View source for Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor

{{Short description|American stealth air superiority fighter}}
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{{Use American English|date = July 2019}}
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{{Infobox aircraft
 |name = F-22 Raptor
 |image = F-22 Raptor edit1 (cropped).jpg
 |caption = An F-22 over [[Kadena Air Base]], Japan, in 2009
 |alt = F-22 Raptor flies over Kadena Air Base, Japan on a flight training mission in 2009
 |type = [[Air superiority fighter]]
 |national_origin = United States
 |manufacturer = {{ubl|[[Lockheed Martin Aeronautics]]|[[Boeing Defense, Space & Security|Boeing Integrated Defense Systems]]<!-- Boeing is a partner, not a subcontractor-->}}
 |first_flight = {{Start date and age|1997|09|07|df=yes|br=yes}}
 |introduction = 15 December 2005
 |status = In service
 |retired = 
 |primary_user = [[United States Air Force]]
 |more_users = 
 |produced = 1996–2011
 |number_built = 195 (8 test and 187 operational aircraft)<ref group=N name="EMD"/><ref name= combataircraft>Parsons, Gary. [http://www.combataircraft.net/view_article.asp?ID=4994 "Final F-22 Delivered"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313044134/http://www.combataircraft.net/view_article.asp?id=4994 |date=13 March 2016}} ''Combat Aircraft Monthly'', 3 May 2012. Retrieved 10 April 2014.</ref>
 |developed_from = [[Lockheed YF-22]]
 |variants = 
 |developed_into = {{ubl|[[Lockheed Martin X-44 MANTA]]|[[Lockheed Martin FB-22]]}}
}}

The '''Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptor''' is an American [[Twinjet|twin-engine]], [[Jet engine|jet-powered]], [[Night fighter|all-weather]], [[supersonic]] [[Stealth aircraft|stealth]] [[fighter aircraft]]. As a product of the [[United States Air Force]]'s [[Advanced Tactical Fighter]] (ATF) program, the aircraft was designed as an [[air superiority fighter]], but also incorporates [[attack aircraft|ground attack]], [[electronic-warfare aircraft|electronic warfare]], and [[signals intelligence]] capabilities. The prime contractor, [[Lockheed Martin Aeronautics|Lockheed Martin]], built most of the F-22 airframe and weapons systems and conducted final assembly, while program partner [[Boeing Defense, Space & Security|Boeing]] provided the wings, [[aft]] fuselage, [[avionics]] integration, and training systems.

First flown in 1997, the F-22 descended from the [[Lockheed YF-22]] and was variously designated '''F-22''' and '''F/A-22''' before it formally entered service in December 2005 as the '''F-22A'''. It replaced the [[McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle|F-15 Eagle]] in most active duty U.S. Air Force (USAF) squadrons. Although the service had originally planned to buy a total of 750 ATFs to replace its entire F-15 fleet, it later scaled down to 381 and the program was ultimately cut to 195 aircraft – 187 of them operational models – in 2009 due to political opposition from high costs, a perceived lack of air-to-air threats at the time of production, and the development of the more affordable and versatile [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35 Lightning II]].{{refn|Referring to statements made by the Secretary of Defense Robert Gates: "The secretary once again highlighted his ambitious next-year request for the more-versatile F-35s."<ref>{{cite web |last=Baron |first=Kevin |url=http://www.stripes.com/news/gates-outlines-air-force-priorities-and-expectations-1.94837 |title=Gates outlines Air Force priorities and expectations |work=Stars and Stripes |date=16 September 2009 |access-date=30 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031171947/http://www.stripes.com/news/gates-outlines-air-force-priorities-and-expectations-1.94837 |archive-date=31 October 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>|group=N}} The last aircraft was delivered in 2012.

The F-22 is a critical component of the USAF's tactical airpower as its most advanced air superiority fighter. While it had a protracted development and initial operational difficulties, the aircraft became the service's leading counter-air platform. Its deployments include [[Kadena Air Base|Okinawa]], the [[Middle East]], and [[NATO Enhanced Forward Presence|NATO's eastern flank]]. Although designed for air superiority operations, the F-22 has also carried out and supported airstrikes. The F-22 is expected to remain a cornerstone of the USAF's fighter fleet until its succession by the [[Boeing F-47]] expected around 2030.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Trimble |first=Steve |date=March 21, 2025 |title=Boeing Wins U.S. Air Force's NGAD F-47 Fighter Contract |url=https://aviationweek.com/defense/aircraft-propulsion/boeing-wins-us-air-forces-ngad-f-47-fighter-contract |access-date=March 21, 2025 |website=[[Aviation Week & Space Technology]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Epstein |first=Jake |date=March 21, 2025 |title=First US sixth-gen fighter jet will be the F-47, Trump says, and Boeing, not Lockheed, is going to build it |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/boeing-wins-air-force-next-generation-air-dominance-fighter-contract-2025-3 |access-date=March 21, 2025 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Development==
===Origins===
{{main|Advanced Tactical Fighter|Lockheed YF-22}}
[[File:Advanced Tactical Fighter Systems Project Office Patch.jpg|thumb|ATF SPO Patch, 1990]]

The F-22 originated from the [[Advanced Tactical Fighter]] (ATF) program that the U.S. Air Force (USAF) initiated in 1981 to replace the [[McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle|F-15 Eagle]] and [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16 Fighting Falcon]]. Intelligence reports indicated that their effectiveness would be eroded by emerging worldwide threats emanating from the [[Soviet Union]], including new developments in surface-to-air missile systems for integrated air defense networks, the introduction of the [[Beriev A-50]] "Mainstay" airborne warning and control system (AWACS), and the proliferation of the [[Sukhoi Su-27]] "Flanker" and [[Mikoyan MiG-29]] "Fulcrum" class of fighter aircraft.<ref>Jenkins, Dennis R. ''Lockheed Secret Projects: Inside the Skunk Works.'' St. Paul, Minnesota: MBI Publishing Company, 2001. {{ISBN|0-7603-0914-0}}. pp.&nbsp;70.</ref> Code-named "''Senior Sky''", the ATF would become an air superiority fighter program influenced by these threats; in the potential scenario of a Soviet and [[Warsaw Pact]] invasion in [[Central Europe]], the ATF was envisaged to support the [[AirLand Battle|air-land battle]] by spearheading [[offensive counter air|offensive]] and defensive counter-air operations (OCA/DCA) in this highly contested environment that would then enable following echelons of NATO strike and attack aircraft to perform [[air interdiction]] against ground formations; to do so, the ATF would make an ambitious leap in capability and survivability by taking advantage of the new technologies in fighter design on the horizon, including [[composite material]]s, lightweight [[alloy]]s, advanced flight control systems and avionics, more powerful propulsion systems for supersonic cruise (or [[supercruise]]) around Mach 1.5, and stealth technology for low observability.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/196040/lockheed-martin-f-22a-raptor/ |title=Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptor |work=National Museum of the U.S. Air Force}}</ref><ref>Pace 1999, pp. 3–4.</ref><ref>Aronstein and Hirschberg 1998, pp. 51-54, 72.</ref>

The USAF published an ATF [[request for information]] (RFI) to the aerospace industry in May 1981, and following a period of concept and specification development, the ATF System Program Office (SPO) issued the demonstration and validation (Dem/Val) [[request for proposal]]s (RFP) in September 1985, with requirements placing strong emphasis on stealth, supersonic cruise and maneuver. The RFP saw some alterations after its initial release, including more stringent signature reduction requirements in December 1985 and the addition of the requirement for flying technology demonstrator prototypes in May 1986.{{refn|The greatly increased stealth requirements arose from the SPO's discussions with Lockheed and Northrop, the two companies with prior stealth experience from the "''Senior Trend''"/[[Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk|F-117]] and "''Senior Ice''"/[[Northrop B-2 Spirit|B-2]] respectively.<ref>Aronstein and Hirschberg 1998, pp. 56–57.</ref>|group=N}}<ref>Aronstein and Hirschberg 1998, pp. 82–89.</ref> Owing to the immense investments required to develop the advanced technologies, teaming among companies was encouraged. Of the seven bidding companies,{{refn|The seven bidding companies for Dem/Val were Lockheed, Northrop, General Dynamics, Boeing, McDonnell Douglas, [[Grumman]], and [[Rockwell International|North American Rockwell]].<ref>Miller 2005, pp. 14, 19.</ref>|group=N}} [[Lockheed Corporation|Lockheed]] and [[Northrop Corporation|Northrop]] were selected on 31 October 1986 as Dem/Val finalists.{{refn|Lockheed's design had considerable variations throughout concept exploration, ranging from [[Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird|SR-71]]/[[Lockheed YF-12|YF-12]]-like, to faceted designs similar to the F-117, to a curved surface design with an arrowhead-like planform as the company became able to design stealthy shapes with curved surfaces.<ref name="f22_evolution_p1">{{cite web |last=Hehs |first=Eric |url=https://www.codeonemagazine.com/article.html?item_id=179 |title=F-22 Raptor Design Evolution, Part 1 |work=Lockheed Martin |date=1998 |access-date=13 March 2023 |archive-date=16 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220116193649/https://www.codeonemagazine.com/article.html?item_id=179 |url-status=live}}</ref>|group=N}} Lockheed, through its [[Skunk Works]] division at [[Burbank, California]], teamed with [[Boeing]] and [[General Dynamics]] while Northrop teamed with [[McDonnell Douglas]]. These two contractor teams undertook a 50-month Dem/Val phase to compete for ATF full-scale development, culminating in the flight test of two technology demonstrator prototypes, the [[Lockheed YF-22]] and [[Northrop YF-23]]; while they represented competing designs, the prototypes were meant for demonstrating concept viability and risk mitigation rather than a competitive flyoff.{{refn|The contractor teams were to give the SPO "sealed envelope" flight performance predictions against which their prototypes would be evaluated, rather than against each other.<ref>Aronstein and Hirschberg 1998, p. 137.</ref>|group=N}} Concurrently, [[Pratt & Whitney]] and [[General Electric]] competed for the ATF engines.<ref>Jenkins and Landis 2008, pp.&nbsp;233–234.</ref><ref>Williams 2002, pp.&nbsp;5–6.</ref>

[[File:F-22 design evolution 595 to 645 200x592.png|thumb|upright=0.66|Evolution of the F-22 design from 1987, with the bottom being the production configuration.]]
Dem/Val was focused on [[system engineering]], technology development plans, and risk reduction over point aircraft designs; in fact, after down-select, the Lockheed team completely redesigned the airframe configuration in summer 1987 due to weight analysis, with notable changes including the [[Wing configuration#Wing planform|wing planform]] from swept trapezoidal to diamond-like delta and a reduction in forebody planform area.<ref>Aronstein and Hirschberg 1998, p. 119.</ref><ref>Mullin 2019.</ref> The team extensively used analytical and empirical methods including [[computational fluid dynamics]] and [[computer-aided design]], [[wind tunnel]] testing (18,000 hours for Dem/Val), and [[radar cross-section]] (RCS) calculations and pole testing. Avionics were tested in ground prototypes and flying laboratories.<ref>Aronstein and Hirschberg 1998, pp. 104–125.</ref> During Dem/Val, the SPO used [[trade study|trade studies]] from both teams to review the ATF system specifications and adjust or delete requirements that were significant weight and cost drivers while having marginal value. The short takeoff and landing ([[STOL]]) requirement was relaxed to delete [[thrust reversal|thrust-reversers]], saving substantial weight. [[Side looking airborne radar|Side looking radar]]s and the dedicated [[infrared search and track]] (IRST) system were eventually removed as well, although space and cooling provisions were retained to allow for their later addition. The [[ejection seat]] was downgraded from a fresh design to the existing [[ACES II]]. Despite efforts by both teams to rein in weight, the takeoff gross weight estimates grew from {{convert|50000|to|60000|lb|kg|sigfig=3|abbr=on}}, resulting in engine thrust requirement increasing from {{convert|30000|to|35000|lbf|kN|0|abbr=on}} class.<ref>Aronstein and Hirschberg 1998, pp. 105–108.</ref>

Each team built two prototype air vehicles for Dem/Val, one for each engine option. The YF-22 had its maiden flight on 29 September 1990 and, in testing, successfully demonstrated supercruise, high angle-of-attack maneuvers, and the firing of air-to-air missiles from internal weapons bays. After the flight test of the demonstrator prototypes at [[Edwards Air Force Base]], the teams submitted the results and their full-scale development design proposals – or Preferred System Concept – in December 1990; on 23 April 1991, the [[United States Secretary of the Air Force|Secretary of the USAF]], [[Donald Rice]], announced the Lockheed team and Pratt & Whitney as the winners of the ATF and engine competitions.<ref>Jenkins and Landis 2008, p.&nbsp;234.</ref> Both designs met or exceeded all performance requirements; the YF-23 was considered stealthier and faster, but the YF-22, with its thrust vectoring nozzles, was more maneuverable as well as less expensive and risky, having flown considerably more test sorties and hours than its counterpart.<ref name="Goodall_p110">Goodall 1992, p.&nbsp;110.</ref><ref>Aronstein and Hirschberg 1998, pp. 159–160.</ref> The press also speculated that the Lockheed team's design was more adaptable to the Navy Advanced Tactical Fighter (NATF) for replacing the [[Grumman F-14 Tomcat|F-14 Tomcat]], but by fiscal year (FY) 1992, the [[United States Navy|U.S. Navy]] had abandoned NATF due to cost.<ref name=Miller_p76>Miller 2005, p. 76.</ref>

===Full-scale development===
The program formally moved to full-scale development, or [[Manufacturing readiness level#Definitions|Engineering & Manufacturing Development]] (EMD), in August 1991. The production F-22 design (internally designated Configuration 645) had also evolved to have notable differences from the YF-22, which was immature due to being frozen relatively soon after the complete redesign in the summer of 1987.{{refn|The YF-22 outer lines were frozen to allow construction to begin in 1988, resulting in the shaping being rather unrefined, especially compared to the YF-23.<ref name="f22_evolution_p2"/>|group=N}} While the overall layout was similar, the external geometry saw significant alterations; the wing's [[leading edge]] sweep angle was decreased from 48° to 42°, while the vertical stabilizers were shifted rearward and decreased in area by 20%.<ref name="NASA">{{cite web |url=http://oea.larc.nasa.gov/PAIS/Partners/F_22.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040118030146/http://oea.larc.nasa.gov/PAIS/Partners/F_22.html |archive-date=18 January 2004 |title=F-22 Partners |work=NASA |access-date=25 July 2009}}</ref> The radome shape was changed for better radar performance, the wingtips were clipped for antennas, and the dedicated airbrake was eliminated. To improve pilot visibility and aerodynamics, the canopy was moved forward {{convert|7|in|cm}} and the engine inlets moved rearward {{convert|14|in|cm}}. The shapes of the fuselage, wing, and [[stabilator]] trailing edges were refined to improve aerodynamics, strength, and stealth characteristics. The internal structural design was refined and reinforced, with the production airframe designed for a service life of 8,000 hours.<ref name="f22_evolution_p2">{{cite web |last=Hehs |first=Eric |url=https://www.codeonemagazine.com/article.html?item_id=180 |title=F-22 Raptor Design Evolution, Part 2 |publisher=Lockheed Martin |date=16 October 1998 |access-date=13 March 2023 |archive-date=19 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219185803/https://www.codeonemagazine.com/article.html?item_id=180 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>Pace 1999, pp. 12–13.</ref> The revised shaping was validated with over 17,000 additional hours of wind tunnel testing and further RCS testing at [[Helendale, California]] and the USAF [[National Radar Cross-section Facility|RATSCAT range]] before the first flight. Increasing weight during EMD due to demanding ballistic survivability requirements and [[Scope creep|added capabilities]] caused slight reductions in projected range and maneuver performance.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/f-22-weight-increase-agreed-26820/ |title=F-22 weight increase agreed |magazine=Flight International |date=3 May 1995 |publisher=Reed Business Information |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112043443/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/f-22-weight-increase-agreed-26820/ |archive-date=12 January 2014}}</ref>

[[File:F-22-flying-alongside-the-FTB.jpg|thumb|An EMD F-22 alongside the Flying Test Bed]]
Aside from advances in air vehicle and propulsion technology, the F-22's avionics were unprecedented in complexity and scale for a combat aircraft, with the integration of multiple sensors systems and antennas, including electronic warfare, communication/navigation/identification (CNI), and software of 1.7&nbsp;million [[Source lines of code|lines of code]] written in [[Ada (programming language)|Ada]]. Avionics often became the pacing factor of the whole program. In light of rapidly advancing computing and semiconductor technology, the avionics was to employ the [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]]'s (DoD) ''[[PAVE|PAVE PILLAR]]'' systems architecture and [[Very High Speed Integrated Circuit Program|Very High Speed Integrated Circuit]] (VHSIC) program technology; the computing and processing requirements were equivalent to multiple contemporary [[Cray#Cray Research Inc. and Cray Computer Corporation: 1972–1996|Cray]] supercomputers to achieve [[sensor fusion]].<ref>Aronstein and Hirschberg 1998, p. 170.</ref><ref name="B3.0SW">[http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/docs/man-ac-f22-010105.htm "F-22 aircraft No. 4005 completes successful first flight"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629121402/https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/docs/man-ac-f22-010105.htm |date=29 June 2017}}. [[Federation of American Scientists]]. Retrieved 23 July 2009.</ref> To enable early looks and troubleshooting for mission software development, the software was ground-tested in Boeing's Avionics Integration Laboratory (AIL) and flight-tested on a [[Boeing 757#Government, military, and corporate|Boeing 757]] modified with F-22 avionics and sensors, called Flying Test Bed (FTB).<ref name="f22_flight_test_update"/><ref>{{cite web |last=Norris |first=Guy |url=https://aviationweek.com/boeing-readies-f-22-flying-lab-tests |title=Boeing Readies F-22 Flying Lab for Tests |date=9 June 2008 |work=Aviation Week & Space Technology}}</ref> Because much of the F-22's avionics design occurred in the 1990s as the electronics industry was shifting from military to commercial applications as the predominant market, avionics upgrade efforts was initially difficult and protracted due to changing industry standards; for instance, [[C (programming language)|C]]/[[C++]] rather than [[Ada (programming language)|Ada]] became predominant programming languages.<ref name="raptorroadmap2019"/><ref>{{cite web |last=Wilson |first=J.R. |title= F-22 avionics designers rely on obsolescent electronics, but plan for future upgrades |url= https://www.militaryaerospace.com/computers/article/16710716/f-22-avionics-designers-rely-on-obsolescent-electronics-but-plan-for-future-upgrades |work=Military & Aerospace Electronics |date=1 May 2001}}</ref>

[[File:F-22 Raptor wytwórnie.png|thumb|left|Manufacturers of the F-22]]
The roughly equal division of work amongst the team largely carried through from Dem/Val to EMD, with prime contractor Lockheed responsible for the forward fuselage and control surfaces, General Dynamics for the center fuselage, and Boeing for aft fuselage and wings. Lockheed [[General Dynamics#Divestitures|acquired General Dynamics]]' fighter portfolio at [[Fort Worth, Texas]] in 1993 and thus had the majority of the airframe manufacturing, and merged with [[Martin Marietta]] in 1995 to form [[Lockheed Martin]]. While Lockheed primarily performed Dem/Val work at its Skunk Works sites in Burbank and Palmdale, [[California]], it shifted its program office and EMD work from Burbank to [[Marietta, Georgia]], where it performed final assembly; [[Boeing Defense, Space & Security|Boeing]] manufactured airframe components, performed avionics integration and developed the training systems in [[Seattle, Washington]]. The EMD contract originally ordered seven single-seat F-22As and two twin-seat F-22Bs, although the latter was canceled in 1996 to reduce development costs and the orders were converted to single seaters.<ref>Aronstein and Hirschberg 1998, p. 118.</ref> The first F-22A, an EMD aircraft with [[United States military aircraft serial numbers|tail number]] 91-4001, was unveiled at [[United States Air Force Plant 6|Air Force Plant 6]] in [[Dobbins Air Reserve Base]] in Marietta on 9 April 1997 where it was officially named "Raptor".{{refn|The YF-22 was originally given the unofficial name "Lightning II", from the World War II [[Lockheed P-38 Lightning]] fighter which persisted until the mid-1990s, when the USAF officially named the F-22 "Raptor". The aircraft was also briefly dubbed "SuperStar" and "Rapier".<ref>[http://www.aerospaceweb.org/question/history/q0221.shtml "Military Aircraft Names."] {{Webarchive|url=http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20091012134155/http://www.aerospaceweb.org/question/history/q0221.shtml |date=12 October 2009}} ''Aerospaceweb.org.'' Retrieved: 26 September 2010. {{unreliable source|date=February 2024}}</ref>|group=N}} The aircraft first flew on 7 September 1997, piloted by chief test pilot Alfred "Paul" Metz.{{refn|Metz was previously the chief test pilot for the YF-23.|group=N}}<ref name=F-22_chrono>[http://www.f22-raptor.com/about/chronology.html "Chronology of the F-22 Program"]. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080307071916/http://www.f22-raptor.com/about/chronology.html |date=7 March 2008}} ''F-22 Team'', 4 November 2012. Retrieved 23 July 2009.</ref><ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140705075752/http://lockheedmartin.com/us/100years/stories/f-22.html |archive-date=2014-07-05 |title=F-22 Raptor |publisher=Lockheed Martin |url=http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/100years/stories/f-22.html |url-status=dead |date=1 July 2014}}</ref> The Raptor's designation was briefly changed to F/A-22 starting in September 2002, mimicking the Navy's [[McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet|F/A-18 Hornet]] and intended to highlight a planned ground-attack capability amid debate over the aircraft's role and relevance. The F-22 designation was reinstated in December 2005, when the aircraft entered service.<ref name="f22_factsheet"/><ref name="afp_20051205">"U.S. to Declare F-22 Fighter Operational". [[Agence France-Presse]], 15 December 2005.</ref>

