Explore the F-22 Raptor, the ultimate American fifth-generation fighter jet. Get full specifications, size, weapons, stealth features, number built, users, price, and comparisons with J-20, Su-57 & F-35.
F-22 Raptor Fighter Jet: Specifications, Size, Weapons, Stealth, Price, Users & Comparison
The F-22 Raptor is widely regarded as the world’s most dominant fifth-generation air superiority fighter jet. Developed by Lockheed Martin for the United States Air Force (USAF), the F-22 combines unmatched stealth technology, supercruise capability, extreme maneuverability, and advanced sensor fusion. Even decades after its introduction, no other fighter jet has fully surpassed the combat dominance of the F-22.
This in-depth guide covers everything you need to know about the F-22 Raptor, including its specifications, size, weapons, stealth features, number built, users, price, strengths, weaknesses, and comparisons with other modern fighter jets.
Overview of the F-22 Raptor Fighter Jet
The F-22 Raptor is a twin-engine, single-seat, stealth air superiority fighter designed primarily to achieve and maintain air dominance. Unlike multirole fighters, the F-22’s main mission is to destroy enemy aircraft before being detected.
Key highlights of the F-22 program include:
✅ First operational fifth-generation fighter jet in the world
✅ Designed for air-to-air dominance with limited ground-attack capability
✅ Superior stealth combined with extreme speed and agility
✅ Built exclusively for the United States Air Force
The aircraft entered service in 2005 and remains one of the most feared combat aircraft ever produced.
F-22 Raptor Specifications and Size
The F-22’s design balances stealth, power, and agility. Its dimensions allow internal weapons carriage while maintaining a minimal radar signature.
F-22 Raptor Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Name | F-22 Raptor |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed Martin |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Generation | Fifth Generation |
| Role | Air Superiority Stealth Fighter |
| Length | 18.9 meters |
| Wingspan | 13.6 meters |
| Height | 5.1 meters |
| Engines | 2 × Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 |
| Maximum Speed | Mach 2.25 |
| Supercruise Speed | Mach 1.8 (without afterburner) |
| Combat Radius | ~760 km |
| Service Ceiling | 65,000 feet |
| Radar | AN/APG-77 AESA Radar |
| Armament | AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-9 Sidewinder, 20mm Vulcan Cannon |
| Stealth Capability | Very Low Radar Cross-Section (RCS) |
| Number Built | 195 Units |
| Operators | United States Air Force |
| Estimated Unit Cost | ~USD 150 Million |
Stealth Technology of the F-22 Raptor
Stealth is one of the F-22’s most defining features. The aircraft was engineered from the ground up to evade radar, infrared, and electronic detection.
Key Stealth Features
✅ Extremely low radar cross-section (RCS)
✅ Radar-absorbing materials (RAM) coating
✅ Internal weapons bays (no external hardpoints in combat mode)
✅ Serrated edges and angled surfaces
✅ Reduced infrared and acoustic signatures
Unlike earlier stealth aircraft, the F-22 maintains stealth even at supersonic speeds, giving it a decisive advantage in both offensive and defensive missions.
Weapons and Armament of the F-22 Raptor
The F-22 carries all of its primary weapons internally to preserve stealth. Despite this limitation, it remains lethal in both beyond-visual-range (BVR) and within-visual-range (dogfight) combat.
Internal Weapons Loadout
✅ AIM-120 AMRAAM (Beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile)
✅ AIM-9 Sidewinder (Short-range infrared missile)
✅ M61A2 20mm Vulcan cannon (480 rounds)
Ground-Attack Capability (Limited)
✅ JDAM precision-guided bombs
✅ Small Diameter Bombs (SDB)
While capable of air-to-ground strikes, the F-22’s primary mission remains air dominance, unlike multirole fighters such as the F-35.
Avionics, Radar, and Sensor Fusion
The F-22 was one of the first aircraft to feature true sensor fusion, allowing pilots to see a unified battlefield picture.
Advanced Systems
✅ AN/APG-77 AESA radar
✅ Long-range target detection and tracking
✅ Passive electronic intelligence gathering
✅ Secure data-link with other aircraft and command centers
✅ Helmet-mounted display integration
This advanced avionics suite allows the F-22 to detect, track, and engage targets before being seen, often destroying enemies without ever entering visual range.
