The Raptor has been touted as one of the most modern and capable fighters in the world. The jet has it all: incredible manoverability and raw power for close-in dogfights, as well as stealth, sensors and weapons for long-range engagements. The F-22 defined an entire generation of combat aircraft. Every new stealth fighter has been invariably compared to the Raptor and even now discussions about what does and does not constitute a fifth-generation fighter jet begin with a comparison to the F-22.
With all this fame, it is sometimes easy to forget how old the Raptor is. The jet’s star hour came nearly three decades after its first flight in 1997 and 17 years after it was introduced into service in 2005. Its production has also been over for more than a decade and the number of Raptors in active service is steadily dwindling.
To understand that let us compare the Raptor to the F-35 Lightning II, the only completely new United States-made fighter jet to come out after the F-22. In late 2021 Lockheed Martin set a goal to build and deliver 196 F-35s within one year, more than the total number of F-22s ever manufactured. Due to production problems Lockheed’s plans failed, but the company still delivered more than 160 F-35s in 2022, which exceeds the total number of F-22s in active service today. How did that happen? How was the F-22, with all of its praised capabilities side-lined in favour of the newer jet and what is its role today?
Bu hikaye African Pilot dergisinin May 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye African Pilot dergisinin May 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
FACT FILE - THE UNCONVENTIONAL, BIZARRE BELL AIRACUDA
Larry Bell, founder of the Bell Aircraft Corp., now known as Bell Helicopter, entered the aircraft manufacturing industry with a unique bang. After dropping out of high school in 1912, Bell worked for various aircraft companies, including Martin and Consolidated, before starting his own company in 1935.
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HONDAJET
Founded in 2006, Honda Aircraft Company is the latest venture in Honda's drive to enhance the freedom of mobility.
Absolute Service Centre AMO 173
As the only Textron Aviation authorised service facility on the African Continent and the oldest Cessna authorised service facility outside the USA since 1964, Absolute’s Service Centre has also been awarded representation for the Beechcraft and Textron eAviation Pipistrel portfolio. Absolute Service Centre (ASC) is the African regional representatives of the worldwide Textron 1CALL hotline support network. The management team at the Absolute Service Centre is proud of its heritage and long-standing support and representation of Textron Aviation products.
Spatial distortion
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Dinosaur Derby at the Bill Harrop's Balloon field
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EAA Young Aviators - April 2024 Wonderboom meeting
On Saturday, 13 April 2024 the EAA Young Aviators event was kindly hosted by Loutzavia Flight School at Wonderboom National Airport.
AIRBUS - ACJ Executive Jets
This mindset combined with curating the finest flying experience is why ACJ was born.
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