Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor was the first operational stealth fighter designed purely for air superiority, built to be nearly invisible to enemy radar while still outperforming any non-stealth fighter in a dogfight. Its engines can sustain supersonic flight without afterburner, a capability called supercruise that lets it fly faster than sound for extended periods while burning far less fuel than afterburner flight demands. Cost overruns and the end of the Cold War cut its planned production drastically short, and the US government has never permitted its export to any other country. It remains, decades after its debut, one of the most capable air-superiority fighters in the world.
Did you know?
The F-22 Raptor was the first stealth fighter able to supercruise, sustaining supersonic flight without using its afterburner.
Specifications
| Length | 18.9 m (62 ft) |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 13.6 m (44 ft) |
| Height | 5.1 m (17 ft) |
| Persons on board | 2 |
| Crew | 1 |
| Maximum take-off weight | 27.2 t |
| Range | 1,600 NM (2,963 km) |
| Maximum speed | 1,500 kt (2,778 km/h) |
| Service ceiling | 65,000 ft (19,812 m) |
| Optimum ceiling | 30,000 ft (9,144 m) |
| Engines | 2x Pratt & Whitney F119 |
| Units built | 195 |
Curated by CatchFlights from manufacturer documents, ICAO Doc 8643 and reference works; values are left out where no source could confirm them. Sources are listed on our credits page.
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