Open main menu
Home
Random
Recent changes
Special pages
Community portal
Preferences
About Wikipedia
Disclaimers
Incubator escapee wiki
Search
User menu
Talk
Dark mode
Contributions
Create account
Log in
Editing
Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
(section)
Warning:
You are not logged in. Your IP address will be publicly visible if you make any edits. If you
log in
or
create an account
, your edits will be attributed to your username, along with other benefits.
Anti-spam check. Do
not
fill this in!
===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 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 web |last=Offley |first=Ed |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-145240376.html |title=Flaw Could Shorten Raptors' Lives |work=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>
Edit summary
(Briefly describe your changes)
By publishing changes, you agree to the
Terms of Use
, and you irrevocably agree to release your contribution under the
CC BY-SA 4.0 License
and the
GFDL
. You agree that a hyperlink or URL is sufficient attribution under the Creative Commons license.
Cancel
Editing help
(opens in new window)