Designed and funded to replace the aging fleet of US Air Force F-15 Strike Eagles, the F-22 was the benchmark against which all air superiority fighters have been measured. Relying heavily on composite construction and advanced metal forming processes, the Raptor's maneuverability was unparalleled and, at the time, exceeded the physiological capabilities of its pilots. Performance wise, the twin Pratt and Whitney F119-PW-100 turbofan engines deliver 155.3 kN of thrust and can acheive supersonic speeds without afterburning (supercruise). Additionally, the low-signature nozzles have plus/minus twenty degrees vertical thrust vectoring capability. Avionics wise, the Raptor was the first in a new class of 'information warriors' featuring a fully integrated navigation/communication/weapons system capable of sharing track and target data with similarly equipped units over a secure digital link. The cockpit features four full color liquid crystal MFDs arranged in a three over one stack, customizable to pilot preference, and fully NVG compatible. The navigation system combines an advanced GPS, INS, Tacan, as well as ILS and ICLS capability. In addition to its secure datalink, the Raptor features the TRW AN/ASQ-220 CNI system combining the Mk12 IFF transponder with full secure UHF/VHF comms. Initially deployed with the AN/APG-77 multimode radar, the newer F-22 Block One Upgrades are equipped with the APG-79A featuring greater range and resolution, while incorporating jam resistant logic. The -79A retains the successful active electronically scanned array of its predecessor, a capability which allows it to interleave air-to-air search and multi-target track functions. Armament-wise, the Raptor has three internal weapon bays; one centerline and one on each intake fairing. The two side bays hold a single AIM-11R or AIM-122 AMRAAM air-to-air missile, while the center bay is equipped to hold four AIM-122 AMRAAMs or a variety of precision and unguided air-to-air or air-to-ground munitions. The internal weapon bays allow the F-22 to maintain its high stealth posture while being capable of delivering devastatingly precise firepower. Additional underwing pylon mounts are provided for, allowing the Raptor to increase its weaponload or to carry two pair of 2000 liter external fuel tanks. Reaching full fleet deployment in 2025 with all aircraft upgraded to Block One capability by 2037, the F-22 continues to be the premier air superiority platform.
| Handling | Speed | Accel | Body | Armour | Sig |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 2200/150 | 180 | 7 | 6 | 8 |
| Autonav | Pilot | Sensor | Cargo | Load | |
| 4 | -- | 7 | 1.5 | 2000 | |
| Seating | 1e | Setup/Breakdown | NA | ||
| Entry | c | Landing/Takeoff | STOL | ||
| Fuel | Jet Turbine (3500 liters) | Economy | 0.2 km/liter | ||
| DP Cost | 19513 | Cost | 6,040,000 ¥ | ||
| Template | Jet Fighter | Reference | Rigger 3 | ||
| Features |
ECM 6 ECCM 6 ED 3 Contingency Maneuver Controls 6 Fly by wire system 2 Rigger Adaptation Radar Absorbent Materials 2 (factored in) Thermal Baffles 2 Enviroseal: gas Life Support Systems: 20 man-hours Fixed internal hardpoing Ammunition Bin: 400 rounds autocannon Smartlink II integration kit 3 Internal Missile Bays 3 Medium Launch Control Systems 4 External Missile Mounts |
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