History
The F-22 Raptor is a fifth-generation air superiority fighter developed by Lockheed Martin for the United States Air Force. The aircraft was designed during the Cold War to counter advanced Soviet fighters, with the first prototype flying in 1997. Despite its advanced capabilities, production was limited to 187 operational aircraft due to high costs and changing defense priorities.
Specifications
| Length: | 62 ft 1 in (18.92 m) |
| Wingspan: | 44 ft 6 in (13.56 m) |
| Max Speed: | Mach 2.25 (1,500 mph, 2,414 km/h) |
| Range: | 1,600 nmi (1,840 mi, 2,960 km) |
| Armament: | 6× AIM-120 AMRAAM, 2× AIM-9 Sidewinder, 1× 20mm M61A2 Vulcan cannon |
Notable Operations
The F-22 saw its first combat deployment in 2014 during Operation Inherent Resolve against ISIS in Syria. It has primarily been used for air dominance missions and has never been shot down in combat. The Raptor's advanced stealth capabilities allow it to operate in heavily defended airspace.