[[File:Usaf.kc135.750pix.jpg|thumb|An EMD F-22 refuels from a [[KC-135 Stratotanker|KC-135]] during testing; the attachment on the back top is for a spin recovery chute.|alt=Rear/starboard view of aerial refueling tanker transferring fuel to a jet fighter via a long boom. The two aircraft are slightly banking left.]]
The F-22 flight test program consisted of flight sciences, developmental test (DT), and initial operational test and evaluation (IOT&E) by the [[411th Flight Test Squadron]] (FLTS) at Edwards AFB, California, as well as follow-on OT&E and development of tactics and operational employment by the [[422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron]] (TES) at [[Nellis Air Force Base|Nellis AFB]], [[Nevada]]. Nine EMD jets assigned to the 411th FLTS would participate in the test program under the Combined Test Force (CTF) at Edwards. The first two aircraft conducted envelope expansion testing, such as flying qualities, air vehicle performance, propulsion, and stores separation. The third aircraft, the first to have production-level internal structure, tested flight loads, flutter, and stores separation, while two non-flying F-22s were built for testing static loads and fatigue. Subsequent EMD aircraft and the Boeing 757 FTB tested avionics, environmental qualifications, and observables, with the first combat-capable Block 3.0 software flying in 2001.<ref name="f22_b3.0">{{cite web |url=https://aviationweek.com/f-22-program-completes-program-milestone-first-flight-block-30-software |title=F-22 program completes program milestone in first flight of Block 3.0 software |work=Aviation Week |date=8 January 2001 |access-date=13 March 2023 |archive-date=22 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222004312/https://aviationweek.com/f-22-program-completes-program-milestone-first-flight-block-30-software |url-status=live}}</ref> Air vehicle testing resulted in several structural design modifications and retrofits for earlier lots, including tail fin strengthening to resolve buffeting in certain conditions.<ref name=availability_63%/> Raptor 4001 was retired from flight testing in 2000 and subsequently sent to Wright-Patterson AFB for survivability testing, including live fire testing and battle damage repair training.<ref name=f22milestones>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.codeonemagazine.com/gallery_slideshow.html?fa44c7e5ba83d833e4ac50ea5bc58dd6=2&gallery_id=129&gallery_style=3 |title=F-22 Milestones – Part 2 |magazine=Code One Magazine |access-date=16 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111122653/http://www.codeonemagazine.com/gallery_slideshow.html?fa44c7e5ba83d833e4ac50ea5bc58dd6=2&gallery_id=129&gallery_style=3 |archive-date=11 November 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> Other retired EMD F-22s were repurposed as maintenance trainers.<ref name="3.2A_test">{{cite web |last=Majumdar |first=Dave |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-dewline/2013/05/raptor-4007-starts-testing-inc/ |title=Raptor 4007 starts testing Inc 3.2A upgrade on its 1000th sortie |work=FlightGlobal |date=7 May 2013 |access-date=16 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111120715/http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-dewline/2013/05/raptor-4007-starts-testing-inc/ |archive-date=11 November 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:F-22 CRIIS Edwards.png|thumb|left|An EMD F-22 of the 411th FLTS flies over Edwards AFB, California, in 2018.]]
Because the F-22 had been designed to defeat contemporary and projected Soviet fighters, the end of the [[Cold War (1985-1991)|Cold War]] and the [[dissolution of the Soviet Union]] in 1991 had major impacts on program funding; the DoD reduced its urgency for new weapon systems and the following years would see successive reductions in its budget. This resulted in the F-22's EMD being rescheduled and lengthened multiple times. Furthermore, the aircraft's sophistication and numerous technological innovations required extensive testing, which exacerbated the cost overruns and delays, especially from mission avionics. Some capabilities were also deferred to post-service upgrades, reducing the upfront cost but increasing total program cost.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sweetman |first=Bill |url=http://aviationweek.com/awin/rivals-target-jsf |title=Rivals Target JSF |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819135759/http://aviationweek.com/awin/rivals-target-jsf |archive-date=19 August 2016 |work=Aviation Week |publisher=McGraw Hill |date=30 November 2010 |access-date=31 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite report |last1=Younossi |first1=Obaid |last2=Stem |first2=David E. |last3=Lorell |first3=Mark A. |last4=Lussier |first4=Frances M. |url=http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG276.html |title=Lessons Learned from the F/A–22 and F/A–18E/F Development Programs |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110425192042/http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG276.html |archive-date=25 April 2011 |publisher=Rand Corporation |year=2005 |access-date=27 August 2011}}</ref> The program transitioned to full-rate production in March 2005 and completed EMD that December, after which the test force had flown 3,496 sorties for over 7,600 flight hours.<ref name=f22milestones/> As the F-22 was designed for upgrades throughout its lifecycle, the 411th FLTS and 422nd TES continued the DT/OT&E and tactics development of these upgrades.<ref name="3.2A_test"/> Derivatives such as the [[Lockheed Martin X-44 MANTA|X-44]] thrust vectoring research aircraft and the [[Lockheed Martin FB-22|FB-22]] medium-range regional bomber were proposed in the late 1990s and early 2000s, although these were eventually abandoned. In 2006, the F-22 development team won the [[Collier Trophy]], American aviation's most prestigious award.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://naa.aero/userfiles/files/documents/Press%20Releases/Collier%202006%20PR.pdf |title=F-22 Raptor Wins 2006 Collier Trophy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401091019/https://naa.aero/userfiles/files/documents/press%20releases/collier%202006%20pr.pdf |archive-date=1 April 2016 |work=National Aeronautic Association |access-date=23 July 2009}}</ref> Due to the aircraft's sophisticated capabilities, contractors have been targeted by cyberattacks and technology theft.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Minnick |first=Wendell |url=https://www.defensenews.com/breaking-news/2016/03/24/chinese-businessman-pleads-guilty-of-spying-on-f-35-and-f-22/ |title=Chinese Businessman Pleads Guilty of Spying on F-35 and F-22 |work=Defense News |date=24 March 2016 |access-date=9 April 2019 |archive-date=13 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313155355/https://www.defensenews.com/breaking-news/2016/03/24/chinese-businessman-pleads-guilty-of-spying-on-f-35-and-f-22/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Production and procurement===
The USAF originally envisioned ordering 750 ATFs at a total program cost of $44.3&nbsp;billion and procurement cost of $26.2&nbsp;billion in FY 1985 dollars, with production beginning in 1994 and service entry in the mid-to-late 1990s. The 1990 Major Aircraft Review (MAR) led by [[United States Secretary of Defense|Secretary of Defense]] [[Dick Cheney]] reduced this to 648 aircraft beginning in 1996 and service entry in the early-to-mid 2000s. After the end of the Cold War, this was further curtailed to 442 in the 1993 Bottom-Up Review while the USAF eventually set its requirement to 381 to support its [[Air Expeditionary Force]] structure with the last deliveries in 2013. Throughout development and production, the program was continually scrutinized for its costs and less expensive alternatives such as modernized F-15 or F-16 variants were being proposed, even though the USAF considered the F-22 to provide the greatest capability increase against peer adversaries for the investment.<ref>Aronstein and Hirschberg 1998, pp. 246–256.</ref> However, funding instability had reduced the total to 339 by 1997 and production was nearly halted by [[United States Congress|Congress]] in 1999.{{refn|group=N|Another reason other than funding issues, the F-22’s superior combat capability, has been attributed to cuts to F-22 purchases. In 1997, Defense Secretary [[William Cohen]], for example, cited this as a reason for that year's Quadrennial Defense Review’s (QDR) proposed reduction to 341 aircraft.{{sfn|Bolkcom|2007|p=8}}}} Although funds were eventually restored, the planned number continued to decline due to delays and cost overruns during EMD, slipping to 277 by 2003.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wilson |first=George |url=https://www.govexec.com/federal-news/1999/09/senate-proposes-deal-to-continue-f-22-funding/4463/ |title=Senate proposes deal to continue F-22 funding |work=Government Executive |date=23 September 1999}}</ref><ref name="Williams p.22">{{harvnb|Williams|2002|p=22.}}</ref> In 2004, with its focus on asymmetric [[counterinsurgency]] warfare in [[Iraq War|Iraq]] and [[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|Afghanistan]], the DoD under Secretary [[Donald Rumsfeld]] further cut procurement to 183 production aircraft, despite the USAF's requirement for 381;<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Grant |first=Rebecca |url=https://secure.afa.org/Mitchell/presentations/091608LosingAirDominance_tnx.pdf |title=Losing Air Dominance |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002211600/https://secure.afa.org/Mitchell/Presentations/091608LosingAirDominance_tnx.pdf |archive-date=2 October 2013 |magazine=Air Force Magazine |date=December 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Hedgpeth |first=Dana |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/17/AR2009021703172.html |title=Air Force Pares Request for Additional Lockheed F-22s |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703115719/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/17/AR2009021703172.html |archive-date=3 July 2017 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=18 February 2009}}</ref> funding for this number was reached by a multi-year procurement contract awarded in 2006, with aircraft distributed to seven combat squadrons; total program cost was projected to be $62&nbsp;billion (equivalent to approximately ${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=62000000000|start_year=2006}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}).<ref name="afpn_20060623_ad">{{cite web |last=Lopez |first=C. T. |url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/130616/f-22-excels-at-establishing-air-dominance/ |title=F-22 excels at establishing air dominance |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425023455/http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/tabid/223/Article/130616/f-22-excels-at-establishing-air-dominance.aspx |archive-date=25 April 2016 |work=U.S. Air Force |url-status=live |date=23 June 2006}}</ref> In 2008, the Congressional defense spending bill raised the number to 187.<ref>{{cite web |last=Trimble |first=Stephen |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-congress-passes-4877-defence-spending-bill-slashes-aircraft-316459/ |title=US Congress passes $487.7 defence spending bill, slashes aircraft |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130419133412/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-congress-passes-4877-defence-spending-bill-slashes-aircraft-316459/ |archive-date=19 April 2013 |work=FlightGlobal |date=24 September 2008 |access-date=10 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Wolf |first=Jim |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-lockheed-raptor-idUSTRE4AB8ZV20081112 |title=Pentagon OKs funds to preserve F-22 line |work=Reuters |date=12 November 2008 |access-date=27 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019012554/http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/11/12/us-lockheed-raptor-idUSTRE4AB8ZV20081112 |archive-date=19 October 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref>

F-22 production would support over 1,000 subcontractors and suppliers from 46 states and up to 95,000 jobs, and spanned 15 years at a peak rate of roughly two airplanes per month, about half of the initially planned rate from the 1990 MAR; after EMD aircraft contracts, the first production lot was awarded in September 2000.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kaplan |first=Fred |url=http://www.slate.com/id/2212034/ |title=The Air Force tries to save a fighter plane that's never seen battle |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101021155541/http://www.slate.com/id/2212034/ |archive-date=21 October 2010 |work=Slate |date=24 February 2009 |access-date=31 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Brumby |first1=Otis |first2=Bill |last2=Kinney |first3=Joe |last3=Kirby |url=http://mdjonline.com/view/full_story/13886238/article-As-the-F-35-program-revs-up---the-F-22-ramps-down?instance=special |title=Around Town: As the F-35 program revs up the F-22 ramps down |work=The Marietta Daily Journal |date=6 June 2011 |access-date=31 August 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120711122957/http://mdjonline.com/view/full_story/13886238/article-As-the-F-35-program-revs-up---the-F-22-ramps-down?instance=special |archive-date=11 July 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| last=Barnes |first=Julian E. |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-feb-11-fi-jets11-story.html |title=Lockheed lobbies for F-22 production on job grounds |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150914190636/http://articles.latimes.com/2009/feb/11/business/fi-jets11 |archive-date=14 September 2015 |work=Los Angeles Times | url-status=live |date=11 February 2009}}</ref> As production wound down in 2011, the total program cost was estimated to be about $67.3&nbsp;billion (about $360&nbsp;million for each production aircraft delivered), with $32.4&nbsp;billion spent on Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) and $34.9&nbsp;billion on procurement and military construction in then year dollars. The [[marginal cost|incremental cost]] for an additional F-22 was estimated at $138&nbsp;million (equivalent to approximately ${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=138000000|start_year=2009}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}) in 2009.<ref name="usaf_fy2009_budget">[https://www.saffm.hq.af.mil/Portals/84/documents/FY09/AFD-080204-081.pdf?ver=2016-08-22-141541-383 "FY 2009 Budget Estimates"], pp. 1–13. [https://www.saffm.hq.af.mil/Portals/84/documents/FY09/AFD-080204-081.pdf?ver=2016-08-22-141541-383] U.S. Air Force, February 2008. Retrieved 23 July 2009.</ref><ref name="f22_sar2010">"Selected Acquisition Report (SAR) – F-22, RCS: DD-A&T(Q&A)823–265". Department of Defense, 31 December 2010. Retrieved 13 March 2019.</ref>

In total, 195 F-22s were built. The first two were EMD aircraft in the [[Block number|Block]] 1.0{{refn|Block number designates production variation groups.|group=N}} configuration for initial flight testing and envelope expansion, while the third was a Block 2.0 aircraft built to represent the internal structure of production airframes and enabled it to test full flight loads. Six more EMD aircraft were built in the Block 10 configuration for development and upgrade testing, with the last two considered essentially production-quality jets. Production for operational squadrons consisted of 74 Block 10/20 training aircraft and 112 Block 30/35 combat aircraft for a total of 186 (or 187 when accounting for Production Representative Test Vehicles and certain EMD jets);<ref group=N name="EMD"/> one of the Block 30 aircraft is dedicated to flight sciences at Edwards AFB.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dau.mil/cop/pbl/DAU%20Sponsored%20Documents/PBL%20Award%20Pkg%202008%20System%20F%2022.pdf |title=PBL Award Pkg 2008 System F-22 |publisher=Defense Acquisition University |access-date=5 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306044703/https://www.dau.mil/cop/pbl/DAU%20Sponsored%20Documents/PBL%20Award%20Pkg%202008%20System%20F%2022.pdf |archive-date=6 March 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/f22_1.html |title=Lockheed Martin F/A-22 Raptor |work=Joe Baugher |access-date=10 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101123223026/http://joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/f22_1.html |archive-date=23 November 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref> By 2020, Block 20 aircraft from Lot 3 onward were upgraded to Block 30 standards under the Common Configuration Plan, increasing the Block 30/35 fleet to 149 aircraft while 37 remained in the Block 20 configuration for training.{{refn|The combat-coded fleet consist of 123 primary and 20 reserve airframes, while several Block 30 aircraft are devoted to operational testing and tactics development at Nellis AFB.<ref name="Scorpion2013">{{cite web |last=Majumdar |first=David |url=https://news.usni.org/2014/05/16/air-force-evaluating-new-targeting-monocle-f-22-raptor |title=Air Force Evaluating New Targeting Monocle for F-22 Raptor |work=USNI News |date=16 May 2014 |access-date=19 October 2021 |archive-date=19 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019025635/https://news.usni.org/2014/05/16/air-force-evaluating-new-targeting-monocle-f-22-raptor |url-status=live}}</ref>|group=N}}<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Schanz |first=Marc V. |url=https://www.airforcemag.com/article/0412raptor/ |title=Raptors for the long haul |magazine=Air Force Magazine |date=1 April 2012 |access-date=13 March 2023 |archive-date=11 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811080213/https://www.airforcemag.com/article/0412raptor/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=costdata194>{{cite web |last=Drew |first=James |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-lawmakers-want-cost-data-for-building-194-more-f-424404/ |title=US lawmakers want cost data for building 194 more F-22s |work=FlightGlobal |date=20 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418022456/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-lawmakers-want-cost-data-for-building-194-more-f-424404/ |archive-date=18 April 2019}}</ref>

===Ban on exports===
[[File:Two F-22 Raptor in flying.jpg|thumb|left|Two F-22s during flight testing, the upper one being the first EMD F-22, Raptor 4001.|alt=Two F-22s overflying snow-capped mountains.]]

In order to prevent the inadvertent disclosure of the aircraft's stealth technology and classified capabilities to U.S. adversaries,<ref>[https://www.congress.gov/amendment/105th-congress/house-amendment/295?r=5&s=7 "H.Amdt.295 to H.R.2266 – 105th Congress (1997–1998)"]. Library of Congress. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426134714/https://www.congress.gov/amendment/105th-congress/house-amendment/295%3Fr%3D5%26s%3D7 |date=26 April 2019}} Retrieved 9 May 2010.</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-arms-usa-congress-idUSTRE5896JU20090910 |title=Senate panel seeks end to F-22 export ban |access-date=28 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924143026/http://www.reuters.com/article/2009/09/10/us-arms-usa-congress-idUSTRE5896JU20090910 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=live |work=Reuters |date=10 September 2009}}</ref> annual DoD appropriations acts since FY1998 have included a provision prohibiting the use of funds made available in each act to approve or license the sale of the F-22 to any foreign government.{{sfn|Gertler|2013|p=13-14}} Customers for U.S. fighters are acquiring earlier designs such as the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon or the newer [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35 Lightning II]], which contains technology from the F-22 but was designed to be cheaper, more flexible, and available for export.<ref name="WP">Smith, R. Jeffrey (10 July 2009). [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/09/AR2009070903020.html "Premier U.S. fighter jet has major shortcomings: F-22's maintenance demands growing"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912151228/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/09/AR2009070903020.html |date=12 September 2017}}. ''The Washington Post''. Retrieved 24 July 2009.</ref> In September 2006, Congress upheld the ban on foreign F-22 sales.<ref name="addr_20060927_fms">{{cite news |last=Bruno |first=M. |url=http://aviationweek.com/awin/appropriators-approve-f-22a-multiyear-not-foreign-sales |title=Appropriators Approve F-22A Multiyear, But Not Foreign Sales |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170625033608/http://aviationweek.com/awin/appropriators-approve-f-22a-multiyear-not-foreign-sales |archive-date=25 June 2017 |work=Aviation Week |publisher=McGraw Hill |date=27 September 2006 |access-date=28 August 2011}}</ref> Despite the ban, the 2010 defense authorization bill included provisions requiring the DoD to report on the costs and feasibility for an F-22 export variant, and another report on the effect of export sales on the U.S. aerospace industry.<ref>[http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h2647/show "H.R. 2647: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (overview)"]. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103092023/http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h2647/show |date=3 November 2013}}. U.S. House of Representatives – via Opencongress.org. Retrieved: 27 April 2012.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/house-bill/2647/text |title=H.R.2647 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (see Sections 1250 & 8056) |date=28 October 2009 |publisher=United States Congress |access-date=23 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330181745/https://www.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/house-bill/2647/text |archive-date=30 March 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Some Australian defense officials and politicians have expressed interest in procuring the F-22; in 2008, the [[Chief of the Defence Force (Australia)|Chief of the Defence Force]], [[Air chief marshal (Australia)|Air Chief Marshal]] [[Angus Houston]], stated that the aircraft was being considered by the [[Royal Australian Air Force]] (RAAF) as a potential supplement to the F-35.<ref>{{cite web |last=Taylor |first=Rob |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/markets/companies/australia-mulls-f-22-purchase-in-airpower-re-think-idUSSYD313937/ |title=Australia mulls F-22 purchase in airpower re-think |work=Reuters |date=20 February 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2008-03-23/fitzgibbon-keen-on-us-f-22-raptors/1080942 |title=Fitzgibbon keen on US F-22 Raptors |publisher=ABC News |location=Australia |date=22 March 2008}}</ref> Some defense commentators have even advocated for the purchase in lieu of the planned F-35s, citing the F-22's known capabilities and F-35's delays and developmental uncertainties.<ref>{{cite news |title=Defence committed to new fighters despite flaws |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200606/s1670900.htm |access-date=5 March 2024 |work=ABC News |location=Australia |date=24 June 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060625173337/http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200606/s1670900.htm |archive-date=25 June 2006 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="age_20061002">Carmen, G. (2 October 2006). [http://www.theage.com.au/news/opinion/rapped-in-the-raptor-why-australia-must-have-the-best/2006/10/01/1159641209404.html?page=fullpage "Rapped in the Raptor: why Australia must have the best"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061109134921/http://www.theage.com.au/news/opinion/rapped-in-the-raptor-why-australia-must-have-the-best/2006/10/01/1159641209404.html?page=fullpage |date=9 November 2006}} ''[[The Age]]''. Retrieved 31 August 2011.</ref><ref>Kopp, Carlo. [http://www.ausairpower.net/Analysis-JSF-Apr-04-P.pdf "Is The Joint Strike Fighter Right For Australia?"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505082015/http://www.ausairpower.net/Analysis-JSF-Apr-04-P.pdf |date=5 May 2012}} ''[[Air Power Australia]]''. Retrieved 23 July 2009.</ref> However, considerations for the F-22 were later dropped and the [[Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet|F/A-18E/F Super Hornet]] would serve as the RAAF's interim aircraft prior to the F-35's service entry.<ref>{{cite interview |last=Houston |first=Angus |subject-link=Angus Houston |interviewer-last1=Edel |interviewer-first1=Charles |title=A Conversation with Sir Angus Houston, Co-Lead of Australia's New Defence Strategic Review |date=18 May 2023 |publisher=Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) |url=https://www.csis.org/analysis/conversation-sir-angus-houston-co-lead-australias-new-defence-strategic-review}}</ref>

The Japanese government also showed interest in the F-22. The [[Japan Air Self-Defense Force]] (JASDF) would reportedly require fewer fighters for its mission if it obtained the F-22, thus reducing engineering and staffing costs.<ref>{{cite report |last1=Bolkcom |first1=Christopher |last2=Chanlett-Avery |first2=Emma |title=Potential F-22 Raptor Export to Japan |publisher=[[U.S. Congressional Research Service]] |date=11 March 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Govindasamy |first=Siva |title=Japan makes another push for F-22 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/japan-makes-another-push-for-f-22/86924.article |work=Flight Global |date=10 June 2009}}</ref> With the end of F-22 production, Japan chose the F-35 in December 2011.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.f35.com/global/participation/japan |title=JASDF's Next Generation Fighter |agency=[[Lockheed Martin]] |access-date=31 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701115804/https://www.f35.com/global/participation/japan |archive-date=1 July 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> At one point the Israeli Air Force had hoped to purchase up to 50 F-22s. In November 2003, however, Israeli
representatives announced that after years of analysis and discussions with Lockheed Martin and the DoD, they had concluded that Israel could not afford the aircraft.{{sfn|Bolkcom|2007|p=11}} Israel eventually purchased the F-35.<ref name="IAF_F-22">{{cite web |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/israel-plans-to-buy-over-100-f35s-02381/ |title=Israeli Plans to Buy F-35s Hitting Obstacles |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070818035852/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/israel-plans-to-buy-over-100-f35s-02381/ |archive-date=18 August 2007 |work=Defense Industry Daily |date=27 June 2006 |access-date=23 July 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Egozi |first=Arie |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/israel-in-talks-with-usa-over-f-22-orders-213348/ |title=Israel in talks with USA over F-22 orders |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331115621/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/israel-in-talks-with-usa-over-f-22-orders-213348/ |archive-date=31 March 2019 |work=Flight Global |date=20 April 2007R |access-date=30 June 2014}}</ref>

