F/A-22A Raptor
by Staff EditorThe F/A-22A Raptor is the most capable multi-role combat aircraft in production today. It incorporates an angular design, radar-absorbent composite materials, the ability to "supercruise," or cruise at supersonic speeds without using an afterburner, extending its range and reducing its heat signature, a fully integrated avionic suite, and high supersonic and subsonic agility through the use of thrust vectoring nozzles on its engine exhaust. The aircraft's primary mission is air superiority, for which it can carry up to eight air-to-air missiles internally, since no weapons are carried externally on the Raptor to maintain its stealthiness. The U.S. Air Force expects to fully replace its Eagles with Raptor by 2010.
F/A-22A Specifications
| Manufacturer: | Lockheed Martin Corp. |
| First Flight: | 12/2005 |
| Wingspan: | 44.5 ft. (13.6 m) |
| Height: | 16.4 ft. (5.0 m) |
| Length: | 62.1 ft. (18.9 m) |
| Max Take-off Weight: | 62,000 lbs. (28,125 kg) |
| Thrust: | 70,000 lbs. (311 kN) |
| Top Speed at Altitude: | Mach 2 (afterburner) Mach 1.25 (supercruise) |
| Ceiling: | 50,000 ft. (15,240 m) |
| Range: | 2,000 nm (3,700 km) |
| Crew: | One |
