Latest news with #F22Raptor
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
New F-22 Upgrade Package To Keep The Jets Viable Laid Out
The U.S. Air Force's F-22 Raptor stealth fighters are set to get an array of new 'viability' upgrades to help protect them from emerging threats and otherwise ensure their continued relevance in future conflicts. The package includes the previously announced Infrared Defensive System (IRDS), as well as enhancements to the jet's stealthy features, radar capabilities, electronic warfare suite, and more. This is separate from other upgrades in the works for the F-22, including podded infrared search and track (IRST) sensors and stealthy range-extending drop tanks. Details about the F-22 viability upgrades are found in the Air Force's recently released budget request for the Fiscal Year 2026. This is a new start effort for which the service is asking for $90.34 million in funding in the upcoming fiscal cycle. The Air Force currently has 185 F-22s, but only 143 are combat-coded, with the rest being dedicated to training and test and evaluation activities. A significant portion of the overall fleet is typically down for maintenance, as well. The small Raptor force is already highly capable and heavily in demand. 'Viability represents future procurement of hardware and software capability enhancements related to, but not limited to Low Observable (LO) signature management, Pilot Vehicle Interface (PVI), countermeasures, helmet, future crypto upgrades, dynamic Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), cyber security, Infrared Defensive System (IRDS), which involves improved missile launch detection capabilities, and Electronic Warfare (EW) system enhancements to counter evolving EW threat,' according to the Air Force budget documents. 'Additional situational awareness and mission effectiveness technologies will be incorporated to enhance the F-22 participation in Joint operations.' Lockheed Martin first announced that the F-22s would be getting the new IRDS in January. The company has also said the system will leverage its TacIRST infrared search-and-track sensors (IRST). TacIRST was first unveiled in 2022, and the first known integration was into the noses of F-5 Advanced Tiger aggressor jets belonging to private contractor Tactical Air Support (TacAir). A pod with multiple TacIRST sensors has also been observed during past testing. 'IRDS is the Program of Record (PoR) for the F-22's Missile Launch Detector (MLD) modernization effort that is focused on detection of long-range Air to Air Missile (AAM) / Surface to Air Missile (SAM) threats and includes replacing legacy MLDs with new sensors,' the Air Force's 2026 Fiscal Year budget proposal adds. It also notes that a formal decision about whether to start low-rate initial production of IRDS for integration onto the F-22 fleet is scheduled to occur in the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year 2026. The F-22's AN/AAR-56 MLD system currently provides spherical infrared threat warning. Whether the IRDS will just improve upon those capabilities, or offer expanded functionality, possibly akin to what the F-35's Distributed Aperture System (DAS) and other DAS-like setups offer, is still unclear. In terms of the threat ecosystem driving the IRDS, it is worth noting here that the Air Force warned in January about the prospect of contending with increasingly advanced anti-missiles with ranges of up to 1,000 miles by 2050. China and Russia, in particular, have already been developing and fielding new and improved air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles in recent years. A brief, but intense conflict between India and Pakistan earlier this year put a particular light on the Chinese PL-15 air-to-air missile, which is already known to have been a factor in prompting the U.S. military to develop the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM). No further details about the other components of the viability upgrade package are included in the budget documents. In terms of helmet upgrades, F-22 pilots are already set to get Thales Scorpion Helmet Mounted Displays (HMD). This is a capability that was axed for the Raptor during development, and its absence has become increasingly pronounced in recent years. In 2022, the Air Force also awarded LIFT Airborne Technologies a contract to develop a Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet (NGFWH) for F-22 pilots and others. Explicit mention of enchantments to help with low observable (stealthy) signature management is also interesting in light of semi-secretive tests of mirror-like coatings on the F-22, as well as F-35 Joint Strike Fighters and F-117 Nighthawks, in recent years. Regardless of these exotic coatings, other modifications are sure to be included to enhance the F-22's already significant stealth characteristics. Infrared signature reduction has previously emerged as a particular area of interest for the Air Force amid a global renaissance in IRST systems. In general, IRSTs offer a valuable alternative (or companion) to radars, especially for spotting and tracking stealthy aircraft and missiles. IRSTs have the added benefit of being passive in nature, meaning they don't pump out signals that can alert an opponent to the fact that they have been detected and are being tracked. They are also immune to ever-growing electronic warfare threats. This last point also speaks to the inclusion of other counter-electronic warfare capabilities in the viability upgrade effort. As noted, the F-22 is also in line to get its own IRST capability as part of a separate upgrade effort, which the Air Force's Fiscal Year 2026 budget has finally confirmed will come in a podded form. Raptors have been observed flying with stealthy underwing sensor pods for years now. 