===Production termination===
Throughout the 2000s when the U.S. was primarily fighting counterinsurgency wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the USAF's requirement for 381 F-22s was questioned over rising costs, initial reliability and availability problems, limited multirole versatility, and a lack of relevant adversaries for air combat missions.<ref name="WP"/><ref name="hatch.senate.gov">{{cite web |url=http://hatch.senate.gov/public/_files/F22AssertionsAndFacts.pdf |title=Assertion and Facts |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120703230138/http://hatch.senate.gov/public/_files/F22AssertionsAndFacts.pdf |archive-date=3 July 2012 |work=Office of Senator Orrin Hatch |access-date=17 January 2012}}</ref> In 2006, [[Comptroller General of the United States]] [[David M. Walker (U.S. Comptroller General)|David Walker]] found that "the DoD has not demonstrated the need" for more investment in the F-22,<ref>{{cite report |url=http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-06-455R |title=Tactical Aircraft: DOD Should Present a New F-22A Business Case before Making Further Investments |date=20 June 2006 |publisher=Government Accountability Office |access-date=9 May 2010 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120730201052/http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-06-455R |archive-date=30 July 2012}}</ref> and further opposition was expressed by [[Presidency of George W. Bush|Bush Administration]] Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld and his successor [[Robert Gates]], Deputy Secretary of Defense [[Gordon R. England]], and Chairman of [[United States Senate Committee on Armed Services|U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee]] (SASC) Senators [[John Warner]] and [[John McCain]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Wayne |first=Leslie |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/28/business/28plane.html?pagewanted=print |title=Air Force Jet Wins Battle in Congress |work=The New York Times |date=28 September 2006 |access-date=29 June 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240527015930/https://www.webcitation.org/6Qi8IrzKV?url=http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/28/business/28plane.html%3Fpagewanted=print&_r=0 |archive-date=27 May 2024}} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404101657/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/28/business/28plane.html?pagewanted=print |date=4 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Carroll |first=Ward |url=http://defensetech.org/2008/11/19/dogfight-over-f-22-reveals-dod-schisms/ |title=Dogfight Over F-22 Reveals DoD Schisms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703193904/https://www.defensetech.org/2008/11/19/dogfight-over-f-22-reveals-dod-schisms/ |archive-date=3 July 2017 |work=Defense Tech |date=19 November 2008 |url-status=usurped |access-date=29 June 2014}}</ref> Under Rumsfeld, procurement was severely cut to 183 aircraft. The F-22 lost influential supporters in 2008 after the forced resignations of Secretary of the Air Force [[Michael Wynne]] and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force General [[T. Michael Moseley]].<ref name="topgeneralwarns">{{Cite news |last=Wolf |first=Jim |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/lockheed-f-idUSN1827570420090618 |title=Top general warns against ending F-22 fighter |work=Reuters |date=18 June 2009 |access-date=1 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103150912/http://www.reuters.com/article/2009/06/18/lockheed-f-idUSN1827570420090618 |archive-date=3 November 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2008, Gates stated that the F-22 lacked relevance in [[Asymmetric warfare|asymmetric]] post-Cold War conflicts,<ref>{{cite news |last=Cole |first=August |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140702135310/http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB122584363466799201 |archive-date=2 July 2014 |title=Lawmakers Pressure Pentagon to Release Funds for Controversial F-22 Fighter Jet |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=5 November 2008 |url=https://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB122584363466799201 |access-date=29 June 2014}}</ref> and in April 2009, under the [[Presidency of Barack Obama|Obama Administration]], he called for production to end in FY 2011 after completing 187 F-22s.<ref name=cut>{{cite news |last1=Levine |first1=Adam |last2=Mount |first2=Mike Mount |last3=Silverleib |first3=Alan |url=https://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/06/gates.budget.cuts/index.html |title=Gates Announces Major Pentagon Priority Shifts |work=CNN |date=9 April 2009 |access-date=31 August 2011}}</ref>

[[File:Two F-22A Raptor in column flight - (Noise reduced).jpg|thumb|Two F-22As in close trail formation]]
The loss of staunch F-22 advocates in the upper DoD echelons resulted in the erosion of its political support. In July 2008, General [[James Cartwright]], Vice Chairman of the [[Joint Chiefs of Staff]], stated to the SASC his reasons for supporting the termination of F-22 production, including shifting resources to the multi-service F-35 and the electronic warfare [[Boeing EA-18G Growler|EA-18G Growler]].<ref>{{cite report |url=http://armed-services.senate.gov/Transcripts/2009/07%20July/09-58%20-%207-9-09.pdf |title=SASC Transcripts |publisher=U.S. Senate, Committee on Armed Services |date=9 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517005020/http://armed-services.senate.gov/Transcripts/2009/07%20July/09-58%20-%207-9-09.pdf |archive-date=17 May 2013}}</ref> Although Russian and Chinese fighter developments fueled concern for the USAF, Gates dismissed this and in 2010, he set the F-22 requirement to 187 aircraft by lowering the number of major regional conflict preparations from two to one, despite an effort by Wynne's and Moseley's successors [[Michael B. Donley|Michael Donley]] and General [[Norton Schwartz]] to raise the number to 243; according to Schwartz, he and Donley finally relented in order to convince Gates to preserve the [[Long Range Strike Bomber]] program.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Schwartz |first1=Norton |last2=Levinson |first2=Ron |last3=Schwartz |first3=Suzie |date=2 January 2018 |title=Journey: Memoirs of an Air Force Chief of Staff |url= |location= |publisher=Skyhorse |page= |isbn=9781510710344}}</ref><ref>[http://assets.opencrs.com/rpts/RL31673_20090716.pdf "CRS RL31673 Air Force F-22 Fighter Program: Background and Issues for Congress"], p. 15. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090804003819/http://assets.opencrs.com/rpts/RL31673_20090716.pdf |date=4 August 2009}}. Congressional Research Service. Retrieved 26 September 2010.</ref> After President [[Barack Obama]] threatened to [[presidential veto|veto]] further production at Gates' urging, both the Senate and House agreed to abide by the 187 cap in July 2009.<ref>{{cite web |last=Matthews |first=William |date=31 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004233951/http://www.defencetalk.com/house-reverses-itself-votes-to-kill-f-22-buy-20860/ |archive-date=2013-10-04 |title=House Reverses Itself, Votes To Kill F-22 Buy |work=Defense Talk |url=http://www.defencetalk.com/house-reverses-itself-votes-to-kill-f-22-buy-20860/}}</ref><ref>[http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d111:SP01469: "S.AMDT.1469 to cut F-22 funding"]. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215111917/http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d111%3ASP01469%3A |date=15 December 2012}} Library of Congress. Retrieved 13 June 2010.</ref> Gates highlighted the F-35's role in the decision,<ref name="gates_speech">{{Cite speech|last=Gates |first=Robert |url=http://www.defense.gov/speeches/speech.aspx?speechid=1369 |title=Economic Club of Chicago |publisher=US Department of Defense |event=Economic Club of Chicago |location=Chicago, Illinois |date=16 July 2009 |access-date=1 November 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100228043004/http://www.defense.gov/speeches/speech.aspx?speechid=1369 |archive-date=28 February 2010}}</ref> and believed that the U.S. would maintain its stealth fighter numbers advantage by 2025 even with F-35 delays.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150905164707/http://archive.defense.gov/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=4748 "Media Availability with Secretary Gates en route to Beijing, China from Andrews Air Force Base"].  U.S. Department of Defense, 11 January 2011.</ref> In December 2011, the 195th and final F-22 was completed out of 8 test and 187 production aircraft built; the jet was delivered on 2 May 2012.<ref name=AW_last_Raptor>{{Cite news |last=Butler |first=Amy |url=https://aviationweek.com/awin/last-raptor-rolls-lockheed-martin-line-0 |title=Last Raptor Rolls Off Lockheed Martin Line |work=Aviation Week |publisher=McGraw Hill |date=27 December 2011 |access-date=10 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150324042842/http://aviationweek.com/awin/last-raptor-rolls-lockheed-martin-line-0 |archive-date=24 March 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="FG_last_f-22">{{Cite news |last=Majumdar |first=Dave |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/in-focus-usaf-receives-last-f-22-raptor-371401/ |title=USAF receives last F-22 Raptor |work=FlightGlobal |date=3 May 2012 |access-date=9 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528155848/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/in-focus-usaf-receives-last-f-22-raptor-371401/ |archive-date=28 May 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>

After production ended, F-22 tooling and associated documentation were retained and mothballed at the [[Sierra Army Depot]] to support repairs and maintenance throughout the fleet life cycle, as well as the possibility of a production restart or a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP).<ref>{{cite web |last=Trimble |first=Stephen |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-considers-options-to-preserve-f-22-production-tooling-339070/ |title=USAF considers options to preserve F-22 production tooling |work=FlightGlobal |date=5 March 2010 |access-date=30 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031212110/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-considers-options-to-preserve-f-22-production-tooling-339070/ |archive-date=31 October 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/2010/RAND_MG797.pdf "Ending F-22A Production: Costs and Industrial Base Implications of Alternative Options"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007214536/http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/2010/RAND_MG797.pdf |date=7 October 2012}}. Rand Corporation. Retrieved 26 September 2010.</ref><ref name=Mothball>{{Cite news |last=Wolf |first=Jim |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-fighter-usa-lockheed-idUSTRE7BC09T20111213 |title=U.S. to mothball gear to build top F-22 fighter |work=Reuters |date=12 December 2011 |access-date=30 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022043329/http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/13/us-fighter-usa-lockheed-idUSTRE7BC09T20111213 |archive-date=22 October 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Marietta plant space was repurposed to support the [[Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules|C-130J]] and F-35, while engineering work for sustainment and upgrades continued at Fort Worth, Texas and Palmdale, California.<ref name=Mothball/><ref name="restart">{{cite report |url=https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4452474-F-22A-Production-Restart-Assessment.html |title=Report to Congress: F-22A Production Restart Assessment |publisher=U.S. Air Force |via=[[DocumentCloud]] |date=February 2017 |access-date=13 March 2023 |archive-date=9 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209010940/https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4452474-F-22A-Production-Restart-Assessment.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The curtailed F-22 production forced the USAF to extend the service of 179 F-15C/Ds to 2026—well beyond its planned retirement—to maintain adequate air superiority fighter numbers.<ref>{{cite news |last=Trimble |first=Steve |url=https://aviationweek.com/aerospace-defense-2021/defense-space/three-generations-fighters-compete-limited-resources |title=Three Generations Of Fighters Compete For Limited Resources |work=Aviation Week |publisher=Informa |date=10 December 2020 |access-date=13 March 2023 |archive-date=9 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209044920/https://aviationweek.com/aerospace-defense-2021/defense-space/three-generations-fighters-compete-limited-resources |url-status=live}}</ref>

In April 2016, Congress directed the USAF to conduct a cost study and assessment associated with resuming production of the F-22, citing advancing threats from Russia and China.<ref>[http://www.military.com/daily-news/2016/04/19/house-lawmakers-air-force-study-restarting-f22-production.html "House Lawmakers Want Air Force to Study Restarting F-22 Production"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331115552/https://www.military.com/daily-news/2016/04/19/house-lawmakers-air-force-study-restarting-f22-production.html |date=31 March 2019}}. ''Military.com''. 19 April 2016.</ref> On 9 June 2017, the USAF submitted their report stating they had no plans to restart the F-22 production line due to cost-prohibitive economic and logistical challenges; it estimated it would cost approximately $50&nbsp;billion to procure 194 additional F-22s at a cost of $206–216&nbsp;million per aircraft, including approximately $9.9&nbsp;billion for non-recurring start-up costs and $40.4&nbsp;billion for acquisition with the first delivery in the mid-to-late 2020s. The long gap since the end of production meant hiring new workers, sourcing replacement vendors, and finding new plant space, contributing to the high start-up costs and lead times. The USAF believed that the funding would be better invested in its next-generation Air Superiority 2030 effort, which evolved into the [[Next Generation Air Dominance]] (NGAD).<ref>[http://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/06/21/the-f22-fighter-jet-restart-dead-study.html?ESRC=todayinmil.sm "The F-22 Fighter Jet Restart Is Dead: Study"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306234757/https://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/06/21/the-f22-fighter-jet-restart-dead-study.html?ESRC=todayinmil.sm |date=6 March 2019}}. ''Military.com''. 21 June 2017.</ref><ref name="restart"/> Starting in 2019, to replace its aging F-15C/D still remaining in inventory, the USAF procured a number of new-build [[Boeing F-15EX Eagle II|F-15EX]], which minimized start-up costs by using an active export production line.<ref name="f15ex">{{cite web |last=Pawlyk |first=Oriana |date=22 March 2019 |title=Pentagon Buying F-15EX Alongside F-35s to Preserve Diversity, Official Says |url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/03/22/pentagon-buying-f-15ex-alongside-f-35s-preserve-diversity-official-says.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225222305/https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/03/22/pentagon-buying-f-15ex-alongside-f-35s-preserve-diversity-official-says.html |archive-date=25 December 2023 |work=[[Military.com]]}}</ref>

===Modernization and upgrades===
The F-22 and its subsystems were designed to be upgraded over its life cycle via numbered Increments{{refn|Increments were originally called "Spirals".|group=N}} and Operational Flight Program (OFP) updates in anticipation for technological advances and evolving threats, although this initially proved difficult and costly due to the highly integrated avionics systems architecture.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ayton |first=Mark |url=https://www.key.aero/article/testing-combat-edge |title=Testing the Combat Edge |work=Air Forces Monthly |date=22 December 2016 |access-date=13 March 2023 |archive-date=13 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913085121/https://www.key.aero/article/testing-combat-edge |url-status=live}}</ref> Amid debates over the airplane's relevance in asymmetric counterinsurgency warfare, the first upgrades primarily focused on ground attack, or strike capabilities. [[Joint Direct Attack Munition]]s (JDAM) employment was added with Increment 2 in 2005 and [[Small Diameter Bomb]] (SDB) was integrated with 3.1 in 2011; the improved AN/APG-77(V)1 radar, which incorporates air-to-ground modes, was certified in March 2007 and fitted on airframes from Lot 5 onward.{{refn|Increment 3.1 also incorporated [[synthetic aperture radar]] (SAR) mapping, radio emitter [[direction finding]], and [[Electronic warfare#Electronic attack|electronic attack]].<ref>{{cite report |url= http://www.dote.osd.mil/pub/reports/FY2013/pdf/af/2013f22a.pdf |title= DOT&E FY2013 Annual Report – F-22A Advanced Tactical Fighter |publisher=Office of the Secretary of Defense |access-date= 29 January 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140202205612/http://www.dote.osd.mil/pub/reports/FY2013/pdf/af/2013f22a.pdf |archive-date= 2 February 2014 |url-status=live |df= dmy-all}}</ref>|group=N}}<ref name="apg77v1fi">[https://www.forecastinternational.com/archive/disp_pdf.cfm?DACH_RECNO=942 "AN/APG-77(V)"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123201252/https://www.forecastinternational.com/archive/disp_pdf.cfm?DACH_RECNO=942 |date=23 November 2016}}. ''Forecast International''. March 2012.</ref><ref name="AWST">{{cite news |last1=Wall |first1=Robert |last2=Butler |first2=Amy |url=http://aviationweek.com/awin/usaf-weighs-future-priority-needs |title=USAF Weighs Future Priority Needs |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229083427/http://aviationweek.com/awin/usaf-weighs-future-priority-needs |archive-date=29 December 2014 |work=Aviation Week |publisher=McGraw Hill |date=21 November 2011}}</ref> To address [[Hypoxia (medical)|oxygen deprivation issues]], F-22s were fitted with an automatic backup oxygen system (ABOS) and modified life support system starting in 2012.<ref name="resume-op">{{cite web|work=Air Combat Command Public Affairs |url=https://www.acc.af.mil/News/story/id/123343030/ |title=Air Force F-22 resumes normal flight operations |publisher=U.S. Air Force |date=4 April 2013 |access-date=30 October 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101154055/http://www.acc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123343030 |archive-date=1 November 2013}}</ref>

[[File:F-22 test fires AIM-9X.jpg|thumb|left|A Block 30 F-22A, serial 06-4132, of the [[411th Flight Test Squadron]] test-fires an AIM-9X in 2015.]]
In contrast to prior upgrades, Increment 3.2 emphasized air combat capabilities with updates to electronic warfare, CNI (including Link 16 receive), and geolocation as well as [[AIM-9X]] and [[AIM-120 AMRAAM#Variants and upgrades|AIM-120D]] integration.<ref>{{cite web |last=Osborn |first=Kris |url=https://defensemaven.io/warriormaven/air/air-force-gives-stealthy-f-22-raptors-new-air-to-air-attack-weapons-fjL9mAgbMEyoVxaOsjLrPQ |title=Air Force Gives Stealthy F-22 Raptors New Air-to-Air Attack Weapons |work=Warrior Maven |date=14 May 2019 |access-date=13 March 2023 |archive-date=18 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418054839/https://defensemaven.io/warriormaven/air/air-force-gives-stealthy-f-22-raptors-new-air-to-air-attack-weapons-fjL9mAgbMEyoVxaOsjLrPQ |url-status=live}}</ref> Fleet releases of the two-part process began in 2013 and 2019 respectively. Concurrently, OFP updates added [[Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System]], cryptographic enhancements, and improved avionics stability, among others.<ref name="f22-increment">{{cite web|last=Majumdar |first=Dave |url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20110530/DEFFEAT04/105300306/F-22-Getting-New-Brain |archive-url= https://archive.today/20120729180346/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20110530/DEFFEAT04/105300306/F-22-Getting-New-Brain |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 July 2012 |title=F-22 Getting New Brain |work=Defense News |date=30 May 2011 |access-date=30 October 2013}}</ref><ref>"A transitional year for military combat aircraft", ''Aviation Week and Space Technology'', 1/8 December 2014, p. 60.</ref> A [[Multifunctional Information Distribution System|MIDS-JTRS]] terminal, which includes Mode 5 [[identification friend or foe|IFF]] and Link 16 transmit/receive capability, was installed starting in 2021.<ref name=mids-j/><ref name="raptorroadmap2019">{{cite web |last=Zazulia |first=Nick |url=https://www.aviationtoday.com/2018/10/11/rejuvenating-raptor-roadmap-f-22-modernization/ |title=Rejuvenating the Raptor: Roadmap for F-22 Modernization |work=Avionics Today |date=11 October 2018 |access-date=15 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190216035441/https://www.aviationtoday.com/2018/10/11/rejuvenating-raptor-roadmap-f-22-modernization/ |archive-date=16 February 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> To address obsolescence and modernization difficulties, the F-22's mission computers were upgraded in 2021 with military-hardened [[commercial off-the-shelf]] (COTS) open mission system (OMS) processor modules with a modular open systems architecture (MOSA). [[Agile software development]] process in conjunction with an orchestration system was implemented to enable faster upgrades from additional vendors, and software updates shifted away from Increments developed using the [[waterfall model]] to numbered annual releases.<ref>{{cite news |last=Trimble |first=Steve |url=https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/aircraft-propulsion/usaf-seeks-third-party-vendors-f-22-sensor-capability-upgrades |title=USAF Seeks Third-Party Vendors For F-22 Sensor, Capability Upgrades |work=Aviation Week |date=12 January 2022 |access-date=13 March 2023 |archive-date=26 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221126162048/https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/aircraft-propulsion/usaf-seeks-third-party-vendors-f-22-sensor-capability-upgrades |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Everstine |first=Brian |url=https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/aircraft-propulsion/usaf-lockheed-plan-f-22-updates-feed-next-gen-fighter-tech |title=USAF, Lockheed Plan F-22 Updates To Feed Next-Gen Fighter Tech |work=Aviation Week |date=4 August 2023}}</ref>

[[File:F-22 with 757 FTB near Edwards AFB.jpg|thumb|F-22s fly in formation with the 757 FTB near Edwards AFB]]
Additional upgrades being tested include new sensors and antennas, integration of new weapons including the [[AIM-260 JATM]], and reliability improvements such as more durable stealth coatings; the dedicated infrared search and track (IRST), originally deleted during Dem/Val, is one of the sensors added.<ref>Osborn, Kris. [https://defensesystems.com/articles/2017/03/14/f22.aspx "Air Force upgrades F-22 sensors, weapons hardware"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315150211/https://defensesystems.com/articles/2017/03/14/f22.aspx |date=15 March 2017}}. ''Defense Systems'', 14 March 2017.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Contracts for November 5, 2021 |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2835747/https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2835747// |date=2021-11-05 |publisher=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Losey|first=Stephen|date=5 November 2021|title=Lockheed wins $10.9B contract to modernize F-22|url=https://www.defensenews.com/air/2021/11/05/lockheed-wins-109b-contract-to-modernize-f-22/|access-date=8 November 2021|website=Defense News|archive-date=13 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313155355/https://www.defensenews.com/air/2021/11/05/lockheed-wins-109b-contract-to-modernize-f-22/|url-status=live}}</ref> Other developments include all-aspect IRST functionality for the Missile Launch Detector (MLD),{{refn|All-aspect IRST functionality, called Infrared Defensive System (IRDS), is being developed for the F-22, with updated sensors called TacIRST.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wolfe |first=Frank |url=https://www.defensedaily.com/lockheed-martin-plans-to-integrate-new-defensive-system-on-f-22/air-force/ |title=Lockheed Martin Plans to Integrate New Defensive System on F-22 |work=Defense Daily |date=22 January 2025}}</ref>|group=N}} manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) capability with uncrewed [[collaborative combat aircraft]] (CCA) or "loyal wingmen", and integration of the [[Gentex (military contractor)|Gentex]]/[[Raytheon]] (later [[Thales Group|Thales USA]]) Scorpion [[helmet-mounted display]] (HMD).{{refn|The original plan to integrate the Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) was deferred due to costs and technical difficulties. In 2013, the newer Scorpion HMD was successfully tested on the F-22, but it was initially not deployed due to funding cuts.<ref name="Scorpion2013"/>|group=N}}<ref name="raptorroadmap2019"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thalesdsi.com/2024/09/20/thales-awarded-diu-contract-f22-hmd-interface-dev/ |title=Thales Defense & Security Inc. (TDSI) Awarded Contract by DIU for F-22 Helmet Mounted Display Interface Development |work=Thales DSI |date=20 September 2024}}</ref> To preserve the aircraft's stealth while enabling additional payload and fuel capacity, stealthy external carriage has been investigated since the early-2000s, with a low drag, low-observable external tank and pylon under development to increase stealthy combat radius.<ref name="Raptor_as_bomber">{{cite journal |last= Tirpak |first=John A. |journal=Air Force Magazine |publisher=Air Force Association |access-date=7 July 2009 |date=January 2005 |oclc=5169825 |pages=28–33 |title=The Raptor as Bomber |url=http://www.airforcemag.com/MagazineArchive/Documents/2005/January%202005/0105raptor.pdf |volume=88 |issue=1 |issn=0730-6784}}</ref> The F-22 has also been used a platform to test and apply technologies from the NGAD program.<ref name="F22_NGAD_tech">{{cite web |title=F-22 Being Used To Test Next Generation Air Dominance 'Fighter' Tech |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/f-22-being-used-to-test-next-generation-air-dominance-fighter-tech |work=The War Zone |date=25 April 2022 |access-date=13 March 2023 |archive-date=16 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216183519/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/f-22-being-used-to-test-next-generation-air-dominance-fighter-tech |url-status=live}}</ref>

Not all proposed upgrades have been implemented. The planned [[Multifunction Advanced Data Link]] (MADL) integration was cut due to development delays and lack of proliferation.  While Block 20 aircraft from Lot 3 onwards have been upgraded to Block 30/35 under the Common Configuration Plan, Lockheed Martin in 2017 had also proposed upgrading all remaining Block 20 training aircraft to Block 30/35 as well to increase numbers available for combat; this was not pursued due to other budget priorities.<ref name=costdata194/>

