The F-22 Raptor fighter jet has been jointly designed and built by
Lockheed Martin Corp. and the Boeing Company. The aircraft first entered
service with the U.S. Air Force in 2005 after nearly 20 years of
development. Despite the long development phase, the F-22 Raptor has
quickly earned a sterling reputation in military and aviation circles
around the world for its superior speed, manoeuvrability, situational
awareness, and its combat capabilities.
The F-22 is destined to replace the F-15 and become the next-generation
fighter of the USAF. Together with the competing F-23 it is one of the
first fighter designs optimised for stealth. In addition, it was designed to "supercruise", i.e.
fly at supersonic speeds without afterburner. The F-22 has a relatively conventional appearance,
with twin tails and flat fuselage sides. The engines have two-dimensional thrust vectoring nozzles.
To conserve a low radar cross-section, the armament is carried in internal weapons bays. First
operational F-22 made it's debut in December 2005. Plans for a naval version, intended to replace
the F-14, with extensive changes to make the aircraft suitable for
carrier use, have been shelved.
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