'The Sensor Enhancement capability will improve the F-22's sensing and tracking and ensures Air Superiority by preserving the first look, first shot and first kill capabilities of the 142 Block 30/35 F-22 aircraft,' according to the budget documents. The new budget proposal further notes that the Air Force has already put in initial production orders for two separate lots of 15 pods each (30 in total). The goal is to have the first pods, each of which will contain an 'advanced Infrared Search and Track sensor,' delivered by the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2028. Additional testing of the system is set to continue in the interim. There remains a possibility that the new IRDS and IRST capabilities for the F-22 might be able to work together, which could present a powerful combination. In general, multiple IRSTs networked together offer important benefits, as TWZ has previously explained: 'IRSTs, in general, are typically only able to instantaneously determine a target's angle and bearing, and track it, with it taking more effort to determine its range using just a single sensor platform. Two IRST sensors on separate aircraft that are networked together can instantly triangulate the target's range, which can then provide more robust engagement-quality target tracks. Lockheed Martin has demonstrated this kind of networked IRST capability in combination with its Legion Pod in the past and it is a common practice for aircraft equipped with advanced IRST capabilities. The IRST21 sensor used on the Legion Pod, as well as in other podded configurations, is a more traditional gimbaled type, as you can read more about here.' Beyond the viability upgrades and the IRST pods, stealthy, low-drag drop tanks are still planned for the F-22. 'The F-22 Low Drag Tanks and Pylons (LDTP) are advanced technological designs providing increased persistence and range while maintaining lethality and survivability,' according to the Air Force's 2026 Fiscal Year budget request. 'The low drag tanks are intended to minimally increase drag for external tank carriage, facilitate supersonic flight with external tanks and extend the range of the F-22. The pylons are equipped with smart rack pneumatic technology to accurately control ejection performance and maintain minimum drag without stores.' Cropped into oblivion but this is the first time I've seen the LO fuel tanks and pods on the F-22 — TaskForce23 (@Task_Force23) March 22, 2024 'The LDTP program will finalize technology maturation and conduct risk reduction tasks including the procurement of test pylons, evaluation of designs for improvement, completion of a manufacturing readiness assessment, and analysis to support the development and execution of initial flight test up to 0.95 Mach,' it adds. 'The program will continue EMD to include the procurement of LDTP assets, as well as support equipment, evaluation of designs for improvement, flight test execution for threshold envelope (1.2 Mach), and LDTP qualification and certification.' The Air Force's proposed budget for the 2026 Fiscal Year shows the service plans to push ahead with now long-standing work to improve the F-22's communications suite and avionics. The service is also continuing existing efforts to improve the reliability and sustainability of the notoriously maintenance-intensive Raptor fleet. All of the F-22 upgrade plans come amid a degree of uncertainty around the future of the Raptor fleet. Until last year, the Air Force's stated plan had been that the F-22s would ultimately be replaced by a new sixth-generation stealth combat jet being developed as part of the Next Generation Air Defense (NGAD) initiative. However, the NGAD combat jet plan was put on hold last year, and, for a time, it looked like the NGAD combat jet effort might have been at risk of being cancelled. In July 2024, Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach said there was no longer a definitive F-22 replacement plan. By that point, Raptor modernization work had already been leveraging developments from NGAD and feeding into that initiative. The NGAD combat jet program did survive, and Boeing has been selected to build that aircraft, which is now designated the F-47. The Pentagon has given the F-47 an extremely firm vote of confidence in the proposed 2026 Fiscal Year budget, including a request for $3.5 billion in funding and the sidelineing of the U.S. Navy's sixth-generation F/A-XX fighter ambitions so as not to compete with the Air Force's efforts. At the same time, important questions about the expected size of the F-47 fleet, and when those jets might begin to enter service, remain. In May, the Air Force released a graphic, seen below, with details about its current fourth and fifth-generation fighter fleets, as well as the forthcoming F-47 and Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drones. It says the service plans to acquire '185+' F-47s, which would at least allow for a one-for-one replacement of the F-22s. Lockheed Martin has also said that the Raptor could stay in service into the 2040s. The new viability upgrade effort is the latest signal that the F-22's career is still far from over and that the Air Force wants to ensure the Raptor fleet is as capable as it can be for years to come. Contact the author: joe@
BBC News
5 days ago
- Politics
- BBC News
RAF lakenheath welcomes back US fighter jets after Iran operation