Aside from modernizations, the F-22's structural design and construction was improved over the course of the production run; for instance, aircraft from Lot 3 onwards had improved stabilators built by [[Vought]].<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2002-06-26-New-Horizontal-Stabilator-Design-and-Manufacturing-Process-to-Save-F-22-Raptor-Program-1-Million-Per-Aircraft |title=New Horizontal Stabilator Design And Manufacturing Process To Save F-22 Raptor Program $1 Million Per Aircraft |agency=Lockheed Martin |date=26 June 2002}}</ref><ref>Miller 2005, p. 60.</ref> The fleet underwent a $350&nbsp;million "structures repair/retrofit program" (SRP) to resolve problems identified during testing as well as address improper titanium heat treatment in the parts of early batches.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Offley |first=Ed |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-145240376.html |title=Flaw Could Shorten Raptors' Lives |journal=News-Herald |location=Panama City, Florida |date=4 May 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140611061716/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-145240376.html |access-date=12 February 2014|archive-date=11 June 2014}}</ref><ref name=availability_63%>{{cite web |last=Drew |first=James |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/f-22-raptor-retrofit-to-take-longer-but-availability-hits-414341/ |title=F-22 Raptor retrofit to take longer, but availability hits 63% |work=FlightGlobal |date=5 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709123518/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/f-22-raptor-retrofit-to-take-longer-but-availability-hits-414341/ |archive-date=9 July 2015}}</ref> By January 2021, all aircraft had gone through the SRP to ensure full service lives for the entire fleet.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.dvidshub.net/news/387645/f-22-raptor-gets-major-upgrades-courtesy-hill-afbs-574th-aircraft-maintenance-squadron |title=F-22 Raptor gets major upgrades courtesy of Hill AFB's 574th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron |last1=Lloyd |first1=Alex R. |date=26 January 2021 |website=Defense Visual Information Distribution Service |publisher=Ogden Air Logistics Complex |access-date=27 January 2021 |archive-date=27 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127111406/https://www.dvidshub.net/news/387645/f-22-raptor-gets-major-upgrades-courtesy-hill-afbs-574th-aircraft-maintenance-squadron |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="f22-problems">Rolfsen, Bruce (12 November 2007). [http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20071114095944/http%3A//airforcetimes.com/news/2007/11/airforce_raptor_rust_071112w/ "F-22 design problems force expensive fixes"]. ''Air Force Times''.</ref> The F-22 has also been used to test and qualify alternative fuels, including a synthetic jet fuel consisting of 50/50 mix of [[JP-8]] and a [[Fischer–Tropsch process]]-produced, natural gas-based fuel in August 2008, and a 50% mixture of biofuel derived from [[camelina]] in March 2011.<ref>Delos Reyes, Julius (3 September 2008). [https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/122541/edwards-f-22-raptor-refuels-using-synthetic-fuel/ "Edwards F-22 Raptor performs aerial refueling using synthetic fuel"]. [https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/122541/edwards-f-22-raptor-refuels-using-synthetic-fuel/] U.S. Air Force. Retrieved 14 September 2011.</ref><ref>Quick, Darren (23 March 2011). [http://www.gizmag.com/f-22-raptor-biofuel-flight/18218/ "F-22 Raptor hits Mach 1.5 on camelina-based biofuel"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120226122946/http://www.gizmag.com/f-22-raptor-biofuel-flight/18218/ |date=26 February 2012}} ''Gizmag''.</ref>

==Design==
===Overview===
[[File:F-22 Raptor.ogg|thumb|left|F-22 flight demonstration video|alt=Demonstration video of an F-22]]

The F-22 Raptor is a [[Fifth-generation jet fighter|fifth-generation]] air superiority fighter that is considered fourth generation in [[stealth aircraft]] technology by the USAF.<ref>Carlson, Maj. Gen. Bruce. [http://www.defense.gov/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=597 "Subject: Stealth Fighters."] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100829052211/http://www.defense.gov/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=597 |date=29 August 2010}} ''U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) News Transcript''. Retrieved 28 August 2011.</ref> It is the first operational aircraft to combine supercruise, [[supermaneuverability]], stealth, and integrated avionics (or sensor fusion) in a single [[weapons platform]] to enable it to survive and conduct missions, primarily offensive and defensive counter-air operations, in highly contested environments.<ref name="f22_factsheet">[https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104506/f-22-raptor/ "F-22 Raptor fact sheet."]. [https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104506/f-22-raptor/] U.S. Air Force, March 2009. Retrieved 23 July 2009.</ref>

The F-22's shape combines stealth and aerodynamic performance. Planform and panel edges are aligned at common angular aspects and the surfaces, also aligned accordingly, have continuous curvature to minimize the aircraft's radar cross-section.<ref name="Miller2005P25-27">Miller 2005, pp. 25-27.</ref> Its clipped diamond-like [[delta wing]]s have the leading edge swept 42°, trailing edge swept −17°, a slight anhedral and a conical camber to reduce supersonic [[wave drag]]. The shoulder-mounted wings are smoothly blended into the fuselage with four [[empennage]] surfaces and [[leading edge extension|leading edge root extensions]] running to the caret inlets' upper edges, where the forebody chines also meet. Flight control surfaces include [[Leading-edge slat|leading-edge flaps]], [[flaperon]]s, [[aileron]]s, [[rudder]]s on the canted [[vertical stabilizer]]s, and all-moving horizontal tails ([[stabilator]]s); for [[Air brake (aeronautics)|air braking]], the ailerons deflect up, flaperons down, and rudders outwards to increase drag.<ref>Miller 2005, pp. 79-91.</ref><ref name="f22_flight_test_update"/> Owing to the focus on supersonic performance, [[area rule]] is applied extensively to the airplane's shape and nearly all of the fuselage volume lies ahead of the wing's trailing edge to reduce drag at supersonic speeds, with the stabilators pivoting from tail booms extending aft of the engine nozzles.<ref>Sweetman 1998, pp. 34-36</ref> Weapons are carried internally in the fuselage for stealth. The jet has a retractable [[tricycle landing gear]] and an emergency [[tailhook]].<ref name="f22_flight_test_update">{{cite journal |last1=Kohn |first1=Lt. Col. Allen E. |last2=Rainey |first2=Lt. Col. Steven M. |author-link2=Steven M. Rainey |journal=SETP 41st Symposium |date=9 April 1999 |publisher=[[Society of Experimental Test Pilots]] |url=http://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/docs/f-22-emd-paper.htm |title=F-22 Flight Test Program Update |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140717014716/http://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/docs/f-22-emd-paper.htm |archive-date=17 July 2014}}</ref> Fire suppression system and fuel tank [[inerting system]] are installed for survivability.<ref name="live_fire_testing"/><ref>{{cite journal |last=Sprouse |first=Jim |title=F-22 ECS/TMS Qualification Test Program Overview |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/44650415 |journal=SAE Transactions |volume=106 |publisher=[[SAE International]] |date=1997|pages=402–407 |jstor=44650415 }}</ref>

The aircraft's dual [[Pratt & Whitney F119]] augmented [[turbofan]] engines are closely spaced and incorporate rectangular two-dimensional [[thrust vectoring]] nozzles with a range of ±20 degrees in the [[flight dynamics|pitch-axis]]; the nozzles are fully integrated into the F-22's flight controls and vehicle management system. Each engine has dual-redundant [[Hamilton Standard]] full-authority digital engine control ([[FADEC]]) and maximum [[thrust]] in the 35,000&nbsp;[[pound-force|lbf]] (156&nbsp;kN) class. The F-22's [[thrust-to-weight ratio]] at typical combat weight is nearly at unity in maximum military power and 1.25 in full [[afterburner]]. The fixed shoulder-mounted [[intake ramp|caret inlets]] are offset from the forward fuselage to bypass the turbulent [[boundary layer]] and generate oblique shocks with the upper inboard corners to ensure good total pressure recovery and efficient supersonic flow compression.<ref>{{cite book |first1=Jeffrey W. |last1=Hamstra |first2=Brent N. |last2=McCallum |url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/9780470686652.eae490 |title=Tactical Aircraft Aerodynamic Integration |doi=10.1002/9780470686652.eae490 |isbn=9780470754405 |date=15 September 2010 |access-date=19 October 2021 |archive-date=19 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019070031/https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/9780470686652.eae490 |url-status=live}}</ref> Maximum speed without external stores is approximately [[Mach (speed)|Mach]] 1.8 in supercruise at military/intermediate power and greater than Mach 2 with afterburners.{{refn|This capability was demonstrated in 2005 when General [[John P. Jumper]] exceeded Mach 1.7 in the F-22 without afterburners. When flying at Mach 2.0 at {{convert|40000|ft}} in steady level flight, the F-22 is only using 118% throttle out of 150% available (with 100% being military/intermediate power and 150% being full afterburner). Time from brake release to Mach 1.7 at {{convert|60000|ft}} level flight is less than 3 minutes 30 seconds.<ref>Powell, 2nd Lt. William. [https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/135233/general-jumper-qualifies-in-fa-22-raptor/ "General Jumper qualifies in F/A-22 Raptor."]  ''Air Force Link'', 13 January 2005.</ref><ref name="WMOF_JB">{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lltMfkj1yPU |title=F-117 Nighthawk and F-22 Raptor with Jim "JB" Brown, President & CEO National Test Pilot School |date=21 November 2022 |publisher=Western Museum of Flight |location=Torrance, California |access-date=30 June 2023 |people=[[James E. Brown III|Brown, James "JB"]]}}</ref>|group=N}} With {{convert|18000|lbs|kg|0|abbr=on}} of internal fuel and an additional {{convert|8000|lbs|kg|0|abbr=on}} in two 600-gallon external tanks, the jet has a ferry range of over {{convert|1600|nmi|mi km|-1|abbr=on}}.<ref name="AFM">Ayton, Mark. "F-22 Raptor". ''[[AirForces Monthly]]'', August 2008, p. 75. Retrieved 19 July 2008.</ref> The aircraft has a refueling boom receptacle centered on its spine and an [[auxiliary power unit]] embedded in the left wing root.<ref>Miller 2005, pp. 93-94.</ref>

[[File:F-22F119.JPG|thumb|F-22 flying with its [[Pratt & Whitney F119]] engines on full afterburner during testing|alt=Rear view of jet aircraft in-flight at dawn/dusk above mountains. Its engines are in full afterburner, evident through the presence of shock diamonds.]]
The F-22's high cruise speed and operating altitude over prior fighters improve the effectiveness of its sensors and weapon systems, and increase survivability against ground defenses such as [[surface-to-air missile]]s.<ref>{{cite news |author=Bedard, David |url=http://www.dvidshub.net/news/88337/bird-prey-bulldogs-accept-delivery-last-raptor |title=Bird of Prey: Bulldogs accept delivery of last Raptor |agency=Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Public Affairs |date=11 May 2012 |access-date=14 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512233348/http://www.dvidshub.net/news/88337/bird-prey-bulldogs-accept-delivery-last-raptor |archive-date=12 May 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>Grant, Rebecca. [http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Why_The_F-22_Is_Vital_Part_13_999.html "Why The F-22 Is Vital Part 13."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013185646/http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Why_The_F-22_Is_Vital_Part_13_999.html |date=13 October 2012}} United Press International, 31 March 2009.</ref> Its ability to supercruise, or sustain [[Supersonic speed|supersonic]] flight without using afterburners, allows it to intercept targets that afterburner-dependent aircraft would lack the fuel to reach. The use of internal [[bomb bay|weapons bay]]s permits the aircraft to maintain comparatively higher performance over most other combat-configured fighters due to a lack of [[parasitic drag]] from external stores.<ref name="pilotperspective"/> The F-22's thrust and aerodynamics enable regular combat speeds of Mach 1.5 at {{convert|50000|ft}}, thus providing 50% greater employment range for air-to-air missiles and twice the effective range for JDAMs than with prior platforms.{{refn|In testing, an F-22 cruising at Mach 1.5 at 50,000 feet (15,000&nbsp;m) struck a moving target {{convert|24|mi|km}} away with a JDAM.<ref name="upi_20061122">{{Cite news |url=http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2006/11/22/US-orders-two-dozen-raptors-for-2010/UPI-51851164210418/ |title=U.S. orders two dozen Raptors for 2010 |work=[[United Press International]] |date=22 November 2006 |access-date=24 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110623104522/http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2006/11/22/US-orders-two-dozen-raptors-for-2010/UPI-51851164210418/ |archive-date=23 June 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref>|group=N}}<ref name="af_almanac_200605">"USAF Almanac." ''Air Force Magazine'', May 2006.</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/0301fighter/|last=Tirpak|first=John A.|title=The Indispensable Fighter|magazine=[[Air & Space Forces Magazine]]|volume=84|issue=3|date=March 2001|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250519042916/https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/0301fighter/|archive-date=19 May 2025|url-status=live|access-date=15 July 2012}}</ref> Its structure contains a significant amount of high-strength materials to withstand [[Stress (mechanics)|stress]] and heat of sustained supersonic flight. Respectively, [[titanium alloy]]s and [[bismaleimide]]/epoxy composites comprise 42% and 24% of the structural weight; the materials and multiple [[Structural load|load]] path structural design also enable good ballistic survivability.{{refn|The fuselage and wing structure was tested to validate survivability against [[30 mm caliber|30 mm]] cannon fire.<ref name="live_fire_testing">{{cite book |author=((Committee on the Study of Live Fire Survivability Testing of the F-22 Aircraft)) |title=Live Fire Testing of the F-22 |date=1995 |url=https://doi.org/10.17226/4971 |page=50 |doi=10.17226/4971 |isbn=978-0-309-05333-4 |publisher=The National Academies Press|bibcode=1995nap..book.4971N |url-access=subscription }}</ref>|group=N}}<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Anderson |first1=William D. |last2=Mortara |first2=Sean |date=April 2007 |title=F-22 Aeroelastic Design and Test Validation |url=https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2007-1764 |journal=54th AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference |publisher=American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) |page=4 |doi=10.2514/6.2007-1764 |isbn=978-1-62410-013-0|url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Cotton |first1=J.D. |last2=Clark |first2=L.P. |last3=Phelps |first3=Hank |title=Titanium alloys on the F-22 fighter airframe |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/285009555 |date=May 2002 |volume=160 |issue=5 |journal=Advanced Materials & Processes Magazine |publisher=American Society for Metals ([[ASM International]])}}</ref>

The airplane's aerodynamics, [[relaxed stability]], and powerful thrust-vectoring engines give it excellent maneuverability and energy potential across its flight envelope, capable of 9-''g'' maneuvers at takeoff gross weight with full internal fuel.<ref name="WMOF_JB"/> Its large control surfaces, vortex-generating chines and LERX, and vectoring nozzles provide excellent high alpha ([[angle of attack]]) characteristics, and is capable of flying at trimmed alpha of over 60° while maintaining roll control and performing maneuvers such as the [[Herbst maneuver]] (J-turn) and [[Pugachev's Cobra]];<ref name="avweek_20070107"/> vortex impingement on the vertical tail fins did cause more [[buffeting]] than initially anticipated, resulting in the strengthening of the fin structure by changing the rear spar from composite to titanium.<ref name="FI_08_Sep_2003"/><ref name="peron_aoa">{{cite web |last=Peron |first=L. R. |url=http://www.sfte-ec.se/data/Abstract/A2000-II-02.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070628053735/http://www.sfte-ec.se/data/Abstract/A2000-II-02.pdf |archive-date=28 June 2007 |title=F-22 Initial High Angle-of-Attack Flight Results (Abstract) |publisher=[[Air Force Flight Test Center]] |work=Society of Flight Test Engineers (STFE) 2000 Symposium |year=2000 |access-date=7 November 2009}}</ref> The computerized triplex-redundant [[fly-by-wire]] [[Aircraft flight control system|control system]] and FADEC make the aircraft highly [[departure resistance|departure resistant]] and controllable, thus giving the pilot carefree handling.<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140831002444/http://www.pw.utc.com/F119_Engine |archive-date=31 August 2014 |title=F119 Engine |publisher=Pratt & Whitney |url=http://www.pw.utc.com/F119_Engine}}</ref><ref name="pilotperspective">{{cite magazine |last1=Metz |first1=Paul |last2=Beesley |first2=Jon |url=http://www.codeonemagazine.com/archives/2000/articles/oct_00/f-22/f22_1.html |title=F-22 Pilot Perspective |magazine=Code One Magazine |date=October 2000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100424195255/http://www.codeonemagazine.com/archives/2000/articles/oct_00/f-22/f22_1.html |archive-date=24 April 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Stealth===
[[File:F 22 raptor bomb bay display 2014 Reno Air Races photo D Ramey Logan.jpg|thumb|left|For stealth, the F-22 carries weapons in internal bays. The doors for the center and side bays are open; four LAU-142/A AMRAAM Vertical Eject Launchers (AVEL) are visible.]]

The F-22 was designed to be highly difficult to detect and track by radar, with radio waves reflected, [[Scattering|scattered]], or [[Diffraction|diffracted]] away from the emitter source towards specific sectors, or absorbed and attenuated. Measures to reduce RCS include airframe shaping such as alignment of edges and continuous curvature of surfaces, internal carriage of weapons, fixed-geometry [[S-duct|serpentine inlet]] ducts and curved vanes that prevent line-of-sight of the engine fan faces and turbines from any exterior view, use of [[radar-absorbent material]] (RAM), and attention to detail such as hinges and pilot helmets that could provide a radar return.<ref name="Miller2005P25-27"/> The F-22 was also designed to have decreased radio frequency emissions, [[infrared signature]] and [[acoustic signature]] as well as [[aircraft camouflage|reduced visibility to the naked eye]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Jenn |first=D. |url=http://faculty.nps.edu/jenn/ec4630/rcsredux.pdf |title=RCS Reduction (Lecture Notes) |work=Naval Postgraduate School |date=Fall 2011 |access-date=13 March 2023 |archive-date=22 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222070954/https://faculty.nps.edu/jenn/ec4630/rcsredux.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> The aircraft's rectangular thrust-vectoring nozzles flatten the exhaust plume and facilitate its mixing with ambient air through [[vortex shedding|shed vortices]], which reduces infrared emissions to mitigate the threat of [[infrared homing]] ("heat seeking") surface-to-air or [[air-to-air missile]]s.<ref>Aronstein and Hirschberg 1998, p. 284.</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Katz |first=Dan |url=https://aviationweek.com/defense/physics-and-techniques-infrared-stealth |title=The Physics And Techniques of Infrared Stealth |magazine=Aviation Week |publisher=Penton Media |date=7 July 2017 |access-date=12 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180814125513/http://aviationweek.com/defense/physics-and-techniques-infrared-stealth |archive-date=14 August 2018 |url-status=live}}{{subscription required}}</ref> Additional measures to reduce the infrared signature include special topcoat and [[Regenerative cooling|active cooling]] to manage the heat buildup from supersonic flight.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.northropgrumman.com/AboutUs/AnalysisCenter/Documents/pdfs/analogues_stealth.pdf |title=Analogues of Stealth |publisher=Northrop Grumman |date=27 April 2012 |type=analysis paper |access-date=10 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219172328/http://www.northropgrumman.com/AboutUs/AnalysisCenter/Documents/pdfs/analogues_stealth.pdf |archive-date=19 February 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Miller2005P25-27"/>

Compared to previous stealth designs, the F-22 is less reliant on RAM, which are maintenance-intensive and susceptible to adverse weather conditions, and can undergo repairs on the flight line or in a normal hangar without climate control. The F-22 incorporates a ''Signature Assessment System'' which delivers warnings when the radar signature is degraded and necessitates repair.<ref name="avweek_20070107" /> While the F-22's exact RCS is [[Classified information in the United States|classified]], in 2009 Lockheed Martin released information indicating that from certain angles the airplane has an RCS of 0.0001 m<sup>2</sup> or −40 [[Decibel#Radar|dBsm]] – equivalent to the radar reflection of a "steel marble"; the aircraft can mount a [[Luneburg lens]] reflector to mask its RCS.<ref name="f22-paris">{{cite web |last=Fulghum |first=David A. |url=http://aviationweek.com/awin/f-22-raptor-make-paris-air-show-debut |title=F-22 Raptor To Make Paris Air Show Debut |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819132737/http://aviationweek.com/awin/f-22-raptor-make-paris-air-show-debut |archive-date=19 August 2016 |work=Aviation Week |date=4 February 2009 |access-date=15 February 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Lockie |first=Alex |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/f-35-luneberg-radar-cross-section-russia-estonia-2017-5 |title=This strange mod to the F-35 kills its stealth near Russian defenses—and there's good reason for that |work=Business Insider |date=5 May 2017 |access-date=15 February 2020 |archive-date=24 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200824190211/https://www.businessinsider.com/f-35-luneberg-radar-cross-section-russia-estonia-2017-5 |url-status=live}}</ref> For missions where stealth is required, the [[availability|mission capable rate]] is 62–70%.{{refn|"... noting that Raptors are ready for a mission around 62 percent of the time, if its low-observable requirements are met (DAILY, 20 November). Reliability goes up above 70 percent for missions with lower stealth demands."<ref>{{cite news |last=Butler |first=Amy |url=http://aviationweek.com/awin/usaf-chief-notes-f-22s-are-needed-defends-capabilities |title=USAF Chief Defends F-22 Need, Capabilities |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819052137/http://aviationweek.com/awin/usaf-chief-notes-f-22s-are-needed-defends-capabilities |archive-date=19 August 2016 |work=Aviation Week |publisher=McGraw Hill |date=17 February 2009 |access-date=31 August 2011}}</ref> |group= N}} Beginning in 2021, the F-22 has been seen testing a new chrome-like surface coating, speculated to help reduce the F-22's detectability by infrared tracking systems.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://theaviationist.com/2021/12/10/f-22-with-a-mirror-like-coating/ | title=This Video Provides Another Look at the F-22 Raptor Covered with a Mirror-Like Coating | date=10 December 2021 | access-date=13 March 2023 | archive-date=30 January 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130102155/https://theaviationist.com/2021/12/10/f-22-with-a-mirror-like-coating/ | url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://theaviationist.com/2022/03/19/second-chrome-f-22-raptor/ | title=There's Now a Second 'Chrome' F-22 Raptor Flying with Mirror-Like Coating at Nellis AFB | date=19 March 2022 | access-date=13 March 2023 | archive-date=12 December 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212195536/https://theaviationist.com/2022/03/19/second-chrome-f-22-raptor/ | url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptor (09-4191) arrives at the 2016 RIAT Fairford 7Jul2016 arp.jpg|thumb|Front fuselage detail of an F-22]]
The effectiveness of the stealth characteristics is difficult to gauge. The RCS value is a restrictive measurement of the aircraft's frontal or side area from the perspective of a static radar. When an aircraft maneuvers it exposes a completely different set of angles and surface area, potentially increasing radar observability. Furthermore, the F-22's stealth contouring and radar-absorbent materials are chiefly effective against high-frequency radars, usually found on other aircraft. The effects of [[Rayleigh scattering]] and resonance mean that [[low-frequency radar]]s such as [[weather radar]]s and [[early-warning radar]]s are more likely to detect the F-22 due to its physical size. These are also conspicuous, susceptible to [[Clutter (radar)|clutter]], and have low precision.<ref>Ralston, J; Heagy, J; et al. [http://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a359931.pdf "Environmental/Noise Effects on UHF/VHF UWB SAR".] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102110548/http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a359931.pdf |date=2 January 2015}} ''dtic.mil'', September 1998. Retrieved 2 January 2015.</ref> Additionally, while faint or fleeting radar contacts make defenders aware that a stealth aircraft is present, reliably vectoring interception to attack the aircraft is much more challenging.<ref>Plopsky, Guy and Fabrizio Bozzato. [https://thediplomat.com/2014/08/the-f-35-vs-the-vhf-threat/ "The F-35 vs. The VHF Threat."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226203753/https://thediplomat.com/2014/08/the-f-35-vs-the-vhf-threat/ |date=26 December 2014}} ''The Diplomat'', 21 August 2014.</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Grant, Rebecca |title=The Radar Game: Understanding Stealth and Aircraft Survivability |publisher=[[Mitchell Institute]] |date=September 2010 |url=https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/AFA/6379b747-7730-4f82-9b45-a1c80d6c8fdb/UploadedImages/Mitchell%20Publications/The%20Radar%20Game.pdf |access-date=28 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161203095318/https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/AFA/6379b747-7730-4f82-9b45-a1c80d6c8fdb/UploadedImages/Mitchell%20Publications/The%20Radar%20Game.pdf |archive-date=3 December 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Avionics===
[[File:F-22 put out Flare.jpg|thumb|left|An F-22 releases a flare during a training flight]]
The aircraft has an integrated avionics system where through sensor fusion, data from all onboard sensor systems as well as off-board inputs are filtered and processed into a combined tactical picture, thus enhancing the pilot's [[situational awareness]] and reducing workload. Key mission systems include [[Sanders Associates|Sanders]]/General Electric AN/ALR-94 electronic warfare system, [[Martin Marietta]] AN/AAR-56 [[infrared]] and [[ultraviolet]] [[Missile Approach Warning|Missile Launch Detector]] (MLD), [[Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems|Westinghouse]]/[[Texas Instruments]] [[AN/APG-77]] [[active electronically scanned array]] (AESA) radar, [[TRW Inc.|TRW]] AN/ASQ-220 Communication/Navigation/Identification (CNI) suite, and [[Raytheon]] <!--AN/ASG-XX -->advanced [[infrared search and track]] (IRST) being tested.<ref name="F22greenbats">{{cite web |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/f-22-raptor-being-readied-for-aim-260-missile-by-green-bats-testers |last=Hunter |first=Jamie |title=F-22 Raptor Being Readied for AIM-260 Missile by Green Bats Testers |work=The War Zone |date=11 August 2022 |access-date=21 August 2022 |archive-date=15 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815231133/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/f-22-raptor-being-readied-for-aim-260-missile-by-green-bats-testers |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Tirpak |first=John |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/new-f-22-sensors-service-life/ |title=New F-22 Sensors Could Help Extend the Raptor's Service Life |work=Air and Space Forces Magazine |publisher=Air and Space Forces Association |date=20 August 2024}}</ref><ref>[https://helitavia.com/avionics/TheAvionicsHandbook_Cap_32.pdf The F-22 avionics architecture is characterized as a common, modular, highly integrated system.]</ref>