Supercruise and Maneuverability
One of the F-22’s most impressive abilities is supercruise, meaning it can fly at supersonic speeds without afterburners.
Performance Advantages
✅ Sustained Mach 1.8 supercruise
✅ Thrust-vectoring nozzles for extreme agility
✅ Exceptional dogfight performance
✅ High energy retention during combat maneuvers
This combination allows the F-22 to outmaneuver and outpace almost any adversary aircraft.
Number of F-22 Raptors Built
Production of the F-22 was intentionally limited.
Production Facts
✅ Total built: 195 aircraft
✅ Operational fighters: ~183
✅ Production ended: 2012
The program was canceled due to high costs, shifting defense priorities, and the rise of the F-35 program.
Users of the F-22 Raptor
The F-22 is used exclusively by the United States Air Force.
Why the F-22 Is Not Exported
✅ US law bans export of the F-22
✅ Protection of stealth and sensor technology
✅ Strategic advantage reserved for the USA
No allied nation operates the F-22, making it one of the most exclusive fighter jets ever built.
Price and Cost of the F-22 Raptor
The F-22 is often cited as one of the most expensive fighter jets in history.
Cost Breakdown
✅ Unit cost: ~$150 million
✅ Program cost: Over $67 billion
✅ High maintenance and operating expenses
Despite its cost, military analysts widely agree that the F-22 delivers unmatched combat value.
F-22 Raptor vs Other Fighter Jets
F-22 vs F-35
✅F-22: Air superiority specialist
✅F-35: Multirole stealth fighter
✅F-22 has superior speed and dogfight ability
F-22 vs J-20 (China)
✅F-22 has better agility and stealth refinement
✅J-20 emphasizes long-range missile engagement
F-22 vs Su-57 (Russia)
✅F-22 superior stealth and sensor fusion
✅Su-57 focuses on maneuverability and lower cost
F-22 Comparison with F-35, j-20 and Su 57
| Feature | F-22 Raptor (USA) | F-35 Lightning II (USA) | J-20 Mighty Dragon (China) | Su-57 Felon (Russia) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Generation | 5th | 5th | 5th | 5th |
| Primary Role | Air Superiority | Multirole | Air Superiority | Multirole |
| Maximum Speed | Mach 2.25 | Mach 1.6 | Mach 2.0 (est.) | Mach 2.0 |
| Supercruise | Yes (Mach 1.8) | Limited | Reported | Yes |
| Stealth Level | Very High | Very High | High | Moderate |
| Radar | AN/APG-77 AESA | AN/APG-81 AESA | KLJ-5 AESA | N036 AESA |
| Internal Weapons | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Combat Radius | ~760 km | ~1,100 km | ~1,200 km (est.) | ~1,500 km |
| Number Built | 195 | 1,000+ | 250+ (est.) | 30+ (est.) |
| Operators | USA | USA & Allies | China | Russia |
| Estimated Unit Cost | $150M | $80–100M | $110–120M (est.) | $50–70M (est.) |
Strengths and Limitations of the F-22 Raptor
Strengths
✅ Unmatched stealth and speed
✅ Superior air-to-air combat dominance
✅ Advanced radar and avionics
✅ Proven operational reliability
Limitations
✅ Extremely expensive to operate
✅ Small fleet size
✅ Limited air-to-ground role
✅ No export or allied operation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the F-22 Raptor?
The F-22 Raptor is an American fifth-generation stealth air superiority fighter developed by Lockheed Martin.
How stealthy is the F-22?
It has one of the lowest radar cross-sections ever achieved in a fighter aircraft.
How many F-22s were built?
A total of 195 aircraft were produced.
Why is the F-22 not exported?
US law prohibits its export to protect sensitive technologies.
Is the F-22 better than the F-35?
For air-to-air combat, yes. For multirole missions, the F-35 is more versatile.
Conclusion
The F-22 Raptor remains the most powerful air superiority fighter jet ever fielded. With its unmatched combination of stealth, speed, agility, and sensor dominance, it continues to define fifth-generation combat aviation.
Despite limited production and high costs, the F-22 ensures that the United States maintains absolute control of the skies, setting a standard that even the newest fighter jets still struggle to match.
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