The F-22's MONSTER $11 BILLION UPGRADE

The F-22 Raptor may be slated to retire by the mid-2030s, but the U.S. intends to make sure the Raptor maintains its air dominance edge right up until the last minute, and they're pumping $10.9 billion into the legendary fighter to make sure it does.

Image credit to James Reeder on Instagram!

#shorts #short #f22 #f22raptor #stealth #stealthfighter #airpower

[brandonl]

Stealth preserving external stores is game changing not just for the raptor. I’m sure we will see it migrate to the 35 in no time.

[Laqhlan]

The stealthy drop tanks are critical for the raptor. Great to hear it.

[thomasabrams]

They won’t fully retire it, they’ll just preserve them like they do with the F-117

[WasabiSniffer]

glad they worked these stealthy external pods out. this'll do a hell of a lot for the F35, NGAD, F/A-XX and other platforms down the line as well

[JainZar]

I think the US Air Force is missing out, if they don't name the Upgrade the King Raptor. Bonus points if they find a General Granger to reveal the naming.

[DiamondSquidy]

I think we need a full video on this. I didn’t know the gov was finally committing to finally modernize the F-22. I’ve been hoping they’d do it for years as it would finally put the Raptor where it deserves to be. So far past 1st place that 1st place doesn’t even begin to describe what it’s capable of! And as always keep up the good work I enjoy the content you post.

[briantoplessbar]

IRST isn’t just about finding stealth - it means you can find fighters while remaining passive. It’s even more stealth. She’s a beast

[The_ZeroLine]

Due to everything moving toward BVR, sensor suites, autonomous, loyal wingman, etc., the F22 will always be our coolest ever proper fighter jet. From here on out, things will have amazing tech, but not have such visually stunning performance, looks and thrust.

[dbs]

The SU-57 has a very distinct IR signature and the Raptor IRST pod means Russian pilots will have an extremely short combat life.

[DementedDaedric]

Looks like the Raptor's getting new claws

[wakes_inc]

I'm seeing these over my house every couple of days recently. Much more activity at the factory it seems.

[allyourmoney]

Hopefully they're making a version of the stealthy tanks for the F-35 as well.

[mustezdcs]

That's some killer upgrades ...It is on Top now

[TheStormpilgrim]

Looks like they're setting the Raptors up to be assassins. Using them for conventional air-to-air would be a waste. Giving them the legs to go after AWACS or bomber formations away from the main fight in a western Pacific scenario without compromising stealth would be quite disruptive.

[joshandkorinna]

Biggest mistake the US Air Force ever made was not buying more F-22's.

[lyfandeth]

I've seen what they can do and how they can do it. No way the F22 should be retired.

[msytdc]

lol, love the MSPaint drop tank animation 👍😂

[marksanney]

Outstanding!

Sounds as though the F-22 may also be used as a test bed for newer weapons’ systems, advanced avionics, stealth coatings and other technologies which may find a home in the FA-XX and/or the NGAD aircraft.

[ogdocvato]

Given the dangerous international situation, the block 20 Raptors should be upgraded to combat worthy condition and 30 of the oldest F-15Cs should be retired instead! The only F-15s which should remain in service are the newer Strike Eagles and the F-15EX.

[izacks]

Was gonna say that is alot for a dying platform but remembered how unstable the world is recently. A major conflict might start sooner than later and 11 billion is chump change compared to the chance for a decisive win.