</ref> However, the FB-22 in its planned form appears to have been canceled with the 2006 [[Quadrennial Defense Review]] and subsequent developments, in lieu of a larger subsonic bomber with a much greater range.<ref>[http://www.defense.gov/qdr/report/Report20060203.pdf "Quadrennial Defense Review Report"]. ''US Department of Defense'', 6 February 2006. Retrieved: 28 August 2011.</ref><ref>Hebert, Adam J. [http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2006/October%202006/10062018.aspx "The 2018 Bomber and Its Friends."] ''Air Force magazine'', October 2006. Retrieved: 31 August 2011.</ref>

===

===

The [[Lockheed Martin X-44 MANTA|X-44 MANTA]], or ''multi-axis, no-tail aircraft'', was a planned experimental aircraft based on the F-22 with enhanced thrust vectoring controls and no aerodynamic surface backup.<ref name=nasa_monogr>Jenkins, Dennis R., Tony Landis and Jay Miller. [http://history.nasa.gov/monograph31.pdf "Monographs in Aerospace History, No. 31: American X-Vehicles: An Inventory, X-1 to X-50."] ''NASA'', June 2003. Retrieved: 13 June 2010.</ref> The aircraft was to be solely controlled by thrust vectoring, without featuring any rudders, ailerons, or elevators. Funding for this program was halted in 2000.<ref name=nasa1>{{Wayback |date=20071015155601 |url=http://nasaexplores.com/show2_articlea.php?id=03-065 |title="X-Planes Explained." }} ''NASAExplores.com'', 9 October 2003. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref>

===

===

[[File:F-22 Raptor - 070212-F-2034C-110.jpg|thumb|F-22 with drop tanks in transit to Kadena Air Base, Japan, from Langley AFB, Virginia]]

===

===

The [[United States Air Force]] is the only operator of the F-22.  It ordered 8 test and 187 operational production aircraft.  In November 2012, it had 184 production aircraft in inventory.<ref>{{cite web |author= Dave Majumdar, Dave |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-dewline/2012/11/how-many-raptors-does-the-usaf/ |title=How many Raptors does the USAF have left? |work=Flightglobal blogs |date= 30 November 2012 |accessdate=8 March 2014}}</ref>

===

===

***[[95th Fighter Squadron]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tyndall.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123366307 |title=95th returns, New F-22 squadron reflects local, military history |publisher=U.S. Air Force |accessdate=3 November 2013}}</ref>

===

===

***[[411th Flight Test Squadron]] – Conducted competition between YF-22 and [[YF-23]] from 1989 to 1991. Continues to conduct flight test on F-22 armaments and upgrades.

===

===

***[[19th Fighter Squadron]] – Active Associate squadron to the 199th Fighter Squadron ([[Hawaii Air National Guard]]).<ref>[http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=9865 "19 FIGHTER SQUADRON (PACAF)".] ''U.S. Air Force''. Retrieved: 1 July 2014.</ref>

===

===

***[[199th Fighter Squadron]], [[Hawaii Air National Guard]]

===

===

***[[302d Fighter Squadron]] – Associate AFRC squadron to the 3d Wing (Pacific Air Forces).

===

===

In April 1992, the second YF-22 crashed while landing at Edwards AFB. The test pilot, Tom Morgenfeld, escaped without injury. The cause of the crash was found to be a flight control [[software error]] that failed to prevent a [[pilot-induced oscillation]].<ref>[http://www.f-22raptor.com/index_airframe.php#1992 "F-22 Timeline."]{{dead link|date=November 2013}} ''F-22 Team web site''. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref>

===

===

The first F-22 crash occurred during [[takeoff]] at Nellis AFB on 20 December 2004, in which the pilot ejected safely before impact.<ref>Mount, Mike. [http://edition.cnn.com/2004/US/12/22/fighter.crash/index.html "Nevada crash grounds F-22 fighters."] ''CNN'', 22 December 2004. Retrieved: 28 August 2011.</ref> The crash investigation revealed that a brief interruption in power during an engine shutdown prior to flight caused a malfunction in the flight-control system;<ref name="gs_f22_flight_tests"/><ref>[http://usaf.aib.law.af.mil/ExecSum2005/F-22A_20Dec04.pdf USAF AIB Report Executive Summary on 20 December 2004 F-22A mishap.]</ref> consequently the aircraft design was corrected to avoid the problem. All F-22s were grounded after the crash; operations resumed following a review.<ref>[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29881713/ "F-22 crashes in California desert near air base."] [[Associated Press]] ''MSNBC'', 25 March 2009. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref>

===

===

On 25 March 2009, an EMD F-22 crashed {{convert|35|mi|km}} northeast of Edwards AFB during a [[test flight]], resulting in the death of Lockheed Martin test pilot [[David P. Cooley]]. An [[Air Force Materiel Command]] investigation found that Cooley momentarily lost consciousness during a high-G maneuver, then ejected when he found himself too low to recover. Cooley was killed during ejection by blunt-force [[Blunt trauma|trauma]] from windblast due to the aircraft's speed. The investigation found no design issues.<ref>"F-22 Crash Linked To G-Forces". ''The Washington Post'', 5 August 2009, p. 2.</ref><ref>[http://www.airforcemag.com/SiteCollectionDocuments/Reports/2009/July%202009/Day31/F-22_AIB_073109.pdf USAF AIB Report on 25 March 2009 F-22A mishap.] Retrieved: 31 May 2014.</ref>