The APG-77 radar has a low-observable, active-aperture, electronically scanned antenna with multiple target [[track-while-scan]] in all weather conditions; the antenna is tilted back for stealth. Its emissions can be focused to overload enemy sensors as an [[Radar jamming and deception|electronic attack]] capability. The radar changes frequencies more than 1,000 times per second to [[Low probability of intercept radar|lower interception probability]] and has an estimated range of {{convert|125|-|150|mi|km|abbr=on}} against an {{convert|1|m2|sqft|abbr=on|order=flip}} target and {{convert|250|mi|km|abbr=on}} or more in narrow beams. The upgraded APG-77(V)1 provides air-to-ground functionality through synthetic aperture radar (SAR) mapping, [[Moving target indication|ground moving target indication/track]] (GMTI/GMTT), and strike modes.<ref name="apg77v1fi"/><ref name="avweek_20070107">{{cite web |last1=Fulghum |first1=D.A. |last2=Fabey |first2=M.J |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924005256/http://www.f22-raptor.com/media/documents/aviation_week_010807.pdf |archive-date=24 September 2015 |title=F-22 Combat Ready |work=[[Aviation Week]] |date=8 January 2007 |url=http://www.f22-raptor.com/media/documents/aviation_week_010807.pdf |access-date=7 November 2009}}</ref>

The ALR-94 electronic warfare system, among the most technically complex equipment on the F-22, integrates more than 30 antennas blended into the wings and fuselage for all-round [[radar warning receiver]] (RWR) coverage and threat geolocation. It can be used as a passive detector capable of searching targets at ranges (250+ [[Nautical mile|nmi]]) exceeding the radar's, and can provide enough information for a target lock through narrowband interleaved search-and-rack (NBILST) and cue radar emissions to a [[pencil (optics)|narrow beam]] (down to 2° by 2° in azimuth and elevation). Depending on the detected threat, the defensive systems can prompt the pilot to release countermeasures such as flares or chaff.<ref name="avionics_magazine"/> To ensure stealth in the radio frequency spectrum, CNI emissions are strictly controlled and confined to specific sectors, with tactical communication between F-22s performed using the directional Inter/Intra-Flight Data Link (IFDL); the ASQ-220 CNI system, which later incorporated a MIDS-JTRS terminal, also manages [[TACAN]], IFF (including [[Aviation transponder interrogation modes|Mode 5]]), and communication through various methods such as [[HAVE QUICK]]/SATURN and [[SINCGARS]].<ref>Klass, Philip J. "Sanders Will Give BAE Systems Dominant Role in Airborne EW." ''Aviation Week'', Volume 153, issue 5, 31 July 2000, p. 74.</ref><ref name="fighter_EW_next">Sweetman 2000, pp. 41–47.</ref> Additional passive detection methods include the AAR-56 Missile Launch Detector, which uses six sensors to provide [[all-aspect|full spherical]] infrared coverage; the sensors are being updated to the TacIRST for improved detection and survivability measures. Separately, the advanced IRST, housed in a stealthy wing pod, is a narrow field-of-view sensor for long-range passive identification and targeting.<ref name="mld">{{cite web |url=http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/products/MissileLaunchDetector.html |title=Missile Launch Detector (MLD) |publisher=Lockheed Martin |access-date=10 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017101911/http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/products/MissileLaunchDetector.html |archive-date=17 October 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> The aircraft was also upgraded with an automatic ground collision avoidance system (GCAS).<ref>{{cite web |last=Tirpak |first=John |url=https://www.airforcemag.com/air-force-starts-fielding-auto-ground-collision-avoidance-system-in-f-35s/ |title=Air Force Starts Fielding Auto Ground Collision Avoidance System in F-35s |work=Air Force Magazine |date=25 July 2019 |access-date=31 March 2020 |archive-date=31 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731040726/https://www.airforcemag.com/air-force-starts-fielding-auto-ground-collision-avoidance-system-in-f-35s/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:CIP F-22.jpg|thumb|A CIP unit for the F-22]]
Information from radar, CNI, and other sensors are processed by two [[Hughes Electronics|Hughes]] Common Integrated Processor (CIP) mission computers, each capable of processing up to 10.5&nbsp;billion [[instructions per second]].<ref name="avionics_magazine">{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Air Dominance With The F-22 Raptor |url= https://www.scribd.com/document/653138229/Avionics-Magazine-Air-Dominance-With-the-F-22-Raptor-AVIlockheed2j |magazine=Avionics Magazine |location=Rockville, MD |publisher=Access Intelligence |date=2002 |access-date=1 June 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite report |url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA301209.pdf |title=Defense Science Board report on Concurrency and Risk of the F-22 program |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121201111826/http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA301209&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf |archive-date=1 December 2012 |publisher=Defense Science Board |date=April 1995 |access-date=31 August 2011}}</ref> The F-22's baseline software has some 1.7&nbsp;million [[source lines of code|lines of code]], the majority involving the mission systems such as processing radar data.<ref>Pace 1999, p. 58.</ref> The highly integrated nature of the avionics architecture system, as well as the use of the programming language [[Ada (programming language)|Ada]],{{refn|Former Secretary of the USAF Michael Wynne blamed the use of the DoD's Ada for cost overruns and delays on many military projects, including the F-22, mistakenly referring to Ada as an operating system rather than a programming language, and citing "the scramble to retain talent for ADA when careers were being made in DOS, Apple and LINUX".<ref name=Wynne_Terminate_F-22>Wynne, Michael. [https://sldinfo.com/2009/10/michael-wynne-on-the-industrial-impact-of-the-decision-to-terminate-the-f-22-program/ "Michael Wynne on: The Industrial Impact of the Decision to Terminate the F-22 Program."] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331131234/https://sldinfo.com/2009/10/michael-wynne-on-the-industrial-impact-of-the-decision-to-terminate-the-f-22-program/ |date=31 March 2019}} ''Second Line of Defense'', 2 October 2009. Retrieved 31 August 2011.</ref>|group=N}} has made the development and testing of upgrades challenging. To enable more rapid upgrades, the CIPs were upgraded with [[Curtiss-Wright]] open mission systems (OMS) processor modules as well as a modular open systems architecture called the Open Systems Enclave (OSE) orchestration platform to allow the avionics suite to interface with [[Containerization (computing)|containerized]] software from third-party vendors.<ref name="raptorroadmap2019"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/sensors-electronic-warfare/flight-test-clears-f-22-fleet-accept-third-party-software |title=Flight Test Clears F-22 Fleet To Accept Third-Party Software |work=Aviation Week |date=30 August 2022 |access-date=31 August 2022 |archive-date=31 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220831204858/https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/sensors-electronic-warfare/flight-test-clears-f-22-fleet-accept-third-party-software |url-status=live}}</ref>

The F-22's ability to operate close to the battlefield gives the aircraft threat detection and identification capability comparative with the [[Rivet Joint|RC-135 Rivet Joint]], and the ability to function as a "mini-[[Airborne early warning and control|AWACS]]", though its radar is less powerful than those of dedicated platforms. This allows the F-22 to rapidly designate targets for allies and coordinate friendly aircraft.<ref name="avweek_20070107"/><ref>{{cite web |last=Pawlyk |first=Oriana |url= https://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/06/27/the-f22-syria-deconflicting-not-dog-fighting.html |title= The F-22 in Syria: Deconflicting, Not Dog-Fighting |date=27 June 2017 |work=Military.com}}</ref> Although communication with other aircraft types was initially limited to voice, upgrades have enabled data to be transferred through a [[Battlefield Airborne Communications Node]] (BACN) or via JTIDS/[[Link 16]] traffic through MIDS-JTRS.<ref name=mids-j>{{cite web |url= https://www.intelligent-aerospace.com/military/article/14187849/bae-f-22-friend-or-foe |title= BAE Systems receives certification for F-22 friend-or-foe capability |work= Intelligent Aerospace |date= 23 November 2020 |access-date= 26 September 2021 |archive-date= 26 September 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210926014451/https://www.intelligent-aerospace.com/military/article/14187849/bae-f-22-friend-or-foe |url-status= live}}</ref> The [[IEEE 1394]]B [[Bus (computing)|bus]] developed for the F-22 was derived from the commercial IEEE 1394 "FireWire" bus system.<ref name="avweek_20070205">Philips, E.H. "The Electric Jet." ''Aviation Week'', 5 February 2007.</ref> In 2007, the F-22's radar was tested as a wireless data transceiver, transmitting data at 548 megabits per second and receiving at gigabit speed, far faster than the Link 16 system.<ref>Page, Lewis. [https://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/06/19/super_stealth_jet_acts_as_flying_wifi_hotspots/ "F-22 superjets could act as flying Wi-Fi hotspots."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101005080754/http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/06/19/super_stealth_jet_acts_as_flying_wifi_hotspots/ |date=5 October 2010}} ''The Register'', 19 June 2007. Retrieved 7 November 2009.</ref> The aircraft's radio frequency receivers provide electronic support measures (ESM) and the ability to perform [[intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance]] (ISR) tasks.<ref>{{cite web |author=Reed, John. |url=http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2009/12/airforce_deptula_121909/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120604212938/http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2009/12/airforce_deptula_121909/ |archive-date=4 June 2012 |title=Official: Fighters should be used for spying |work=Air Force Times |date=20 December 2009 |access-date=9 May 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Freedberg |first=Sydney |url= https://breakingdefense.com/2016/11/f-22-f-35-outsmart-test-ranges-awacs/ |title= F-22, F-35 Outsmart Test Ranges, AWACS |date=7 November 2016 |work=Breaking Defense}}</ref>

===Cockpit===
[[File:F-22-raptor-16.jpg|thumb|Cockpit of the F-22, showing instruments, head-up display and throttle top (lower left)]]

The F-22 has a [[glass cockpit]] with all-digital flight instruments. The monochrome [[head-up display]] offers a wide field of view and serves as a primary [[flight instrument]]; information is also displayed upon six color [[liquid-crystal display]] (LCD) panels.<ref name=Williams_p10>Williams 2002, p. 10.</ref> The primary flight controls are a force-sensitive [[side-stick]] controller and a pair of throttles. The USAF initially wanted to implement [[direct voice input]] (DVI) controls, but this was judged to be too technically risky and was abandoned.<ref>Goebel, Greg. [http://www.airvectors.net/avf22.html "The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330170607/http://www.airvectors.net/avf22.html |date=30 March 2019}} ''airvectors.net'', 1 July 2011. Retrieved 10 November 2012. {{unreliable source|date=February 2024}}</ref> The canopy's dimensions are approximately 140&nbsp;inches long, 45&nbsp;inches wide, and 27&nbsp;inches tall (355&nbsp;cm × 115&nbsp;cm × 69&nbsp;cm) and weighs 360 pounds.<ref name=LMBrettSHaisty>{{cite web |url=http://www.f22fighter.com/AffordableStealth.pdf |title=Lockheed Martin's Affordable Stealth |publisher=Lockheed Martin |date=15 November 2000 |page=2 |access-date=3 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130920003412/http://www.f22fighter.com/AffordableStealth.pdf |archive-date=20 September 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The canopy was redesigned after the original design lasted an average of 331 hours instead of the required 800 hours. Although the F-22 was originally intended to have a helmet mounted display (HMD), this was deferred during development to save costs; the aircraft is currently integrating the Scorpion HMD.<ref name="hatch.senate.gov"/>

The F-22 has integrated radio functionality, the signal processing systems are virtualized rather than as a separate hardware module.<ref>{{cite interview |last=Metz |first=Alfred "Paul" |subject-link= |interviewer-last=Kopp |interviewer-first=Carlo |title=Just How Good Is The F-22 Raptor? |work= |date=September 1998 |publisher=Air Power International |location= |url=http://www.ausairpower.net/API-Metz-Interview.html |access-date=30 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061207171735/http://www.ausairpower.net/API-Metz-Interview.html |archive-date=7 December 2006}}</ref> The integrated control panel (ICP) is a keypad system for entering communications, navigation, and autopilot data. Two {{Convert|3|x|4|in|cm|abbr=on}} up-front displays located around the ICP are used to display integrated caution advisory/warning (ICAW) data, CNI data and also serve as the stand-by flight instrumentation group and fuel quantity indicator for redundancy.<ref name=MoirSeabridge>"Military Avionics Systems", Ian Moir and Allan Seabridge, Wiley, pp. 360</ref> The stand-by flight group displays an [[artificial horizon]], for basic [[instrument meteorological conditions]]. The {{Convert|8|x|8|in|cm|abbr=on}} [[Multi-function display|primary multi-function display]] (PMFD) is located under the ICP, and is used for navigation and situation assessment. Three {{Convert|6.25|x|6.25|in|cm|abbr=on}} secondary multi-function displays are located around the PMFD for tactical information and stores management.<ref name=Williams_p11>Williams 2002, p.&nbsp;11.</ref>

The ejection seat is a version of the [[ACES II]] commonly used in USAF aircraft, with a center-mounted ejection control.<ref>[http://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a446673.pdf "ACES II Pre-Planned Product Improvement (P3I) Program Update."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222052258/http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a446673.pdf |date=22 February 2017}} ''dtic.mil.'' Retrieved: 24 December 2014.</ref> The F-22 has a complex [[life support system]], which includes the onboard oxygen generation system (OBOGS), protective pilot garments, and a breathing regulator/anti-g (BRAG) valve controlling flow and pressure to the pilot's mask and garments. The pilot garments were developed under the Advanced Technology Anti-G Suit (ATAGS) project and protect against chemical/biological hazards and [[Water landing|cold-water immersion]], counter [[g-force]]s and low pressure at high altitudes, and provide thermal relief.<ref name=ATAGSRichardsonS>"A preliminary investigation of a fluid-filled ECG-triggered anti-g suit", February 1994</ref> Following a series of hypoxia-related issues, the life support system was consequently revised to include an automatic backup oxygen system and a new flight vest valve.<ref name="resume-op"/> In combat environments, the ejection seat includes a modified [[M4 carbine]] designated the GAU-5/A.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/27950/usaf-fighter-pilots-are-now-flying-with-these-converted-m4-rifles-in-their-survival-kits |title=USAF Fighter Pilots Are Now Flying With These Converted M4 Rifles In Their Survival Kits |work=The War Zone |date=10 May 2019}}</ref>

===Armament===
[[File:F-22 GBU39B AIM-120 m02006120800117.jpg|thumb|left|One [[AIM-120 AMRAAM]] (right) and four [[GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb|GBU-39 SDB]] (left) fitted in the main weapons bay of an F-22]]

The F-22 has three internal weapons bays: a large main bay on the bottom of the fuselage, and two smaller bays on the sides of the fuselage, aft of the engine inlets; a small bay for countermeasures such as flares is located behind each side bay.<ref>Pace 1999, pp. 65–66.</ref> The main bay is split along the centerline and can accommodate six LAU-142/A launchers for beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles and each side bay has an LAU-141/A launcher for short-range missiles. The primary air-to-air missiles are the [[AIM-120 AMRAAM]] and the [[AIM-9 Sidewinder]], with planned integration of the [[AIM-260 JATM]].<ref>[https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/p010403.pdf "Technologies for Future Precision Strike Missile Systems – Missile/Aircraft Integration. ADA387602."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321102315/https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/p010403.pdf |date=21 March 2019}} ''dtic.mil.''</ref> Missile launches require the bay doors to be open for less than a second, during which pneumatic or hydraulic arms push missiles clear of the aircraft; this is to reduce vulnerability to detection and to deploy missiles during high-speed flight.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20130526171429/http://www.exelisinc.com/solutions/Launchers/Pages/default.aspx "LAU-142/A – AVEL – AMRAAM Vertical Eject Launcher."] Exelis. Retrieved 7 November 2009.</ref> An internally mounted [[M61 Vulcan|M61A2 Vulcan]] 20&nbsp;mm [[rotary cannon]] is embedded in the airplane's right wing root with the [[Muzzle (firearms)|muzzle]] covered by a retractable door, which remains closed when the cannon is not firing in order to minimize the negative effect the exposed muzzle on the aircraft's radar signature<ref name=Miller_2005_p94>Miller 2005, p. 94.</ref> The radar projection of the cannon fire's path is displayed on the pilot's head-up display.<ref>DeMarban, Alex. [https://archive.today/20120719154456/http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/target-towing-cessna-pilot-unconcerned-about-live-fire-practice-f-22s "Target-towing Cessna pilot unconcerned about live-fire practice with F-22s."] ''Alaska Dispatch'', 3 May 2012.</ref>

Although designed for air-to-air missiles, the main bay can replace four launchers with two bomb racks that can each carry one 1,000&nbsp;lb (450&nbsp;kg) or four 250&nbsp;lb (110&nbsp;kg) bombs for a total of {{convert|2000|lb|kg|sigfig=2}} of air-to-surface ordnance.<ref name=Polmar>Polmar 2005, p. 397.</ref><ref name="f22_factsheet"/> In 2024, Lockheed Martin disclosed its proposed [[Mako (missile)|Mako]] [[Hypersonic speed|hypersonic]] missile, a 1,300&nbsp;lb (590&nbsp;kg) weapon that can be carried internally in the F-22.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/news/features/2024/mako-a-hypersonic-missile-thats-more-than-ready.html |title=A Hypersonic Missile That's More Than Ready |publisher=Lockheed Martin |date=22 July 2024}}</ref> While capable of carrying weapons with GPS guidance such as JDAMs and SDBs, the F-22 cannot self-designate laser-guided weapons.<ref name=DefIndDaily>{{cite web |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/f22-raptor-procurement-events-updated-02908/ |title=The F-22 Raptor: Program & Events |work=Defense Industry Daily |date=13 October 2013 |access-date=1 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022022733/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/f22-raptor-procurement-events-updated-02908/ |archive-date=22 October 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:F-22 AIM-120.jpg|thumb|F-22 with external weapons pylons]]
While the F-22 typically carries weapons internally, the wings include four [[hardpoint]]s, each rated to handle {{convert|5000|lb|kg|abbr=on}}. Each hardpoint can accommodate a pylon that can carry a detachable 600-[[gallon]] (2,270 L) external fuel tank or a launcher holding two air-to-air missiles; the two inboard hardpoints are "plumbed" for external fuel tanks. The two outboard hardpoints have since been dedicated to a pair of stealthy pods housing the IRST and mission systems. The aircraft can jettison external tanks and their pylon attachments to restore its low observable characteristics and [[kinematics|kinematic]] performance.<ref>Pace 1999, pp. 71–72.</ref>

===Maintenance===
Each F-22 requires a three-week packaged maintenance plan (PMP) every 300 flight hours.<ref name="tyndalltraining">Camelo, Maj. Wilson. [https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/486936/tyndall-afb-takes-f-22-pilot-training-to-next-level/ "Tyndall AFB takes F-22 pilot training to next level".] U.S. Air Force, 30 July 2014. Archived from [https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/486936/tyndall-afb-takes-f-22-pilot-training-to-next-level/ original.]</ref> Its stealth coatings were designed to be more robust and weather-resistant than those of earlier stealth aircraft,<ref name="avweek_20070107" /> yet early coatings failed against rain and moisture when F-22s were initially posted to [[Guam]] in 2009.<ref>Holmes, Erik. [https://archive.today/20120730194046/http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2009/10/airforce_F22_100409w/ "F-22 problems linked to rain in Guam."] ''Air Force Times'', 5 October 2009. Retrieved 9 May 2010.</ref> Stealth measures account for almost one third of maintenance, with coatings being particularly demanding.<ref>{{cite news |author=Seligman, Lara |url=https://aviationweek.com/air-combat-safety/us-air-force-tackles-repair-f-22-stealth-coating |title=U.S. Air Force Tackles Repair To F-22 Stealth Coating |work=Aviation Week |date=30 November 2016 |access-date=19 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720165014/http://aviationweek.com/air-combat-safety/us-air-force-tackles-repair-f-22-stealth-coating |archive-date=20 July 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="raptorroadmap2019"/> F-22 depot maintenance is performed at Ogden Air Logistics Complex at [[Hill Air Force Base|Hill AFB]], Utah; considerable care is taken during maintenance due to the small fleet size and limited attrition reserve.<ref>[https://www.wpafb.af.mil/News/story/id/123350437/ "Air Force to consolidate F-22 depot maintenance at Hill".]  U.S. Air Force, 29 May 2013. Retrieved 3 July 2014.</ref>

F-22s were available for missions 63% of the time on average in 2015, up from 40% when it was introduced in 2005. Maintenance hours per flight hour was also improved from 30 early on to 10.5 by 2009, lower than the requirement of 12; man-hours per flight hour was 43 in 2014. When introduced, the F-22 had a Mean Time Between Maintenance (MTBM) of 1.7 hours, short of the required 3.0; this rose to 3.2 hours in 2012.<ref name="hatch.senate.gov"/><ref name=availability_63%/> By fiscal year 2015, the cost per flight hour was $59,116, while the user reimbursement rate was approximately US$35,000 (~${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=35000|start_year=2019}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}) per flight hour in 2019.<ref name="F22cost2019"/><ref>{{cite web |author=Drew, James |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/f-35a-cost-and-readiness-data-improves-in-2015-as-fl-421499/ |title=F-35A cost and readiness data improves in 2015 as fleet grows |work=FlightGlobal |date=2 February 2015 |access-date=4 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306043626/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/f-35a-cost-and-readiness-data-improves-in-2015-as-fl-421499/ |archive-date=6 March 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Operational history==
===Introduction into service===
[[File:Aircraft Combat Archer (2565196807).jpg|thumb|An F-22 fires an AIM-120 AMRAAM|alt=Jet fighter flying above a streaking missile, which had moments earlier been released by the former.]]

