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The F-22 Raptor is a fifth-generation, single-seat, twin-engine stealth tactical fighter aircraft developed for the United States Air Force (USAF). Designed primarily as an air superiority fighter, the F-22 integrates advanced stealth, supercruise capability, maneuverability, and situational awareness to dominate in air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

Design and Specifications

1. Dimensions:

   • Length: 62 feet (18.9 meters)
   • Wingspan: 44.5 feet (13.6 meters)
   • Height: 16.7 feet (5.08 meters)
   • Wing Area: 840 square feet (78.0 square meters)

2. Weight:

   • Empty Weight: Approximately 43,340 pounds (19,700 kg)
   • Maximum Takeoff Weight: About 83,500 pounds (37,500 kg)

3. Engines:

   • Type: Two Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 turbofan engines
   • Thrust: Each engine produces 35,000 pounds of thrust, with afterburner thrust exceeding 50,000 pounds, enabling supercruise (sustained supersonic flight without afterburners).

4. Performance:

   • Maximum Speed: Over Mach 2.0 (approximately 1,500 mph or 2,414 km/h)
   • Combat Range: Around 1,839 miles (2,960 km) without refueling
   • Service Ceiling: 65,000 feet (19,812 meters)

Stealth and Avionics

• Stealth Features: The F-22 employs advanced stealth technology to reduce its radar cross-section (RCS) significantly. This includes its unique shape, radar-absorbent materials, and internal weapons bays that minimize exposure to enemy radar.
• Avionics: It is equipped with a highly integrated avionics suite, including a sophisticated radar system (AN/APG-77) that features low probability of intercept and can track multiple targets simultaneously. The F-22 also uses advanced sensors and data fusion capabilities to provide pilots with unparalleled situational awareness.

Armament

The F-22 Raptor is designed to carry a mix of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions, including:

• Air-to-Air Missiles:

  • AIM-120 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile)
  • AIM-9 Sidewinder (short-range infrared missile)

• Air-to-Ground Munitions:

  • GBU-32 JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition)
  • GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb (SDB)

The aircraft has an internal weapons bay that can carry up to 2,000 pounds of munitions, as well as two underwing hardpoints for additional ordnance.