THE HIGH-VELOCITY RAPTOR

The F-22A thrust vectoring system is the “bread and butter” of the Raptor's incredible maneuvering capability.

- TED CARLSON

The F-22A thrust vectoring system is the "bread and butter" of the Raptor's incredible maneuvering capability. Coupled with stealth, the jet brings a platform to the table making it a robust deterrent, forcing foes to think twice before ever engaging in combat.

The F-22A Raptor–to those that follow the contemporary military aviation world, it translates to the all-time best-ever dogfighting machine ever built so far, unmatched by anything manned in the world. And then add in the stealth factor—simply put, lethal, and glad it is on our side. Oddly, unlike other fighter aircraft in the U.S. inventory, the F-22A has never had an unofficial nickname that took root. It’s hard to believe the YF-22 first flew back in 1990 and the F-22A first flew in 1997, reaching Initial Operating Capability status in 2005 with some 195 examples having been produced (includes eight test aircraft). The early F-22As are Fiscal Year 1991 machines, procured 34 years ago at the time of writing.

No other dogfighting foes, such as the Su-57 Felon, or other foreign aircraft, are the deadliest threat to the Raptor today. Rather the age of the F-22A, dated technology, and continually changing battlespace factors could doom it. Looking at the big picture and F-22 program, one can surmise that the program has been a major success, since it has been a significant deterrent over time. The F-22 has never had the need to dogfight a foe in the air, although F-22s carried out some ground strike missions in Syria and Afghanistan. The real goal in the end is to have the hostile “bubbas” stay away from where they shouldn't be, and everything will be just fine. Let's take a good look at the magnificent Raptor and the awesome capabilities it brings to the table.

Raptor DNA