Deciding on a future replacement for its F-15C Eagle fighters, the USAF selected two designs for prototype testing in 1986: the Lockheed/Boeing YF-22A and the Northrop YF-23A. The YF-22A emerged victorious in 1991, and led to the production of eleven flying prototypes.
The F-22 excels in maneuverability, and as such, is enhanced by a triplex digital fly-by-wire flight control system and two-dimensional thrust vectoring exhaust nozzles. The engines of the F-22 allow the aircraft to operate in a 'Supercruise' mode (supersonic cruise without afterburn augmentation). With its angular design and configuration, the F-22 is also built for stealth. Internal weapon bays on each side of the engine intake duct and one in the ventral bay can carry AAMs and PGMs.
The USAF plans to receive 442 aircraft, with first flight of a fully operational model in 1997. Deliveries of the F-22A are expected to run from the year 2000 until 2011. The combat capable F-22B two-seat trainer was cancelled.
Prime Contractor: Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems, Boeing Aerospace Co.
Nation of origin: USA
Function: Multi-role fighter
Crew: 1
Year: 1991
In-service year: 2000
Engine: Two Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 afterburning turbofans, 35,000 lb thrust each
Dimensions
Wing span: 13.56 m / 44 ft 6 in
Length: 18.92 m / 62 ft 1 in
Height: 5 m / 16 ft 5 in
Weight: 30,000 lb empty / 60,000 lb max. take off
Ceiling: 50,000 ft
Speed: supercruise: 1,590 km/h / 988 mph; high altitude: 2,335 km/h / 1,450 mph: sea level: 1,482 km/h / 921 mph
Armament: One M61A2 20mm cannon plus four AIM-9 Sidewinder AAMs, four AIM-120 AMRAAMs, and two JDAM-1000 Precision Guided Munitions all stored internally, and two underwing fuel tanks
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