The F-22 underwent extensive testing before its service introduction. While the first production aircraft was delivered to Edwards AFB in October 2002 for IOT&E and the first jet for the 422nd TES at Nellis AFB arrived in January 2003, IOT&E was continually pushed back from its planned start in mid-2003, with mission avionics stability being particularly challenging.{{refn|In 2002–2003, the F-22's software reliability was highly inadequate, needing to initiate an avionics system restart (which took minutes to cycle) every 1.9 hours despite the requirement for "mean-time between instability events" being over 20 hours. The integrated avionics software was frequently "crashing" and requiring in-flight reboots.<ref name="Miller2005pp64-65"/>|group=N}}<ref name="FI_08_Sep_2003">{{cite web |last=Warwick |first=Graham |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/ready-or-not-/50557.article |title=Ready or not... |work=Flight International |date=8 September 2003 |publisher=Reed Business Information <!--|archive-url= |archive-date=-->}}</ref> Following a preliminary assessment, called OT&E Phase 1, formal IOT&E began in April 2004 and was completed in December of that year. This milestone marked the successful demonstration of the jet's air-to-air mission capability, although the jet was more maintenance intensive than expected.<ref name="Miller2005pp64-65">Miller 2005, pp.&nbsp;64-65.</ref> A Follow-On OT&E (FOT&E) in 2005 cleared the F-22's air-to-ground mission capability.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/1008f22/ |title=F-22 Raptor Clears FOT&E |work=Air Force Magazine |date=13 January 2006 |access-date=21 December 2022 |archive-date=21 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221230434/https://www.airandspaceforces.com/1008f22/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

The first combat ready F-22 of the 1st Fighter Wing arrived at [[Langley Air Force Base|Langley AFB]], Virginia in January 2005 and that December, the USAF announced that the aircraft had achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC) with the 94th Fighter Squadron.<ref name="Tyndall2">{{cite web |url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/132463/f-22a-raptor-goes-operational/ |title=F-22A Raptor goes operational |publisher=U.S. Air Force |date=15 December 2005 |access-date=11 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425021318/http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/tabid/223/Article/132463/f-22a-raptor-goes-operational.aspx |archive-date=25 April 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> The unit subsequently participated in [[Exercise Northern Edge]] 06 in Alaska in June 2006 and Exercise [[Red Flag (USAF)|Red Flag]] 07–2 at Nellis AFB in February 2007, where it demonstrated the F-22's greatly increased air combat capabilities when flying against Red Force [[Aggressor squadron|Aggressor]] F-15s and F-16s with a simulated kill ratio of 108–0. These large force exercises also further refined the F-22's operational tactics and employment.<ref name="afpn_20060623_ad" /><ref name="flag">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/0507world/|title=Air Force World|last=Schanz|first=Marc V.|volume=90|issue=5|date=May 2007|magazine=[[Air & Space Forces Magazine]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250622152605/https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/0507world/|archive-date=22 June 2025|url-status=live|access-date=9 February 2008}}</ref>

The F-22 achieved Full Operational Capability (FOC) in December 2007, when General [[John D. W. Corley|John Corley]] of [[Air Combat Command]] (ACC) officially declared the F-22s of the integrated active duty [[1st Fighter Wing]] and [[Virginia Air National Guard]] [[192nd Fighter Wing]] fully operational.<ref>{{cite web |author=Hopper, David |title=F-22s at Langley receive FOC status |url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/124869/f-22s-at-langley-receive-foc-status/ |publisher=U.S. Air Force |date=12 December 2007 |access-date=1 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425011148/http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/tabid/223/Article/124869/f-22s-at-langley-receive-foc-status.aspx |archive-date=25 April 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> This was followed by an Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI) of the integrated wing in April 2008, in which it was rated "excellent" in all categories, with a simulated kill-ratio of 221–0.<ref>{{cite web |last=((2nd Lt. Schultz)) |first=Georganne E. |url=https://www.jble.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/259671/langley-earns-excellent-in-ori/ |title=Langley earns "excellent" in ORI |work=1st Fighter Wing |date=22 April 2007 |access-date=9 May 2010 |archive-date=22 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422011919/https://www.jble.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/259671/langley-earns-excellent-in-ori/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> The fielding of the F-22 with its precision strike capability also contributed to the retirement of the F-117 from operational service in 2008, with the [[49th Fighter Wing]] operating the F-22 for a brief period prior to a series of fleet consolidations to reduce long term operational costs;<ref>{{cite news |last=Topolsky |first=Joshua |url=https://www.engadget.com/2008/03/11/f-117-stealth-fighters-to-make-final-flight-no-one-will-know-abo/ |title=Air Force's stealth fighters making final flights |publisher=CNN |date=11 March 2008}}</ref> further consolidations to improve availability and pilot training were recommended by the Government Accountability Office in 2018.<ref>{{cite report |url=https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-18-190 |title=Force Structure: F-22 Organization and Utilization Changes Could Improve Aircraft Availability and Pilot Training (GAO-18-190) |date=19 July 2018 |publisher=U.S. Government Accountability Office}}</ref>

===Training===
[[File:F-15 and F-22.JPG|thumb|left|2005: An F-22 of the [[43rd Fighter Squadron]] flies alongside an [[F-15]] of the [[27th Fighter Squadron]].]]

The [[43rd Fighter Squadron]] was reactivated in 2002 as the F-22 Formal Training Unit (FTU) for the type's basic course at [[Tyndall Air Force Base|Tyndall AFB]] and the first aircraft for pilot training was delivered in September 2003. Following severe damage to the installation in the wake of [[Hurricane Michael]] in 2018, the squadron and its aircraft were relocated to nearby Eglin AFB; although it was initially feared that several jets were lost due to storm damage, all were later repaired and flown out.<ref>{{cite web |last=Cohen |first=Rachel |url=https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2021/06/14/a-perfect-storm-airmen-f-22s-struggle-at-eglin-nearly-three-years-after-hurricane-michael/ |title='A perfect storm': Airmen, F-22s struggle at Eglin nearly three years after Hurricane Michael |work=Air Force Times |date=13 June 2021 |access-date=20 December 2022 |archive-date=13 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313155357/https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2021/06/14/a-perfect-storm-airmen-f-22s-struggle-at-eglin-nearly-three-years-after-hurricane-michael/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The FTU and its aircraft were reassigned to the [[71st Fighter Squadron]] at Langley AFB in 2023.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3315512/f-22-raptor-ftu-begins-move-to-jble/ |title=F-22 Raptor FTU begins move to JBLE |work=U.S. Air Force (Air Combat Command) |date=1 March 2023 |access-date=13 March 2023 |archive-date=11 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311014706/https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3315512/f-22-raptor-ftu-begins-move-to-jble/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

As of 2014, B-Course students require 38 sorties to graduate (previously 43 sorties). Track 1 course pilots, pilots retraining from other aircraft, also saw a reduction in the number of sorties needed to graduate, from 19 to 12 sorties.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Camelo |first1=Maj. Wilson |title=Tyndall AFB takes F-22 pilot training to next level |url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/486936/tyndall-afb-takes-f-22-pilot-training-to-next-level/ |access-date=3 March 2024 |work=Air Force |date=30 July 2014}} {{PD-notice}}</ref> F-22 students are first trained on the [[Northrop T-38 Talon|T-38 Talon]] trainer aircraft. Additional pilot training takes place on the F-16 because the aging T-38 is not rated to sustain higher G-forces and lacks modern avionics.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Freed |first1=David |title=Meet the Jets Competing to Become the Next Air Force Trainer |url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/t-38-replacements-180967111/ |access-date=2 March 2024 |work=Smithsonian Magazine |date=December 2017 |language=en}}</ref> Due to a lack of a modern trainer stand-in that can accurately emulate the F-22, the Air Force often uses F-22s to supplement training, which is costly as the F-22 costs almost 10 times more than the T-38 per flight hour.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ludwigson |first1=Jon |title=Advanced Pilot Trainer Program Success Hinges on Better Managing Its Schedule and Providing Oversight |url=https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-23-106205.pdf |access-date=2 March 2024 |work=Government Accountability Organization |date=May 2023 |pages=24–25}}</ref> The upcoming [[Boeing–Saab T-7 Red Hawk|T-7 Red Hawk]] features modern avionics that better approximate those of the F-22 and F-35.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Losey |first1=Stephen |title=With T-7 on the way, why is ACC eyeing a new trainer? |url=https://www.defensenews.com/air/2021/12/01/with-t-7-on-the-way-why-is-acc-eyeing-a-new-trainer/ |access-date=3 March 2024 |work=Defense News |date=1 December 2021 |language=en}}</ref> This is scheduled to enter initial operating capability in 2027, several years behind schedule.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Losey |first1=Stephen |title=Key milestone for new Boeing trainer aircraft delayed to 2027 |url=https://www.defensenews.com/air/2023/04/28/key-milestone-for-new-boeing-trainer-aircraft-delayed-to-2027/#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20%E2%80%94%20Boeing's%20T%2D7A%20jet,escape%20system%20and%20ejection%20seat. |access-date=3 March 2024 |work=Defense News |date=28 April 2023 |language=en}}</ref> In 2014 the Air Force stood up the [[2nd Fighter Training Squadron]] at Tyndall AFB which was equipped with T-38s to serve as [[Aggressor squadron|adversary aircraft]] to reduce adversary training flights on the F-22s.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Albon |first1=Courtney |title=Graduating 28-30 students per year: F-22 Training Squadron Healthy As Operational Deployments Grow |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/24803751 |access-date=3 March 2024 |work=Inside the Air Force |issue=40 |publisher=Inside Defense |date=2015 |volume=26 |pages=3–4|jstor=24803751 }}</ref> To reduce operating costs and prolong the F-22's service life, some pilot training sorties are performed using flight simulators.<ref name="tyndalltraining"/> The advanced F-22 weapons instructor course at [[USAF Weapons School]] is conducted by the [[433rd Weapons Squadron]] at Nellis AFB.<ref name="433d Weapons Squadron."/>

===Initial operational problems===
During the initial years of service, F-22 pilots experienced symptoms as a result of oxygen system issues that include loss of consciousness, memory loss, [[emotional lability]] and neurological changes as well as lingering respiratory problems and a chronic cough; the issues resulted in a fatal mishap in 2010 and four-month grounding in 2011 and subsequent altitude and distance flight restrictions.<ref name="Cox">Cox, Bob. "Despite investigation, safety concerns linger on F-22." ''Star Telegram'', 25 August 2012.</ref><ref name=CBS_60min>Sughrue, Karen (producer) and [[Lesley Stahl]]. [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/is-the-air-forces-f-22-fighter-jet-making-pilots-sick/ "Is the Air Force's F-22 fighter jet making pilots sick?"] ''[[60 Minutes]]: CBS News'', 6 May 2012. Retrieved 7 May 2012.</ref> In August 2012, the DoD found that the BRAG valve, which inflated the pilot's vest at high-''g'', was defective and restricted breathing and the OBOGS (onboard oxygen generation system) unexpectedly fluctuated oxygen supply at high ''g''.<ref>{{Citation |url= http://www.military.com/daily-news/2012/08/01/air-force-confident-f22-oxygen-riddle-solved.html |newspaper= Military |title= Air Force Confident F-22 Oxygen Riddle Solved |first= Michael |last= Hoffman |date= 1 August 2012 |access-date= 28 April 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190330170855/https://www.military.com/daily-news/2012/08/01/air-force-confident-f22-oxygen-riddle-solved.html |archive-date= 30 March 2019 |url-status=live |df= dmy-all}}</ref><ref>Fabey, Michael. [http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/asd_10_12_2012_p03-02-506094.xml "USAF Still Reviewing Oxygen Concentration Levels For F-22 Cockpit."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130419120544/http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=%2Farticle-xml%2Fasd_10_12_2012_p03-02-506094.xml |date=19 April 2013}} ''Aerospace Daily & Defense Report'', 12 October 2012.</ref> In 2005, the Raptor Aeromedical Working Group had recommended oxygen system changes that were unfunded, but received reconsideration in 2012.<ref>Talmadge, Eric. [https://web.archive.org/web/20121001003217/http://finance.yahoo.com/news/ap-impact-air-force-insiders-foresaw-f-22-084352828.html "AP Impact: Air Force insiders foresaw F-22 woes."] Associated Press, 27 September 2012.</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Axe |first=David |url=https://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/09/f-22-oxygen-unsolved/ |title=Stealth Fighter's Oxygen Woes Still A Mystery, Air Force Admits |magazine=Wired |date=13 September 2012 |access-date=1 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203153739/http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/09/f-22-oxygen-unsolved/ |archive-date=3 December 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> The F-22 CTF and 412th Aerospace Medicine Squadron eventually determined breathing restrictions as the root cause; coughing symptoms were attributed to acceleration [[atelectasis]]{{refn|Atelectasis is the collapse or closure of a lung resulting in reduced or absent gas exchange.|group=N}} from high ''g'' exposure and OBOGS delivering [[Oxygen toxicity|excessive oxygen concentration]]. The presence of toxins and particles in some ground crew was deemed unrelated.<ref name=physio>[http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CHRG-112hhrg76215/html/CHRG-112hhrg76215.htm "H.A.S.C. No. 112-154, F-22 pilot physiological issues."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925121602/https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CHRG-112hhrg76215/html/CHRG-112hhrg76215.htm |date=25 September 2018}} '' GPO''. Retrieved 16 August 2013.</ref> Modifications to the life support and oxygen systems, including the installation of an automatic backup, allowed altitude and distance restrictions to be lifted in April 2013.<ref>{{cite web|last=Mowry |first=Laura |url=https://www.edwards.af.mil/News/story/id/123344796/ |title=Edwards Airmen vital to Raptor's return |publisher=U.S. Air Force |date=17 April 2013 |access-date=18 April 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603082323/http://www.edwards.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123344796 |archive-date=3 June 2013}}</ref>

===Operational service===
[[File:Raptor and TU-95.jpg|thumb|An F-22 from Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, intercepting a Russian [[Tupolev Tu-95]] bomber near American airspace |alt=Aerial port view of two aircraft in flight, one on top of the other. The bottom aircraft is a four-engined propeller-driven aircraft, which is escorted by a jet fighter.]]

Following IOC and large-scale exercises, the F-22 flew its first homeland defense mission in January 2007 under [[Operation Noble Eagle]]. In November 2007, F-22s of 90th Fighter Squadron at [[Elmendorf AFB]], Alaska, performed their first [[North American Aerospace Defense Command]] (NORAD) interception of two Russian [[Tupolev Tu-95|Tu-95MS]] bombers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/1025raptor-3/|title=Raptors Perform First Intercept of Russian Bombers|date=14 December 2007|website=[[Air & Space Forces Magazine]]|access-date=29 December 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250429151902/https://www.airandspaceforces.com/1025raptor-3/|archive-date=29 April 2025|url-status=live}}</ref> Since then, F-22s have also escorted probing [[Tupolev Tu-160|Tu-160]] bombers.<ref>{{cite web|date=26 March 2010|title=Russia denies violating British Air Space|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/content/60234/russia-denies-violating-british-air.html|access-date=11 October 2021|website=[[Deccan Herald]]|location=Moscow|archive-date=11 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011020318/https://www.deccanherald.com/content/60234/russia-denies-violating-british-air.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The F-22 was first deployed overseas in February 2007 with the 27th Fighter Squadron to [[Kadena Air Base]] in Okinawa, Japan.<ref>[http://airrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=603 "12 F-22 Raptors deployed to Japan."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329222718/http://airrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=603 |date=29 March 2019}} ''Air Recognition'', 14 January 2013.{{unreliable source|date=February 2024}}</ref> This first overseas deployment was initially marred by problems when six F-22s flying from [[Hickam AFB]], Hawaii, experienced multiple software-related system failures while crossing the [[International Date Line]] ([[180th meridian]] of [[longitude]]). The aircraft returned to Hawaii by following [[Aerial refueling|tanker aircraft]]. Within 48 hours, the error was resolved and the journey resumed.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wastnage |first=Justin |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-navigational-software-glitch-forces-lockheed-martin-f-22-raptors-back-to-hawaii-212102/ |title=Navigational software glitch forces Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptors back to Hawaii, abandoning first foreign deployment to Japan |work=FlightGlobal |date=14 February 2007 |access-date=11 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516202745/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-navigational-software-glitch-forces-lockheed-martin-f-22-raptors-back-to-hawaii-212102/ |archive-date=16 May 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Raptors_arrive>{{cite web|url=https://www.af.mil/News/story/storyID/123041567/ |last=Johnson |first=Maj. Dani |title=Raptors arrive at Kadena |publisher=US Air Force |date=19 February 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100626180609/http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123041567 |archive-date=26 June 2010}}</ref> Kadena would be a frequent rotation for F-22 units; they have also been involved in training exercises in South Korea, Malaysia, and the Philippines.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/04/01/us-reportedly-sends-f-22-jets-to-join-south-korea-drills/ |title=US sends F-22 jets to join South Korea drills |publisher=Fox News |date=1 April 2013 |access-date=31 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110131207/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/04/01/us-reportedly-sends-f-22-jets-to-join-south-korea-drills/ |archive-date=10 November 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Mahadzir |first=Dzirhan |place=Kuala Lumpur |url=http://www.janes.com/article/38842/f-22s-land-in-malaysia-for-first-southeast-asian-exercise |title=F-22s land in Malaysia for first Southeast Asian exercise |newspaper=Jane's 360 |publisher=IHS |date=4 June 2014 |access-date=29 June 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140615153200/http://www.janes.com/article/38842/f-22s-land-in-malaysia-for-first-southeast-asian-exercise |archive-date=15 June 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Perez |first1=Zamone |last2=Simkins |first2=Jon |url=https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2023/03/21/us-f-22s-land-in-philippines-for-first-time-furthering-defense-ties/ |title=US F-22s land in Philippines for first time, furthering defense ties |work=Air Force Times |date=21 March 2023}}</ref>

Defense Secretary Gates initially refused to deploy F-22s to the Middle East in 2007;<ref>Clark, Colin. [http://www.dodbuzz.com/2008/06/30/gates-opposed-af-plans-to-deploy-f-22-to-iraq/ "Gates Opposed AF Plans to Deploy F-22 to Iraq."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004144026/http://www.dodbuzz.com/2008/06/30/gates-opposed-af-plans-to-deploy-f-22-to-iraq/ |date=4 October 2011}} ''DOD Buzz'', 30 June 2008. Retrieved 31 August 2011.</ref> the type made its first deployment in the region at [[Al Dhafra Air Base]] in the UAE in 2009. In April 2012, F-22s have been rotating into Al Dhafra, less than 200 miles from Iran.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Butler |first=Amy |url=http://aviationweek.com/defense/uae-based-f-22s-signal-iran |title=UAE-based F-22s a Signal to Iran |work=Aviation Week |date=12 April 2012 |access-date=3 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715000219/http://aviationweek.com/defense/uae-based-f-22s-signal-iran |archive-date=15 July 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>Munoz, Carlos. [https://thehill.com/policy/defense/112835-reports-dod-deploys-f-22-fighters-near-iranian-border/ "Reports: DOD deploys F-22 fighters near Iranian border".] ''The Hill'', 27 April 2012.</ref> In March 2013, the USAF announced that an F-22 had intercepted an Iranian F-4 Phantom II that approached within 16 miles of an [[MQ-1 Predator]] flying off the Iranian coastline.<ref name="iranf4">{{cite web |url=http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/09/17/welsh-f22-flew-to-drones-rescue-off-iran-coast.html?comp=700001075741&rank=6 |title=F-22 Flew to Drone's Rescue off Iran Coast |newspaper=Military |date=17 September 2013 |access-date=28 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427135504/http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/09/17/welsh-f22-flew-to-drones-rescue-off-iran-coast.html?comp=700001075741&rank=6 |archive-date=27 April 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:F-22-Refuel-3.jpg|thumb|upright|left|An F-22 [[Aerial refueling|refueling]] prior to combat operations in Syria, September 2014]]
On 22 September 2014, F-22s performed the type's first combat sorties by conducting some of the opening strikes of [[Operation Inherent Resolve]], the [[American-led intervention in Syria]]; aircraft dropped 1,000-pound GPS-guided bombs on [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|Islamic State]] targets near [[Tishrin Dam]].<ref name=AW_first_grd_atarget>{{cite web |last=Butler |first=Amy |url=http://aviationweek.com/defense/f-22-s-takes-first-shot-against-ground-not-air-target |title=F-22s takes first shot against ground, not air target |work=Aviation week |access-date=28 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410062526/https://aviationweek.com/defense/f-22-s-takes-first-shot-against-ground-not-air-target |archive-date=10 April 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://aviationweek.com/defense/inside-cockpit-flying-f-22-against-islamic-state-syria |title=Inside The Cockpit: Flying The F-22 Against Islamic State in Syria |date=23 May 2017 |author=Lara Seligman |author2=Aaron Smith |work=Aviation Week & Space Technology |access-date=28 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728160939/http://aviationweek.com/defense/inside-cockpit-flying-f-22-against-islamic-state-syria |archive-date=28 July 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> Between September 2014 and July 2015, F-22s flew 204 sorties over Syria, dropping 270 bombs at some 60 locations.<ref>[http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/07/21/f22-raptor-ensures-other-war-fighting-aircraft-survive-syria.html F-22 Raptor Ensures other War-Fighting Aircraft Survive Over Syria] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330104940/https://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/07/21/f22-raptor-ensures-other-war-fighting-aircraft-survive-syria.html |date=30 March 2019}} – Military.com, 21 July 2015</ref> Throughout their deployment, F-22s conducted close air support (CAS) and also deterred Syrian, Iranian, and Russian aircraft from attacking U.S.-backed Kurdish forces and disrupting U.S. operations in the region.<ref>[https://www.afcent.af.mil/Units/380th-Air-Expeditionary-Wing/News/Display/Article/616369/f-22-adapts-to-oir-conflict-cleared-hot-in-iraq-syria/ "F-22 adapts to OIR conflict, 'Cleared Hot' in Iraq, Syria"]. AF.mil, 7 September 2015</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/08/19/politics/syria-bombing-us-forces/index.html|title=Aerial close encounter between US, Syrian jets|first1=Barbara|last1=Starr|first2=Ryan|last2=Browne|publisher=CNN|access-date=20 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411211207/https://www.cnn.com/2016/08/19/politics/syria-bombing-us-forces/index.html|archive-date=11 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Lockie |first=Alex |url=https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2018/11/06/f-22-stealth-jets-got-587-aircraft-to-back-off-in-their-combat-surge-over-syria/ |title=F-22 stealth jets got 587 aircraft to back off in their combat surge over Syria |newspaper=Air Force Times |date=6 November 2018 |access-date=13 March 2023 |archive-date=13 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313155356/https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2018/11/06/f-22-stealth-jets-got-587-aircraft-to-back-off-in-their-combat-surge-over-syria/ |url-status=live}}</ref> F-22s also participated in the [[Battle of Khasham|U.S. strikes]] that defeated pro-[[Al-Assad family|Assad]] and Russian [[Wagner Group]] paramilitary forces near [[Khasham]] in eastern Syria on 7 February 2018.<ref>[https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/07/politics/us-strikes-pro-regime-forces-syria/index.html US-led coalition strikes kill pro-regime forces in Syria] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180430231909/https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/07/politics/us-strikes-pro-regime-forces-syria/index.html |date=30 April 2018}} CNN, 8 February 2018.</ref><ref name="Pawlyk 2018">{{cite web |last=Pawlyk |first=Oriana |title=US Scrambles Firepower to Defend SDF Against Pro-Assad Forces |website=[[Military.com]] |date=8 February 2018 |url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/02/08/us-scrambles-firepower-defend-sdf-against-pro-assad-forces.html |access-date=23 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330104927/https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/02/08/us-scrambles-firepower-defend-sdf-against-pro-assad-forces.html |archive-date=30 March 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="harrigianstatement">[https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/1441080/department-of-defense-press-briefing-by-lieutenant-general-harrigian-via-teleco/ News Transcript: Department Of Defense Press Briefing by Lieutenant General Harrigian via teleconference from Al Udeid Airbase, Qatar: Press Operations: Lieutenant General Jeffrey Harrigian, commander, U.S. Air Forces Central Command]  U.S. Department of Defense, 13 February 2018.</ref> These strikes notwithstanding, the F-22's main role in the operation was conducting [[Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance|intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance]].<ref>[https://archive.today/20141004152023/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140929/DEFREG02/309290029/F-22-Continuing-Operations-Syria F-22 Continuing Operations in Syria] – Defensenews.com, 29 September 2014</ref> The aircraft also performed missions in other regions of the Middle East; in November 2017, F-22s operating alongside [[Boeing B-52 Stratofortress|B-52]]s bombed [[opium]] production and storage facilities in [[Taliban]]-controlled regions of Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Nichols|first1=Hans|last2=Gains|first2=Mosheh|title=U.S. bombs Afghan opium plants in new strategy to cut Taliban funds|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/u-s-bombs-afghan-opium-plants-new-strategy-cut-taliban-n822506|access-date=20 November 2017|publisher=NBC News|date=20 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171120173046/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/u-s-bombs-afghan-opium-plants-new-strategy-cut-taliban-n822506|archive-date=20 November 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="F22cost2019">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-47861444 |title=How the US military's opium war in Afghanistan was lost |publisher=BBC |date=25 April 2019 |page=1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426182832/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-47861444 |archive-date=26 April 2019 |access-date=28 April 2019}}</ref>