===

===

[[File:F-22 Crash at Tyndall AFB.jpg|thumb|right|Wreckage of the F-22 that crashed in November 2012]]

===

===

On 16 November 2010, an F-22 from Elmendorf AFB crashed, killing the pilot, Captain Jeffrey Haney. The F-22 fleet was restricted to flying below 25,000 feet, before being grounded while the accident was investigated.<ref>Fontaine, Scott and Dave Majumdar. [http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2011/05/airforce-grounds-entire-f22-fleet-050511w/ "Air Force grounds entire F-22 fleet."] ''[[Military Times]]'', 5 May 2011.</ref> The accident was attributed to a bleed air system malfunction following the detection of an engine overheat condition, which shut down the [[Environmental control system (aircraft)|Environmental Control System]] (ECS) and OBOGS. The accident review board ruled the pilot was to blame, as he did not react properly and did not engage the emergency oxygen system.<ref>[http://www.pacaf.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-131024-066.pdf USAF AIB Report on 16 November 2010 F-22A mishap.] Retrieved: 1 July 2014.</ref> The pilot's widow sued, claiming the aircraft has defective equipment;<ref>Bouboushian, Jack. [http://www.courthousenews.com/2012/03/12/44592.htm "Pilot's Widow Calls F-22 Raptor Defective."] ''Courthouse News Service'', 12 March 2012.</ref> the manufacturers later reached a settlement.<ref>{{Cite work |author=Majumdar, Dave |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/settlement-reached-in-haney-f-22-crash-lawsuit-375445/ |title=Settlement reached in Haney F-22 crash lawsuit |work=Flightglobal |date=13 August 2012 |accessdate=30 October 2013}}</ref> In response to the investigation results, the engagement handle for the emergency oxygen system was redesigned; the emergency oxygen system should engage automatically when OBOGS is shut down due to engine failure.<ref>Hennigan, W. J., "Fatal Crash Leads To Change In F-22's Backup Oxygen System", ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'', 20 March 2012, p. B1.</ref> On 11 February 2013, the DoD's [[Office of the Inspector General|Inspector General]] released its report, which stated that the USAF had erred in assigning blame to Haney for the crash and that conclusions were not sufficiently supported by facts; the USAF stated that it stood by its conclusions.<ref>[http://www.dodig.mil/pubs/report_summary.cfm?id=5025 DoD IG report on 16 November 2010 F-22A mishap AIB report.]. Retrieved: 11 February 2013.</ref>

===

===

During a training mission, an F-22 crashed to the east of Tyndall AFB, on 15 November 2012. The pilot ejected safely and no injuries were reported on the ground.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.tyndall.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123326594 |title=Safety paramount as F-22 investigation continues (press release) |work=U.S. Air Force |date=16 November 2012 |accessdate=16 November 2013}}</ref> The investigation determined that a "chafed" electrical wire ignited the fluid in a hydraulic line, causing a fire that damaged the flight controls.<ref>Everstine, Brian. [http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130809/NEWS04/308090025/Air-Force-Faulty-wire-brought-down-F-22 "Air Force: Faulty wire brought down F-22."] ''Air Force Times'', 19 August 2013. Retrieved: 16 August 2013.</ref>

===

===

EMD F-22A 91-4003 is on display at the [[National Museum of the United States Air Force]].<ref>[http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123051335 "Museum adds the world's first stealthy air dominance fighter to collection."] ''National Museum of the U.S. Air Force''. Retrieved: 23 July 2009.</ref>

===

===

[[File:F22 Raptor info.jpg|thumb|upright=1.35|USAF poster of key F-22 features and armament]]

===

===

* MJU-39/40 flares for protection against IR missiles<ref>Wild, Lee. [http://www.sharecast.com/cgi-bin/sharecast/story.cgi?story_id=3361020 "US quick to return for Chemring's flares."] ''Share cast,'' 26 March 2010. Retrieved: 26 September 2010.</ref>}}

===

===

{{Main|Aircraft in fiction#F-22 Raptor |l1=F-22 Raptor in fiction}}

===

===

}}

===

===

==References==

===

===

{{Reflist|group=N|50em}}

===

===

{{Reflist|30em}}

===

===

{{Refend}}

===

===

* [http://www.kbvp.com/extreme-videos/f-22-raptor F-22 Demo at 2007 Capital Airshow in Sacramento – with narrative by F-22 pilot Paul "Max" Moga]

===

===

{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2012}}

===

===

[[Category:Stealth aircraft]]

Season 1
Pilot	"Grace"	"Clean Skin"	"Semper I"	"Blind Spot"
"The Good Soldier"	"The Weekend"	"Achilles Heel"	"Crossfire"	Representative Brody
The Vest	Marine One

Season 2
The Smile	Beirut is Back	State of Independence	New Car Smell	"Q&A"
"A Gettysburg Address"	The Clearing	"I'll Fly Away"	"Two Hats"	Broken Hearts
"In Memoriam"	"The Choice"

Notes

• Nick jokes that he's so out of touch that he doesn't even know the Vice President's name. The character is not named in the first episode.