US Air Force fighter jets have returned to a UK base from the Middle East following the bombing operation in F-22A Raptors from the 1st Fighter Wing have arrived at RAF Lakenheath in of the local plane spotting community took pictures of the aircraft as they landed on Thursday.A spokesman for the US military said: "Due to operational security, we cannot provide details about the deployment of aircraft, personnel, or capabilities." While it is not known whether the planes at Lakenheath were airborne over Iran during the bombing of Iran nuclear sites, Donald Trump has already said that F-22s were part of the information shows that the jets in Lakenheath arrived there from the Al Udeid air base in Qatar. Photographer Gavin Mills said he spotted two groups of five aircraft, which were supported by three KC-46 aerial tankers. Suffolk-based aviation analyst Roger Smith, who works in the industry, said the F-22As would most likely have been used to deploy countermeasures in the operation, targeting the Iranian air defence radar "to render those threats useless" The FF tail marking on the F-22As indicates they belong to the 1st Fighter Wing, based at Langley Air Force Base in arrival in the UK followed the recent bombing raid on the Iranian nuclear enrichment plant at Fordo on images have revealed damage to access routes and tunnels at the underground facility.A leaked US intelligence assessment suggested the US strikes did not destroy Iran's nuclear programme. Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Yahoo
Planespotters gather at airbase as jets arrive
Planespotters have gathered outside an airbase after a dozen jets rarely seen outside of the United States landed. F-22 Raptor fighter jets, which are exclusively flown by the US Air Force (USAF), arrived at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk on Wednesday night. It comes as at least 30 other US military planes were moved from bases in the United States to Europe over the past few days as Israel and Iran continue to attack each other. A United States defence official said they were unable to provide details about the deployment of aircraft due to "operational security". RAF Lakenheath hosts the USAF's 48th Fighter Wing and is the largest US fighter operation in Europe. The wing employs four combat-ready fighter squadrons of F-15 Strike Eagles and F-35A Lighting II aircraft. Planespotters at RAF Lakenheath reported an increase in activity over the past few days with the F-22 jets' arrival as well as 16 F-35As leaving on Monday. They expressed excitement at being able to see the aircraft but also concern at the reasons for their appearance. John Millard travelled to the viewing area to get a look for himself and said it was often "jam packed" when news of incoming jets breaks. "It's one of their stealth fighter bombers and of course in coming here there's been a lot of interest," he said of the F-22 jets. "Here at Lakenheath they've got the F-15s and F-35s so it's unusual for another fighter bomber to actually arrive." The base is currently closed due to a United States holiday and the jets were expected to be leaving again in the next few days. "Unfortunately we don't know which runway they'll be using, it all depends on the wind," Mr Millard continued. "But yes, I'll come along." Mick Coppin travelled from Lincolnshire to the base to watch the activity. "It's quite exciting for me today hearing that news - we now hope to see some F-22 Raptors because they're awesome planes," he said. "We don't know the reason there here... but just to see one would be spectacular. "It's the sheer power and you don't see them outside the USA, to see them here would be wonderful." Mr Coppin believed the arrival of the F-22s "should concern us all", but he added there was "nothing we can do about it". Steve Huntley came up from Essex and got to the viewing point early. "I've been going to many airshows over the years and never seen one and the fact that 12 (F-22s) arrived here last night is really something," he said. "It's a very rare sight." Mr Huntley did not believe it was something to be worried about. "I think it's more of a deterrent," he added. "They're the best fighter aircraft in the world... they're an amazing aircraft and for an enthusiast it's like Christmas." Tanker aircrafts have also been spotted arriving at nearby RAF Mildenhall. The 352nd Special Operations Wing, based at the site, performs specialised operations and uses advanced aircraft, tactics and air fuelling techniques to transport and resupply military forces. An United States official told the BBC: "Due to operational security, we cannot provide details about the deployment of aircraft, personnel, or capabilities." Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. US moves 30 jets as Iran attack speculation grows Trump approves Iran attack plan but has not made final decision, reports say Your questions answered on the Israel-Iran conflict RAF Lakenheath
BBC News
19-06-2025
- BBC News
RAF Lakenheath planespotters gather as F-22 fighter jets arrive
Planespotters have gathered outside an airbase after a dozen jets rarely seen outside of the United States landed.F-22 Raptor fighter jets, which are exclusively flown by the US Air Force (USAF), arrived at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk on Wednesday comes as at least 30 other US military planes were moved from bases in the United States to Europe over the past few days as Israel and Iran continue to attack each other.A United States defence official said they were unable to provide details about the deployment of aircraft due to "operational security". RAF Lakenheath hosts the USAF's 48th Fighter Wing and is the largest US fighter operation in wing employs four combat-ready fighter squadrons of F-15 Strike Eagles and F-35A Lighting II at RAF Lakenheath reported an increase in activity over the past few days with the F-22 jets' arrival as well as 16 F-35As leaving on Monday. They expressed excitement at being able to see the aircraft but also concern at the reasons for their appearance. John Millard travelled to the viewing area to get a look for himself and said it was often "jam packed" when news of incoming jets breaks."It's one of their stealth