[[File:F-22 landing on Iwo Jima.jpg|thumb|An F-22 lands on Iwo Jima (''Iōtō'') in April 2024 during Agile Reaper 24-1.]]
To increase deployment responsiveness and reduce logistical footprint in a peer or near-peer conflict, the USAF developed a deployment concept called Rapid Raptor which involves two to four F-22s and one [[Boeing C-17 Globemaster III|C-17]] for logistical support, first proposed in 2008 by two F-22 pilots. The goal was for the type to be able to set up and engage in combat within 24 hours in smaller and more austere environments that would enable more dispersed and survivable disposition of forces. This concept was tested at Wake Island in 2013 and Guam in late 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/f-22s-call-on-wake-island/ |title=F-22s on Wake Island |date=3 July 2013 |work=Air Force Magazine}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.airforcemag.com/Features/Pages/2013/September%202013/box092613rapid.aspx |title=Rapid Raptor Package |last=Schanz |first=Marc |date=28 September 2013 |website=Air force Magazine |publisher=Air Force Association |access-date=1 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929114338/http://www.airforcemag.com/Features/Pages/2013/September%202013/box092613rapid.aspx |archive-date=29 September 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>Clark, Behak. [https://www.pacaf.af.mil/News/story/id/123433300/ "Hickam Airmen exercise Rapid Raptor in Guam."]  U.S. Air Force, 3 December 2014.</ref> Four F-22s were deployed to [[Spangdahlem Air Base]] in Germany, [[Łask Air Base]] in Poland, and [[Ämari Air Base]] in Estonia in August and September 2015 to further test the concept and train with NATO allies in response to the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/616430/f-22s-arrive-in-estonia/ |title=F-22s Arrive in Estonia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928073748/http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/tabid/223/Article/616430/f-22s-arrive-in-estonia.aspx |archive-date=28 September 2015 |url-status=live |work=U.S. Air Force}}</ref> The USAF would build on the principles of Rapid Raptor and eventually integrate it into its new operational concept called Agile Combat Employment, which shifts towards distributed operations during peer conflicts; for instance, detachments of F-22s have operated from austere airfields on [[Tinian]] and [[Iwo Jima]] during exercises.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/rapid-raptor-2-0/ |last=Hudson |first=Amy |title=Rapid Raptor 2.0 |date=7 March 2017 |work=Air Force Magazine}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Harpley |first=Unshin Lee |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/photos-airmen-f-22s-pacific-exercise/ |title=Airmen, F-22s Scatter to Austere 'Spokes' for Pacific Exercise |work=Air & Space Forces Magazine |date=29 April 2024}}</ref>

On 4 February 2023, an F-22 of the 1st Fighter Wing shot down a suspected [[2023 Chinese balloon incident|Chinese spy balloon]] within visual range off the coast of [[South Carolina]] at an altitude of 60,000 to {{convert|65,000|ft|m}},<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 February 2023 |title=US shoots down Chinese 'spy' balloon over Atlantic |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-64524105 |access-date=5 February 2023 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB |archive-date=11 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230211014840/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-64524105 |url-status=live}}</ref> marking the F-22's first air-to-air kill.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-02-05 |title=F-22 Makes First Air-to-Air Strike in Chinese Balloon Takedown |language=en |work=Bloomberg.com |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-02-05/us-fighter-jet-that-hit-chinese-balloon-scored-its-first-air-to-air-takedown |access-date=2023-11-24}}</ref> The wreckage landed approximately 6 miles offshore and was subsequently secured by ships of the [[United States Navy|U.S. Navy]] and [[United States Coast Guard|U.S. Coast Guard]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Garamone|first1=Jim|title=F-22 Safely Shoots Down Chinese Spy Balloon Off South Carolina Coast|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3288543/f-22-safely-shoots-down-chinese-spy-balloon-off-south-carolina-coast/|access-date=7 February 2023|publisher=United States Department of Defense|date=4 February 2023|url-status=live|archive-date=11 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230211012305/https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3288543/f-22-safely-shoots-down-chinese-spy-balloon-off-south-carolina-coast/}}</ref> F-22s shot down additional high-altitude objects [[2023 Alaska high-altitude object|near the coast of Alaska]] on 10 February and [[2023 Yukon high-altitude object|over Yukon]] on 11 February.<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 February 2023 |title=US jet shoots down unknown object flying off Alaska coast |url=https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-shoots-down-unknown-flying-object-175f9078d1df36e392b2956ba771001e |access-date=11 February 2023 |website=AP NEWS |language=en |archive-date=11 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230211000747/https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-shoots-down-unknown-flying-object-175f9078d1df36e392b2956ba771001e |url-status=live}}</ref>

The USAF expects to begin retiring the F-22 in the 2030s as it gets replaced by the [[Next Generation Air Dominance]] (NGAD) sixth-generation crewed fighter, the Boeing F-47.<ref>Sherman, Jason. [http://insidedefense.com/201403112464029/Inside-Defense-General/Public-Articles/air-force-sets-plan-to-launch-sixth-gen-fighter-program-in-2018/menu-id-926.html "Air Force Sets Plan To Launch Sixth-Gen Fighter Program In 2018".] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140312225351/http://insidedefense.com/201403112464029/Inside-Defense-General/Public-Articles/air-force-sets-plan-to-launch-sixth-gen-fighter-program-in-2018/menu-id-926.html |date=12 March 2014}} ''Inside Defense'', 11 March 2014. Retrieved 30 June 2014.</ref><ref name=ngad2030>{{cite web |url=https://www.airforcemag.com/new-force-design-ngad-needed-soon-f-22-sunset-begins-in-2030/ |title=New Force Design: NGAD Needed Soon, F-22 Sunset Begins in 2030 |work=Air Force Magazine |date=13 May 2021 |access-date=18 May 2021 |archive-date=5 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605171912/https://www.airforcemag.com/new-force-design-ngad-needed-soon-f-22-sunset-begins-in-2030/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Operational Imperative No. 4 |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/operational-imperative-no-4/ |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=Air & Space Forces Magazine |date=27 July 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Tirpak |first=John A. |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/new-f-47-f-22-allvin/ |title=Air Force Chief: How the New F-47 Will Improve on the F-22 |work=Air & Space Forces Magazine |publisher=Air & Space Forces Association |date=21 March 2025}}</ref> In May 2021, Air Force Chief of Staff [[Charles Q. Brown Jr.]] said that he envisioned a reduction in the future number of fighter fleets to "four plus one": the F-22 followed by NGAD, the F-35A, the F-15E followed by F-15EX, the F-16 followed by "MR-X", and the [[A-10]]; the A-10 was later dropped from the plans due to that aircraft's accelerated retirement.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Tirpak |first1=John |title=CSAF: F-22 Not in USAF's Long-Term Plan |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/csaf-f-22-not-in-usafs-long-term-plan/ |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=Air & Space Forces Magazine |date=12 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Copp |first1=Tara |last2=Weisgerber |first2=Marcus |title=The Air Force Is Planning For a Future Without the F-22 |url=https://www.defenseone.com/technology/2021/05/air-force-planning-future-without-f-22/174001/ |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=Defense One |date=12 May 2021 |language=en}}</ref> In 2022 the Air Force requested that it be allowed to divest all but three of its Block 20 F-22s at Tyndall AFB.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cohen |first1=Rachel |title=Air Force wants to send Tyndall's F-22 jets to the boneyard |url=https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2022/03/28/air-force-wants-to-send-tyndalls-f-22-jets-to-the-boneyard/ |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=Air Force Times |date=28 March 2022 |language=en}}</ref> Congress denied the request to divest its 33 non-combat-coded Block 20 aircraft and passed language prohibiting the divestment through FY2026.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Insinna |first1=Valerie |title=Congress protects F-22s from retirement, oks sending some A-10s to the boneyard |url=https://breakingdefense.com/2022/12/congress-protects-f-22s-from-retirement-oks-sending-some-a-10s-to-the-boneyard/ |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=Breaking Defense |date=8 December 2022}}</ref> While the Block 30/35 F-22 remains one of the USAF's top priorities and will be continually updated, the service believes the Block 20 aircraft is obsolescent and unsuitable even for training F-22 pilots and that upgrading them to Block 30/35 standards would be cost-prohibitive at $3.5 billion.<ref name="F22priority">{{cite web |last=Marrow |first=Michael |url=https://breakingdefense.com/2024/03/f-22s-highest-priority-for-near-term-fight-air-force-acquisition-boss-says/ |title=F-22s 'highest priority' for near-term fight, Air Force acquisition boss says |date=7 March 2024 |work=Breaking Defense}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Tirpak |first1=John |title=Moore: 'It's Time to Move On' from Block 20 F-22s, JATM Still on Schedule |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/block-20-f-22s-move-on-jatm/ |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=Air & Space Forces Magazine |date=6 April 2023}}</ref> In September of 2025, [[Lockheed Martin]] revealed plans to modify 35 Block 20 F-22s, used for training purposes, to combat ready Block 30/35 F-22s.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Newdick |first1=Thomas |title=Lockheed Eyes Upgrades For Oldest F-22 Raptors |url=https://www.twz.com/air/lockheed-eyes-upgrades-for-oldest-f-22-raptors |access-date=28 September 2025 |work=The War Zone |date=22 September 2025}}</ref>

According to US officials, F-22s and [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35As]] launched from land bases in the Middle East, were used to attempt to draw surface-to-air missile fire ahead of [[Northrop B-2 Spirit|B-2]] bombing runs during the [[United States strikes on Iranian nuclear sites]] on 22 June 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Epstein |first=Jake |title=Not just stealth bombers: Trump says F-35 and F-22 stealth fighters were part of the Operation Midnight Hammer strikes on Iran |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-reveals-stealth-fighters-operation-midnight-hammer-2025-6 |access-date=2025-08-23 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gordon |first=Chris |date=2025-07-02 |title=Pentagon Keeping Bolstered Middle East Presence After Iran Strike |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/us-bolstered-presence-middle-east-iran-strike/ |access-date=2025-08-23 |website=Air & Space Forces Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=US strikes on Iran included F-22s, F-35s, Hegseth says - AL-Monitor: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent news source since 2012 |url=https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/07/us-strikes-iran-included-f-22s-f-35s-hegseth-says |access-date=2025-08-23 |website=www.al-monitor.com |language=en |quote=The US Air Force’s long-range bombing of Iran’s strategic nuclear facilities included stealth-capable F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft, the Pentagon’s top official revealed on Wednesday.}}</ref>

==Variants==
{{for|the technology demonstrator prototype and proposed naval version|Lockheed YF-22}}
[[File:Lockheed Martin F-22B 300x225.png|thumb|3-view drawings of the planned two-seat F-22B]]
;F-22A
:Single-seat version, was designated ''F/A-22A'' in early 2000s before reverting back to ''F-22A'' in 2005; 195 built, consisting of 8 test and 187 operational aircraft.<ref name=AW_last_Raptor/><ref name="FG_last_f-22"/><ref group=N name="EMD">Total production run consisted of 9 Engineering & Manufacturing Development (EMD) and 186 production aircraft; the last two EMD aircraft were in a Production Representative Test Vehicle (PRTV) configuration, while one of the production aircraft was a dedicated flight sciences test vehicle; at times, the production run was listed as 8 test and 187 production aircraft.</ref>
;F-22B
:Planned two-seat version with the same combat capabilities as the single-seat version, cancelled in 1996 to save development costs with test aircraft orders converted to F-22A.<ref name=Pace_p28>Pace 1999, p. 28.</ref>
;[[Lockheed YF-22#NATF-22|Naval F-22 variant]]
:Sometimes referred to as ''NATF-22'' or ''F-22N'' (it was never formally designated), planned carrier-borne variant/derivative for the U.S. Navy's Navy Advanced Tactical Fighter (NATF) program. Because the NATF needed lower landing speeds than the F-22 for [[CATOBAR|aircraft carrier operations]] while still attaining Mach 2-class speeds, the design would have incorporated [[variable-sweep wing]]s; it would also have had expanded weapons carriage, including the [[AIM-152 AAAM]], [[AGM-88 HARM]], and [[Harpoon (missile)|AGM-84 Harpoon]]. Program was cancelled in 1991 due to tightening budgets.<ref name=Pace_p28/><ref name="Mullin2012p38-39">Mullin 2012, pp. 38-39</ref>

===Proposed derivatives===
The [[Lockheed Martin X-44 MANTA|X-44 MANTA]], or ''multi-axis, no-tail aircraft'', was a planned experimental aircraft based on the F-22 with enhanced thrust vectoring controls and no aerodynamic surface backup.<ref name=nasa_monogr>Jenkins, Dennis R., Tony Landis and Jay Miller. [https://history.nasa.gov/monograph31.pdf "Monographs in Aerospace History, No. 31: American X-Vehicles: An Inventory, X-1 to X-50."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081117011450/http://history.nasa.gov/monograph31.pdf |date=17 November 2008}} ''NASA'', June 2003. Retrieved 13 June 2010.</ref> The aircraft was to be solely controlled by thrust vectoring, without featuring any rudders, ailerons, or elevators. Funding for this program was halted in 2000.<ref name=nasa1>{{cite web|url=http://nasaexplores.com/show2_articlea.php?id=03-065 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20071015155601/http://nasaexplores.com/show2_articlea.php?id=03-065 |archive-date=15 October 2007 |title=X-Planes Explained |url-status=dead |access-date=1 June 2016}} ''NASAExplores.com'', 9 October 2003. Retrieved 23 July 2009.</ref>

The [[Lockheed Martin FB-22|FB-22]] was proposed in the early 2000s as a supersonic stealth [[2037 bomber controversy|regional bomber]] for the USAF.<ref name="Long arm">{{cite journal |author=Tirpak, John A. |publisher=Air Force Association |journal=Air Force Magazine |access-date=31 August 2011 |date=October 2002 |oclc=5169825 |pages=28–34 |title=Long Arm of the Air Force |url=http://www.airforcemag.com/MagazineArchive/Documents/2002/October%202002/1002longarm.pdf |volume=85 |issue=10 |issn=0730-6784}}</ref> The design went through several iterations and the later ones would combine an F-22 fuselage with greatly enlarged delta wings and was projected to carry up to 30 Small Diameter Bombs to over {{convert|1600|nmi|km|abbr=on}}, about twice the combat range of the F-22A.<ref>{{cite report |last=Bolkcom |first=Christopher |url=https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metacrs6117/ |title=Air Force FB-22 Bomber Concept |date=26 May 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709225153/https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metacrs6117/ |archive-date=9 July 2017 |publisher=U.S. Congressional Research Service |via=Digital.library.unt.edu |access-date=28 August 2011}}</ref> The FB-22 proposals were cancelled with the 2006 [[Quadrennial Defense Review]] and subsequent developments, in lieu of a larger subsonic strategic bomber with a much greater range; this became the [[Next-Generation Bomber]], although it would be rescoped in 2009 as the Long Range Strike Bomber resulting in the [[Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider|B-21 Raider]].<ref name="Raptor_as_bomber"/><ref>[http://www.defense.gov/qdr/report/Report20060203.pdf "Quadrennial Defense Review Report"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121028014105/http://www.defense.gov/qdr/report/Report20060203.pdf |date=28 October 2012}}. ''US Department of Defense'', 6 February 2006. Retrieved 28 August 2011.</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/10062018/|title=The 2018 Bomber and Its Friends|last=Hebert|first=Adam J.|magazine=[[Air & Space Forces Magazine]]|volume=89|issue=10|date=October 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250225150449/https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/10062018/|archive-date=25 February 2025|url-status=live|access-date=4 November 2009}}</ref>

In August 2018, Lockheed Martin proposed an F-22 derivative to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) for its 5th/6th generation [[Mitsubishi F-X|F-X]] program. The design, which was later also proposed to the USAF, would combine a modified F-22 airframe with enlarged wings to increase fuel capacity and combat radius to {{convert|2200|km|nmi|order=flip|abbr=on}} as well as the avionics and improved stealth coatings of the [[Lockheed_Martin_F-35_Lightning_II|F-35]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Tajima |first=Yukio |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Lockheed-offers-Japan-majority-of-work-in-plan-for-new-fighter-jet |title=Lockheed offers Japan majority of work in plan for new fighter jet |work=Nikkei Asia |date=22 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defenseone.com/business/2018/08/lockheed-pitching-f-22f-35-hybrid-us-air-force/150943/?oref=d-channelriver|title=Lockheed Pitching F-22/F-35 Hybrid to U.S. Air Force|publisher=Defense One|date=30 August 2018|access-date=3 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180903114905/https://www.defenseone.com/business/2018/08/lockheed-pitching-f-22f-35-hybrid-us-air-force/150943/?oref=d-channelriver|archive-date=3 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The proposal was ultimately not considered by the USAF or JASDF due to cost as well as existing export restrictions and industrial workshare concerns.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/air-force-association/2018/09/12/air-force-not-considering-new-f-15-or-hybrid-f-22f-35-top-civilian-says/|title=Air Force not considering new F-15 or hybrid F-22/F-35, top civilian says|publisher=DefenseNews|date=12 September 2018|access-date=21 February 2019|archive-date=13 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313155357/https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/air-force-association/2018/09/12/air-force-not-considering-new-f-15-or-hybrid-f-22f-35-top-civilian-says/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20181004/p2a/00m/0na/001000c |title=Defense Ministry to develop own fighter jet to succeed F-2, may seek int'l project |newspaper=Mainichi Shimbun |date=4 October 2018 |access-date=28 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425170901/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20181004/p2a/00m/0na/001000c |archive-date=25 April 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Operators==
[[File:F-22 4018.jpg|thumb|F-22 from [[Tyndall Air Force Base]], Florida, cruising over the [[Florida Panhandle]]]]
[[File:Holloman AFB F-22.jpg|thumb|An F-22 landing at Holloman AFB, New Mexico]]
[[File:Raptor-ElmendorfAFB-2009.JPG|thumb|An F-22, based at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, over mountain terrain]]
[[File:F-22 Raptor.jpg|thumb|An F-22 during in-flight refueling with a tanker aircraft]]
[[File:F-22 Raptor - 070212-F-2034C-110.jpg|thumb|F-22 with [[drop tank]]s in transit to [[Kadena Air Base]], Japan, from Langley AFB, Virginia]]

The [[United States Air Force]] is the only operator of the F-22. As of August 2022, it has 178 active aircraft in its inventory.<ref>Flight International, World Air Forces 2025 (FlightGlobal, 2025): https://edition.pagesuite.com/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&edid=7bc72e1e-65fc-4001-b963-749509c821a0</ref><ref name="f22_factsheet"/> Current units are '''bolded'''.

