Raptors in the Dark

U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors in various stages of routine maintenance sit in a hangar during the night at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., Dec. 15, 2016. The F-22 features a combination of stealth, maneuverability and integrated avionics. The Raptors at Tyndall’s 325th Fighter Wing are essential to the mission of training and projecting unrivaled combat air power and are a critical component of air dominance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Cody R. Miller/Released)

Raptors in the Dark

Published Dec. 16, 2016
By Airman 1st Class Cody R. Miller
325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- A combination of sensor capability, integrated avionics, situational awareness, and weapons provides first-kill opportunity against threats. The F-22 possesses a sophisticated sensor suite allowing the pilot to track, identify, shoot and kill air-to-air threats before being detected. Significant advances in cockpit design and sensor fusion improve the pilot's situational awareness. In the air-to-air configuration the Raptor carries six AIM-120 AMRAAMs and two AIM-9 Sidewinders.

The F-22 has a significant capability to attack surface targets. In the air-to-ground configuration the aircraft can carry two 1,000-pound GBU-32 Joint Direct Attack Munitions internally and will use on-board avionics for navigation and weapons delivery support. In the future air-to-ground capability will be enhanced with the addition of an upgraded radar and up to eight small diameter bombs. The Raptor will also carry two AIM-120s and two AIM-9s in the air-to-ground configuration.

Advances in low-observable technologies provide significantly improved survivability and lethality against air-to-air and surface-to-air threats. The F-22 brings stealth into the day, enabling it not only to protect itself but other assets.