fighter bombers and of course in coming here there's been a lot of interest," he said of the F-22 jets."Here at Lakenheath they've got the F-15s and F-35s so it's unusual for another fighter bomber to actually arrive."The base is currently closed due to a United States holiday and the jets were expected to be leaving again in the next few days."Unfortunately we don't know which runway they'll be using, it all depends on the wind," Mr Millard continued."But yes, I'll come along." Mick Coppin travelled from Lincolnshire to the base to watch the activity."It's quite exciting for me today hearing that news - we now hope to see some F-22 Raptors because they're awesome planes," he said."We don't know the reason there here... but just to see one would be spectacular."It's the sheer power and you don't see them outside the USA, to see them here would be wonderful."Mr Coppin believed the arrival of the F-22s "should concern us all", but he added there was "nothing we can do about it". Steve Huntley came up from Essex and got to the viewing point early."I've been going to many airshows over the years and never seen one and the fact that 12 (F-22s) arrived here last night is really something," he said."It's a very rare sight."Mr Huntley did not believe it was something to be worried about."I think it's more of a deterrent," he added."They're the best fighter aircraft in the world... they're an amazing aircraft and for an enthusiast it's like Christmas." Tanker aircrafts have also been spotted arriving at nearby RAF 352nd Special Operations Wing, based at the site, performs specialised operations and uses advanced aircraft, tactics and air fuelling techniques to transport and resupply military forces. An United States official told the BBC: "Due to operational security, we cannot provide details about the deployment of aircraft, personnel, or capabilities." Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Why Did The U.S. Air Force Cancel The F-22 Raptor?
It is the absolute apex of air-to-air combat. It rules the skies like a bird of prey, from which it takes its name. It's one of the stealthiest fighter jets in the world. The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor is the pinnacle of what air dominance can be. So ... it was canceled. In 2009, the U.S. Department of Defense decided to end production of the fighter after only 186 planes were produced, significantly less than the original order of 750. What happened? Airpower is supposed to be one of the pillars of America's military strength, so why take its best piece off the board? The answer comes down to the fact that the nature of America's threats change and evolve over time, meaning that an asset that seemed critical in one era seems less so in another. Plus, put simply, the F-22 is wildly expensive, so if it's not an absolute must-have, the cost-benefit analysis just doesn't shake out. Read more: These Are The Worst American Cars Ever Made The F-22 was a revelation when it first flew in 1997. With a top speed of an incredible Mach 2.25 (1,726 miles per hour), supercruise capability (meaning it could fly for extended periods above the speed of sound), and a coat of radar-absorbent material, it was more advanced than any other fighter in the world at the time. It was a spaceship in a world full of paper planes. Ironically enough, that was part of its problem. Because Russia and China had nothing comparable in the first decade of the 21st century, the F-22 almost seemed like overkill. At a massive per-unit cost of $150 million, did America really need something that far beyond any of its competitors? For that matter, America's main adversaries at the time had no airpower at all. With the U.S. embroiled in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq against low-tech insurgent forces, a high-cost air-dominance fighter just didn't fit the country's needs at the time. Since even the Pentagon doesn't have infinite money (though it sure seems like it sometimes), it had to make some tough choices over where to put resources. For the budget-draining War on Terror, the F-22 just didn't have an argument to make. Not helping matters was the fact that Congress restricted use of the F-22 to just the U.S. Air Force. Translation: There would be no sales to foreign allies, which cut off a major revenue stream that could have offset its costs. Of course, since the end of production in 2009, a lot has changed. Russia and particularly China have upped their military capabilities, including in the air. With the benefit of hindsight, should the U.S. have kept the F-22 rolling off the assembly line? Not necessarily. For one thing, the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is an even newer fighter jet (though it has problems of its own). While slower and less stealthy than the F-22, it has vastly more advanced sensor capabilities. Not only can it gather a huge amount of information about the battlespace, its true party trick is its ability to disseminate that information to other F-35s and to headquarters. Meanwhile, the Air Force has also moved forward by looking backward. The decades-old F-15 airframe has gotten a major update in the form of the F-15EX. For one thing, it's much cheaper than the F-22 (its unit cost is only $94 million), which is appealing as the Pentagon looks to cut overspending. More importantly, the F-15EX can bring a whopping 12 air-to-air missiles to the fray, compared to the F-22's measly eight. The F-15EX was also designed to carry the newest and most advanced ordnance in the Air Force's arsenal, hypersonic missiles. Given all that, you could argue that the F-22 has lost its crown as the best air dominance fighter ... to a much older, and cheaper, plane. Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox... Read the original article on Jalopnik.