=== Air Combat Command ===
{{tree list}}
* '''[[1st Fighter Wing]]''' - [[Joint Base Langley–Eustis]], [[Virginia]]<ref name="Langley">DeMayo, Airman 1st Class Chase S. [https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/128327/langley-receives-last-raptor-completes-fleet/ "Langley receives last Raptor, completes fleet."] U.S. Air Force, 19 January 2007.</ref>
** '''[[27th Fighter Squadron]]'''
** '''[[71st Fighter Squadron]]''' (Formal Training Unit)
** '''[[94th Fighter Squadron]]'''
* [[49th Wing]] - [[Holloman Air Force Base]], [[New Mexico]]
** [[7th Fighter Squadron]]
** [[8th Fighter Squadron]]
* '''[[53rd Wing]]''' - [[Eglin Air Force Base]], [[Florida]]
** '''[[422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron]]''' - [[Nellis Air Force Base]], [[Nevada]]<ref name="Tyndall2"/>
* '''[[57th Wing]]''' - Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada
** '''[[433rd Weapons Squadron]]'''<ref name="433d Weapons Squadron.">[http://www.nellis.af.mil/photos/index.asp?galleryID=1565 "433rd Weapons Squadron."] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070822191104/http://www.nellis.af.mil/photos/index.asp?galleryID=1565 |date=22 August 2007}} U.S. Air Force. Retrieved 5 April 2010.</ref>
* [[325th Fighter Wing]] - Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida
** [[43rd Fighter Squadron]] (inactivated in 2023)<ref>{{cite news |last1=Del Oso |first1=Senior Airman Tiffany |title=The 43d Fighter Squadron's final sting |url=https://www.tyndall.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3355167/the-43d-fighter-squadrons-final-sting/ |access-date=2 March 2024 |work=Tyndall Air Force Base |publisher=325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs |date=6 April 2023}}</ref>
** [[95th Fighter Squadron]] (activated in 2013, inactivated in 2018)<ref>{{cite news |last1=Reeves |first1=Staff Sgt. Magen M. |last2=Coffman |first2=Staff Sgt. Peter |title=The 95th FS; part of Tyndall's proud fighter heritage |url=https://www.tyndall.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2929765/the-95th-fs-part-of-tyndalls-proud-fighter-heritage/ |access-date=2 March 2024 |work=Tyndall Air Force Base |publisher=U.S. Air Force |date=9 February 2022}}</ref>
{{tree list end}}

=== Pacific Air Forces ===
{{tree list}}
* '''[[3rd Wing]]''' - [[Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson]], [[Alaska]]<ref>{{cite web |author=Canfield, Tech. Sgt. Mikal |title=Elmendorf welcomes F-22 Raptor |url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/126056/elmendorf-welcomes-f-22-raptor/ |publisher=U.S. Air Force |date=8 August 2007 |access-date=11 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425005732/http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/tabid/223/Article/126056/elmendorf-welcomes-f-22-raptor.aspx |archive-date=25 April 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>
** '''[[90th Fighter Squadron]]'''
** '''[[525th Fighter Squadron]]'''
* '''[[15th Wing]]''' - [[Hickam Air Force Base]], Hawaii
** '''[[19th Fighter Squadron]]''' (active associate unit)
{{tree list end}}

=== Air National Guard ===
{{tree list}}
* '''[[154th Wing]]''' - Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii
** '''[[199th Fighter Squadron]]'''
* '''[[192nd Fighter Wing]]''' - Joint Base Langley–Eustis, Virginia<ref>{{cite web |title=Air Force eyes Langley-Eustis as new F-22 training home |url=https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2019/03/27/air-force-eyes-langley-eustis-as-new-f-22-training-home/ |work=Air Force Times |date=27 March 2019 |access-date=2 April 2020 |archive-date=13 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313155357/https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2019/03/27/air-force-eyes-langley-eustis-as-new-f-22-training-home/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
** '''[[149th Fighter Squadron]]''' (associate unit)
{{tree list end}}

=== Air Force Reserve Command ===
{{tree list}}
* '''[[477th Fighter Group]]''' – Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson, Alaska
** '''[[302nd Fighter Squadron (United States)|302nd Fighter Squadron]]''' (associate unit)<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Art/igphoto/2000107309/ |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240810050452/https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Art/igphoto/2000107309/ |url-status= dead |archive-date= 10 August 2024 |title= 302nd Fighter Squadron flagship |work=U.S. Air Force Reserve Command |date=3 October 2012}}</ref>
{{tree list end}}

=== Air Force Materiel Command ===
{{tree list}}
* '''[[412th Test Wing]]''' - Edwards Air Force Base, California
** '''[[411th Flight Test Squadron]]'''
{{tree list end}}

==Accidents==
{{for|accidents relating to the F-22's technology demonstrator|Lockheed YF-22#Accidents}}

The first F-22 crash occurred during [[takeoff]] at Nellis AFB on 20 December 2004, in which the pilot ejected safely before impact.<ref>Mount, Mike. [http://edition.cnn.com/2004/US/12/22/fighter.crash/index.html "Nevada crash grounds F-22 fighters."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120124221647/http://edition.cnn.com/2004/US/12/22/fighter.crash/index.html |date=24 January 2012}} CNN, 22 December 2004. Retrieved 28 August 2011.</ref> The investigation revealed that a brief interruption in power during an engine shutdown prior to flight caused a flight-control system malfunction;<ref>{{cite report |url=http://usaf.aib.law.af.mil/ExecSum2005/F-22A_20Dec04.pdf |title=USAF AIB Report Executive Summary on 20 December 2004 F-22A mishap |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130216174551/http://usaf.aib.law.af.mil/ExecSum2005/F-22A_20Dec04.pdf |archive-date=16 February 2013}}</ref> consequently the aircraft design was corrected to avoid the problem. Following a brief grounding, F-22 operations resumed after a review.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/135290/raptors-cleared-to-fly-again/ |title=Raptors cleared to fly again |publisher=U.S. Air Force |date=6 January 2005 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518103749/http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/tabid/223/Article/135290/raptors-cleared-to-fly-again.aspx |archive-date=18 May 2015}}</ref>

On 25 March 2009, an EMD F-22 crashed {{convert|35|mi|km}} northeast of Edwards AFB during a [[test flight]], resulting in the death of Lockheed Martin test pilot [[David P. Cooley]]. An [[Air Force Materiel Command]] investigation found that Cooley momentarily lost consciousness during a high-G maneuver, or [[g-LOC]], then ejected when he found himself too low to recover. Cooley was killed during ejection by blunt-force [[Blunt trauma|trauma]] from windblast due to the aircraft's speed. The investigation found no design issues.<ref>{{cite news |title=F-22 Crash Linked To G-Forces |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=5 August 2009 |page=2}}</ref><ref>{{cite report |url=http://www.airforcemag.com/SiteCollectionDocuments/Reports/2009/July%202009/Day31/F-22_AIB_073109.pdf |title=USAF AIB Report on 25 March 2009 F-22A mishap |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331150934/http://www.airforcemag.com/SiteCollectionDocuments/Reports/2009/July%25202009/Day31/F-22_AIB_073109.pdf |archive-date=31 March 2019 |access-date=31 May 2014}}</ref>

On 16 November 2010, an F-22 from Elmendorf AFB crashed, killing the pilot, Captain Jeffrey Haney. F-22s were restricted to flying below 25,000 feet, then grounded during the investigation.<ref>Fontaine, Scott and Dave Majumdar. [https://archive.today/20120730001228/http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2011/05/airforce-grounds-entire-f22-fleet-050511w/ "Air Force grounds entire F-22 fleet."] ''[[Military Times]]'', 5 May 2011.</ref> The crash was attributed to a bleed air system malfunction after an engine overheat condition was detected, shutting down the [[Environmental control system (aircraft)|Environmental Control System]] (ECS) and OBOGS. The accident review board ruled Haney was to blame, as he did not react properly to engage the [[emergency oxygen system]].<ref>{{cite report |url=http://www.pacaf.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-131024-066.pdf |title=USAF AIB Report on 16 November 2010 F-22A mishap |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714225512/http://www.pacaf.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-131024-066.pdf |archive-date=14 July 2014 |access-date=1 July 2014}}</ref> Haney's widow sued Lockheed Martin, claiming equipment defects, and later reached a settlement.<ref>{{cite web |author=Majumdar, Dave |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/settlement-reached-in-haney-f-22-crash-lawsuit-375445/ |title=Settlement reached in Haney F-22 crash lawsuit |work=FlightGlobal |date=13 August 2012 |access-date=30 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024033808/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/settlement-reached-in-haney-f-22-crash-lawsuit-375445/ |archive-date=24 October 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=physio/> After the ruling, the emergency oxygen system engagement handle was redesigned and the entire system was eventually replaced by an automatic backup.<ref>{{cite news|title=Fatal crash leads to change in F-22's backup oxygen system|work=Los Angeles Times|page=B1|date=20 March 2012|access-date=13 November 2020|url=https://newspapers.com/clip/63154626/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|archive-date=13 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313155359/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/63154626/f-22-crash/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Installation of backup oxygen system in F-22 combat fleet continues|url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/478362/installation-of-backup-oxygen-system-in-f-22-combat-fleet-continues/|date=10 April 2014|work=U.S. Air Force|access-date=13 March 2023|archive-date=8 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808203116/https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/478362/installation-of-backup-oxygen-system-in-f-22-combat-fleet-continues/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 11 February 2013, the DoD's [[Office of the Inspector General|Inspector General]] released a report stating that the USAF had erred in blaming Haney, and that facts did not sufficiently support conclusions; the USAF stated that it stood by the ruling.<ref>{{cite report |url=http://www.dodig.mil/pubs/report_summary.cfm?id=5025 |title=DoD IG report on 16 November 2010 F-22A mishap AIB report |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130215181008/http://www.dodig.mil/pubs/report_summary.cfm?id=5025 |archive-date=15 February 2013 |access-date=11 February 2013}}</ref>

On 15 November 2012, an F-22 crashed to the east of [[Tyndall AFB]] during a training mission. The pilot ejected safely and no injuries were reported on the ground.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.tyndall.af.mil/News/story/id/123326594/ |title=Safety paramount as F-22 investigation continues (press release) |work=U.S. Air Force |date=16 November 2012 |access-date=16 November 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215042225/http://www.tyndall.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123326594 |archive-date=15 December 2013}}</ref> The investigation determined that a "chafed" electrical wire ignited the fluid in a hydraulic line, causing a fire that damaged the flight controls.<ref>{{cite web |author=Everstine, Brian |url=http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130809/NEWS04/308090025/Air-Force-Faulty-wire-brought-down-F-22 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130810073211/http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130809/NEWS04/308090025/Air-Force-Faulty-wire-brought-down-F-22 |archive-date=10 August 2013 |title=Air Force: Faulty wire brought down F-22 |work=Air Force Times |date=9 August 2013 |access-date=16 August 2013}}</ref>

On 15 May 2020, an F-22 from [[Eglin Air Force Base]] crashed during a routine training mission shortly after takeoff; the pilot ejected safely. The cause of the crash was attributed to a maintenance error after an aircraft wash resulting in faulty air data sensor readings.<ref>{{cite web|title=A $201M maintenance error: Air Force releases cause of F-22 crash at Eglin AFB in 2020|url=https://www.nwfdailynews.com/story/news/local/2021/07/28/air-force-maintenance-error-caused-2020-f-22-crash-at-eglin-afb/5399988001/|last=Thompson|first=Jim|website=Northwest Florida Daily News Herald|date=28 July 2021|access-date=31 July 2021|archive-date=31 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731143616/https://www.nwfdailynews.com/story/news/local/2021/07/28/air-force-maintenance-error-caused-2020-f-22-crash-at-eglin-afb/5399988001/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Aircraft on display==
[[File:F-22 91-4003 Museum.png|thumb|F-22A {{Not a typo|91|-4003}} at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio]]
* {{Not a typo|91|-4002}} – [[Hill Air Force Base]] Aerospace Museum in Ogden, Utah<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wpafb.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3252408/hill-aerospace-museum-receives-a-raptor/ |title=Hill Aerospace Museum Receives a Raptor |work=U.S. Air Force |date=21 December 2022 |access-date=28 December 2022 |archive-date=28 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221228010141/https://www.wpafb.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3252408/hill-aerospace-museum-receives-a-raptor/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{Not a typo|91|-4003}} – [[National Museum of the United States Air Force]] in Dayton, Ohio<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123051335 |title=Museum adds the world's first stealthy air dominance fighter to collection |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080330013236/http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123051335 |archive-date=30 March 2008 |work=National Museum of the U.S. Air Force |access-date=23 July 2009}}</ref>

==Specifications (F-22A)==
[[File:Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptor 3-view line drawing.jpg|thumb|F-22 Raptor 3-view drawings]]
[[File:F22 Raptor info.jpg|thumb|USAF poster of key F-22 features and armament]]
[[File:F-22 underside.jpeg|thumb|F-22's underside with main bay doors open]]
[[File:Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptor JSOH.jpg|thumb|F-22's diamond-like delta wing planform]]

{{Aircraft specs
| ref = USAF,<ref name="f22_factsheet"/> manufacturers' data,<ref name="lm_specs">{{cite web |url=http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/products/f22/f-22-specifications.html |title=F-22 Raptor Specifications |publisher=Lockheed Martin |access-date=21 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603072326/http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/products/f22/f-22-specifications.html |archive-date=3 June 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120708073636/http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/military/f22/f22specs.html "F-22 Technical Specs."] Boeing. Retrieved 16 October 2011.</ref><ref name="combat_radius">{{cite web|url=http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-irwcM2ov73s/Toru4NRprRI/AAAAAAAABm4/PBBm_UVa5Ng/s1600/F-22range.jpeg |title=F-22 Combat Radius |access-date=7 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105005403/http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-irwcM2ov73s/Toru4NRprRI/AAAAAAAABm4/PBBm_UVa5Ng/s1600/F-22range.jpeg |archive-date=5 November 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''Aerofax'',<ref>Miller 2005, p. 102.</ref> ''[[Aviation Week]]'',<ref name="avweek_20070107"/><ref name="avweek_20141103">{{Cite magazine |author=Bill Sweetman |url=http://aviationweek.com/defense/j-20-stealth-fighter-design-balances-speed-and-agility |title=J-20 Stealth Fighter Design Balances Speed And Agility |magazine=Aviation Week & Space Technology |publisher=Penton Media |date=3 November 2014 |access-date=8 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141105012355/http://aviationweek.com/defense/j-20-stealth-fighter-design-balances-speed-and-agility |archive-date=5 November 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Air Forces Monthly]]'',<ref name="AFM"/> and ''[[Journal of Electronic Defense]]''<ref name="fighter_EW_next"/>
| prime units? = kts<!--   General characteristics-->
| genhide = 
| crew = 1
| length m = 18.92
| length ft = 62
| length in = 1
| span m = 13.56
| span ft = 44
| span in = 6
| height m = 5.08
| height ft = 16
| height in = 8
| wing area sqm = 78.04
| wing area sqft = 840
| aspect ratio = 2.36
| airfoil = [[NACA airfoil|NACA 6 series airfoil]]
| empty weight kg = 19700
| empty weight lb = 43340
| empty weight note = 
| gross weight kg = 29410
| gross weight lb = 64840
| gross weight note = 
| max takeoff weight kg = 38000
| max takeoff weight lb = 83500
| max takeoff weight note = 
| fuel capacity = {{convert|18000|lb|kg|abbr=on}} internally, or {{convert|26000|lb|kg|abbr=on}} with 2× 600 U.S. gal tanks
| more general = <!--   Powerplant
-->
| eng1 number = 2
| eng1 name = [[Pratt & Whitney F119]]-PW-100
| eng1 type = augmented [[turbofan]]s
| eng1 lbf = 26000
| eng1 kn = 116
| eng1 lbf-ab = 35000
| eng1 kn-ab = 156
| more power = {{refn|Actual thrust is up to {{cvt|37000|lbf|kN|0}}.<ref>AIR International, July 2015, p. 63.</ref>|group=N}}
<!--   Performance
-->| perfhide = 
| max speed mach = 2.25, {{convert|1500|mph|kn km/h|0|abbr=on}} at altitude<ref name="AFM"/>
**Mach 1.21, {{convert|800|knots|mph km/h|0}} at sea level
| cruise speed note = *'''Supercruise:''' Mach 1.76, {{convert|1162|mph|kn km/h|0|abbr=on}} at altitude
| range nmi = 1600
| range note = or more with 2 external fuel tanks
| ferry range nmi = 1740
| combat range nmi = 460
| combat range note = clean with {{convert|100|nmi|mi km|0|abbr=on}} in supercruise
**{{convert|595|nmi|mi km|0|abbr=on}} clean subsonic
**{{convert|750|nmi|mi km|0|abbr=on}} with 100 nmi in supercruise with 2× 600 U.S. gal tanks{{#tag:ref|860 nmi subsonic with 2× 600 U.S. gal tanks. All figures include −6% routing factor, combat and 2× GBU-32 + 2× AIM-9 + 2× AIM-120.|group=N}}
| ceiling m = 
| ceiling ft = 65000
| climb rate ms = 
| climb rate ftmin = 
| wing loading kg/m2 = 
| wing loading lb/sqft = 77.2
| wing loading note = 
| thrust/weight = 1.08 (1.25 with loaded weight and 50% internal fuel)
| g limits = +9.0/−3.0
| more performance = <!--   Armament
-->
| armament = *'''Guns:''' 1× [[20 mm caliber|20 mm]] [[M61 Vulcan|M61A2 Vulcan]] [[rotary cannon]], 480 rounds
*'''Internal weapons bays:'''
**8× internal weapon stations for a combination of:
**'''Air-to-air mission loadout:'''
<!--***6× [[AIM-260 JATM]] ''or'' -->
***6× [[AIM-120 AMRAAM|AIM-120C/D]] AMRAAM ''or'' 
***4× AIM-120A/B
***2× [[AIM-9 Sidewinder|AIM-9M/X Sidewinder]]
**'''Air-to-ground mission loadout:'''
***2× {{convert|1000|lb|kg|abbr=on}} [[Joint Direct Attack Munition|JDAM]] and 2× AIM-120 ''or''
***8× {{convert|250|lb|kg|abbr=on}} [[GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb|GBU-39 SDB]]<!--/[[GBU-53/B StormBreaker|GBU-53 StormBreaker]]--> and 2× AIM-120 ''or''
***4× 250 lb GBU-39 and 4× AIM-120
***2× AIM-9
*'''Hardpoint (external)''':
**4× under-wing pylon stations can be fitted to carry weapons, each with a capacity of 5,000 lb (2,270 kg) ''or'' 600 U.S. gallon (2,270 L) [[drop tank]]s<ref name="Miller_2005_p94-100">Miller 2005, pp. 94–100.</ref>
**4x AIM-120 AMRAAM (external)
| avionics = *[[AN/APG-77]] or AN/APG-77(V)1 [[active electronically scanned array|AESA]] radar: {{convert|125|-|150|mi|km}} against {{convert|1|m2|sqft|abbr=on}} targets (estimated range), more than {{convert|250|mi|km}} in narrow beams
*AN/AAR-56 [[missile approach warning|Missile Launch Detector]] (MLD)
*<!--AN/ASG-XX -->Advanced [[Infrared Search and Track]] (IRST)
*AN/ALR-94 [[electronic warfare]] system: {{convert|250|nmi|km}} or more detection range for [[radar warning receiver]] (RWR)
*AN/ASQ-220 Integrated CNI Avionics including:
**Inter/Intra-Flight Datalink (IFDL)
**MIDS-JTRS
**Link 16/[[JTIDS]]
**IFF (Mode 5)
**Embedded GPS/INS (EGI)
**TACAN
**[[HAVE QUICK]]/SATURN
**[[SINCGARS]]
*MJU-39/40 flares for protection against IR missiles<ref>Wild, Lee. [http://www.sharecast.com/cgi-bin/sharecast/story.cgi?story_id=3361020 "US quick to return for Chemring's flares."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716051703/http://www.sharecast.com/cgi-bin/sharecast/story.cgi?story_id=3361020 |date=16 July 2011}} ''Share cast'', 26 March 2010. Retrieved 26 September 2010.</ref>
}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Aviation|United States}}
{{aircontent
|see also=<!-- other closely related articles that have not already linked: -->
* {{anl|Advanced Tactical Fighter}}
* {{slink|Aircraft in fiction#F-22 Raptor}}
|related=<!-- designs which were developed into or from this aircraft: -->
* {{anl|Lockheed Martin FB-22}}
* {{anl|Lockheed Martin X-44 MANTA}}
* {{anl|Lockheed YF-22}}
|similar aircraft=<!-- aircraft that are of similar Role, Era, and Capability as this design: -->
* {{anl|Chengdu J-20}}
* {{anl|Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II}}
* {{anl|Sukhoi Su-57}}
* {{anl|TAI TF Kaan}}
|lists=<!-- relevant lists that this aircraft appears in: -->
* [[List of active United States military aircraft]]
* [[List of fighter aircraft]]
* [[List of Lockheed aircraft]]
* [[List of megaprojects#Aerospace projects|List of megaprojects, Aerospace]]
* [[List of military electronics of the United States]]
}}

==Notes==
{{Reflist|group=N}}

==References==

===Citations===
{{reflist}}

===Bibliography===
{{Refbegin}}
* {{cite book |last1=Aronstein |first1=David C. |last2=Hirschberg. |first2=Michael J. |last3=Piccirillo |first3=Albert C. |title=Advanced Tactical Fighter to F-22 Raptor: Origins of the 21st Century Air Dominance Fighter |location=Arlington, Virginia |publisher=[[American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics]] |year=1998 |isbn=978-1-56347-282-4}}
* {{cite report |last1=Bolkcom |first1=Christopher |title=CRS Reports for Congress F-22A Raptor |url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA470212.pdf |access-date=26 February 2024 |work=Congressional Research Service |date=12 June 2007}} {{PD-notice}}
* {{cite journal |last1=Gertler |first1=Jeremiah |title=Air Force F-22 Fighter Program |journal=Congressional Research Service |date=July 11, 2013 |url=https://sgp.fas.org/crs/weapons/RL31673.pdf}}
* {{Cite book |last= Goodall |first= James C |title= America's Stealth Fighters and Bombers: B-2, F-117, YF-22 and YF-23 |location= St. Paul, Minnesota |chapter= The Lockheed YF-22 and Northrop YF-23 Advanced Tactical Fighters |publisher= Motorbooks International |year= 1992 |isbn= 0-87938-609-6 |url-access= registration |url= https://archive.org/details/americasstealthf00good}}
* {{cite book |last1=Jenkins |first1=Dennis R. |last2=Landis |first2=Tony R. |title=Experimental & Prototype U.S. Air Force Jet Fighters |location=North Branch, Minnesota |publisher=Specialty Press |year=2008 |isbn=978-1-58007-111-6}}
* {{cite book |last=Miller |first=Jay |title=Lockheed Martin F/A-22 Raptor, Stealth Fighter |location=Hinckley, UK |publisher=Midland Publishing |year=2005 |isbn=1-85780-158-X}}
* {{Cite book|author=Miller, Jay|title=Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works: The Official History...|location=Leicester, UK|publisher=Midland Publishing|year=1995|isbn=1-85780-037-0}}
* {{cite journal|last=Mullin |first=Sherman N. |title=Winning the ATF |url=https://secure.afa.org/Mitchell/reports/MP9_ATF_0612.pdf |journal=Mitchell Institute for Airpower Studies |date=June 2012}}
* {{cite interview |last=Mullin |first=Sherman N. |interviewer-last1=Westwick |interviewer-first1=Peter |interviewer-last2=Deverell |interviewer-first2=William |title=Oral history interview with Sherman Mullin. Second Interview. |work=Aerospace Oral History Project |date=24 January 2019 |publisher=[[Huntington Library|The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens]] |location=San Marino, California |url=https://hdl.huntington.org/digital/collection/p15150coll7/id/45049/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808163832/https://hdl.huntington.org/digital/collection/p15150coll7/id/45049/ |archive-date=8 August 2024}}
* {{cite book |last=Pace |first=Steve |title=F-22 Raptor: America's Next Lethal War Machine |location=New York |publisher=McGraw-Hill |year=1999 |isbn=0-07-134271-0}}
* {{cite book |last=Polmar |first=Norman |title=The Naval Institute Guide to the Ships and Aircraft of the U.S. Fleet |location=Annapolis, Maryland |publisher=Naval Institute Press |year=2005 |isbn=978-1-59114-685-8}}
* {{cite journal |last=Sweetman |first=Bill |author-link=Bill Sweetman |title=Fighter EW: The Next Generation |journal=[[Journal of Electronic Defense]] |volume=23 |issue=7 |date=July 2000}}
* {{Cite book|author=Sweetman, Bill|author-mask=-------|title=F-22 Raptor|location=St. Paul, Minnesota, USA|publisher=Motorbooks International Publishing|year=1998|isbn=0-7603-0484-X}}
* {{Cite book|editor-last=Williams| editor-first= Mel|title=Superfighters: The Next Generation of Combat Aircraft|chapter= Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptor| location= London |publisher= AIRtime Publishing |year= 2002 |isbn=1-880588-53-6}}
{{Refend}}

==Further reading==
* {{Cite book |last1=Wallace |first1=Mike |url=https://archive.org/details/lockheedmartinf20000wall |title=Lockheed-Martin F-22 Raptor: An Illustrated History |last2=Holder |first2=William G. |publisher=[[Schiffer Publishing]] |year=1998 |isbn=9780764305580 |location=Atglen, PA |oclc=39910177 |url-access=registration}}

==External links==
{{Commons and category|Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor}}
* {{official website|http://www.f22-raptor.com}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090329025521/http://www.kbvp.com/extreme-videos/f-22-raptor F-22 Demo at 2007 Capital Airshow in Sacramento – with narrative by F-22 pilot Paul "Max" Moga]
* [https://media.defense.gov/2018/Mar/26/2001894248/-1/-1/1/DODIG-2018-089.PDF Contracting Strategy for F-22 Modernization - U.S. Department of Defense]

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