What is the F-22 Raptor? The 5th generation air superiority fighter of the USA.
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F-22 Raptor — air superiority fighter of the 5th generation of the U.S. Air Force. (Illustrative photo)
F-22 Raptor, developed by Lockheed Martin with the participation of Boeing, became the world’s first 5th generation fighter to enter serial production. Combining low radar visibility (stealth), supersonic cruise flight (supercruise), extreme maneuverability due to thrust vectoring, and advanced sensor data fusion, the Raptor was primarily designed for achieving air superiority. This material covers the characteristics of the F-22, its production history, export ban, and its place in comparison with the F-35, Su-57, and J-20.
Contents: Overview · Characteristics · Stealth and supercruise · Armament · Production and export ban · Comparison · Questions
Overview: why the Raptor is important
The F-22 was born out of the ATF program at the end of the Cold War as a platform capable of overcoming Soviet air defense and fighters. The YF-22 demonstrator took to the skies in 1990; the production variant flew in 1997 and entered service with the U.S. Air Force in 2005.
The project’s philosophy can be summed up in one phrase: see first, shoot first, remain undetected. A low radar cross-section reduces the enemy’s detection range, and sensor fusion provides the pilot with a unified picture of the air battle.
Specifications
Parameter
Value
Manufacturer
Lockheed Martin / Boeing
Type
Single-seat twin-engine air superiority fighter
Engines
2× Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 (thrust vectoring)
Max. Speed
~Mach 2.25 (high altitude)
Supercruise
Above Mach 1.8 (without afterburner)
Ceiling
~19,800 m
Armament
In internal bays: AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-9 Sidewinder, 20 mm gun
Built
195 (8 prototypes + 187 combat)
Stealth and Supercruise: Two Key Differences
The F-22 is the first production fighter capable of sustained supersonic flight without afterburners (supercruise), which provides both range and energy advantages against enemy missiles.
Flat nozzles with thrust vectoring provide exceptional pitch control even at low speeds (super maneuverability). Stealth is achieved not only through the shape of the airframe but also through radar-absorbing coatings and internal weapon placement.
Armament
To maintain low observability, the Raptor carries weapons in internal bays. The typical air-to-air configuration includes six AIM-120 AMRAAM and two AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. Small-diameter bombs provide limited air-to-ground capability.
Production and Export Ban
The F-22 has never been exported. The Obey Amendment of 1998 legally prohibited foreign sales of the Raptor, so the aircraft is only operated by the U.S. Air Force.
Production was completed much earlier than planned—in 2011 with 195 aircraft—due to budget constraints. It is this small fleet that makes maintenance and upgrades of the type expensive today.
F-22 vs F-35, Su-57, and J-20
The F-22 is designed for pure air dominance; the F-35 serves as a multirole platform with a focus on “air-to-ground.” They complement each other rather than compete. The Russian Su-57 and the Chinese J-20 are the closest analogs to the Raptor in the heavy fighter class.
Aircraft
Country
Seats
Engines
Max. Speed
Main Armament
F-22 Raptor
USA
1
2× F119-PW-100 (TVC)
~Mach 2.25
AIM-120, AIM-9
F-35A
USA
1
1× F135
~Mach 1.6
AIM-120, AIM-9X
Su-57
Russia
1
2× AL-41F1 / Izdelie 30
~Mach 2.0
R-77M, R-37M
J-20
China
1
2× WS-10C / WS-15
~Mach 2.0
PL-15, PL-10
Note: the comparison is based on open data; actual combat effectiveness depends on doctrine, networking, and training.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many F-22s have been built?
A total of 195 aircraft (8 test, 187 combat). Production was completed in 2011.
Why is the F-22 not exported?
The Obey Amendment of 1998 legally prohibits foreign sales. The Raptor serves only in the U.S. Air Force.
Which is better — F-22 or F-35?
They are designed for different tasks: the F-22 for air superiority, the F-35 for multirole and networked operations. It all depends on the mission.
How much does the F-22 cost?
According to sources, the cost of one aircraft (flyaway) is about $150 million; the unit cost of the program including R&D is higher. The cost of the package and the program should be read separately.
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