The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor is an American military fighter developed primarily for air superiority. It combines low-observable design, integrated avionics, supersonic cruising capability and manoeuvrability. The United States Air Force identifies Lockheed Martin and Boeing as its principal airframe contractors and describes the aircraft as an air-dominance, multirole fighter.[1]F-22 RaptorUnited States Air Force · af.mil · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Development
The production-representative F-22 first flew on 7 September 1997 at Marietta, Georgia. This milestone followed the development and competition that established the Raptor programme; it should not be confused with the earlier demonstrator aircraft. Lockheed Martin's history places the first flight within a programme of continuing technical development.[2]F-22 RaptorLockheed Martin · lockheedmartin.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Airframe and propulsion
The aircraft uses two Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 turbofan engines. Their two-dimensional thrust-vectoring nozzles supplement aerodynamic controls. The combination supports manoeuvring, while the propulsion system permits supersonic cruise without continuous use of afterburner under appropriate conditions.[1]F-22 RaptorUnited States Air Force · af.mil · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Low observability is another central design feature. It is combined with sensors and avionics intended to help the pilot detect and engage threats. These characteristics describe complementary elements of the aircraft rather than a guarantee that it cannot be detected or attacked.[1]F-22 RaptorUnited States Air Force · af.mil · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Mission
The Raptor's primary task is controlling the air, but its mission systems also support attacks on surface targets. Internal weapon carriage is part of its low-observable configuration.[1]F-22 RaptorUnited States Air Force · af.mil · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Sustainment and modernisation
Lockheed Martin describes support of the operational fleet as an integrated activity involving the company and the Air Force. This includes spares, repairs and coordination with maintenance depots, alongside engineering support. Keeping aircraft available is therefore a substantial part of the programme after initial production and delivery.[2]F-22 RaptorLockheed Martin · lockheedmartin.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
The manufacturer also emphasises improvements to connectivity and digital systems. These activities seek to strengthen the Raptor's ability to exchange information within a wider force.[2]F-22 RaptorLockheed Martin · lockheedmartin.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Significance
The F-22 brought stealth, high performance and integrated sensors together in an operational air-superiority aircraft. Its history also illustrates the importance of maintaining and updating a specialised fleet throughout its service life.[1]F-22 RaptorUnited States Air Force · af.mil · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details[2]F-22 RaptorLockheed Martin · lockheedmartin.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details