Our first look at the $16 BILLION F-22 RAPTOR UPGRADE 

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“Aging out of service?!” What does that mean? Signed “The B-52”

F22 is a good case study for why a flexible and upgradable platform is so important for NGAD.

The Raptor is SUCH a good looking plane. Even though the plane was designed 30+ years ago it still just looks like it’ll kick your ass without breaking a sweat

The F-22 is impressive. The only time it has ever been taken down was by Tony Stark in that documentary Iron Man

I remember back in 1992 reading a magazine, I think it was Popular Mechanics, that went over the testing of the YF-22 and YF-23. They hadn't yet decided which one they were going to go with. Reading about the specs was incredible. Both were just head and shoulder over the capabilities of the F-15, and added supercruise and stealth. It was science fiction becoming reality.

A stealth fuel pod means hard point stealth missiles are not far behind.

I gotta say those big torpedo fuel tanks make the new F-22 look really cool. There's being deadly in battle and there's being cool. The new F-22 is both.

I was lucky to be a part of these programs back in the late 80's. These programs gave me a great life.

so much for the Raptor being dead

It’s not all sunk costs. A lot of the R&D used in the F-22 upgrades will be used for NGAD + platforms.

It’s funny that the Starscream F22 toys often had underwing pods and it was a little weird now the real F22 has caught up

As you can see from the photo at 3:03, ejecting the normal fuel tanks doesn't leave a pylon behind, the pylon ejects with the tank. Permanently mounted pylons is a flaw in Russian planes, not US ones. The problem is the attachment point. To mount an external tank on the Raptor, it's necessary to remove some covers over the hardpoints the pylon connects to. When it ejects, those holes (though small and diamond-shaped) are not as stealthy as the smooth, conductive-putty-covered surface of a Raptor wing that never had a pylon on it, until the plane returns to base and the covers are installed again and puttied over. The new tanks are supposed to include a replacement for the cover that snaps shut over the hole after ejection, so they leave a plug in the hole almost as good as the cover and putty.

nothing on radar sir, just a lone fuel tank falling from the sky

I was a fast jet pilot and took part in Red Flag at Nellis AFB in 1985. For some of the time we had marine F4s escorting us. They had helmet mounted cueing systems that allowed them to take out F15’s with their AIM9 Xs without leaving station. That was 35 years ago! It’s been a mystery to me why it has taken so long to roll out helmet mounted cueing systems - it’s a game changer.

Back in the 1990s I remember hearing comments about 'why do we need a fighter so good? '. I thought, because it takes 20+ years to make a new one and things can change in that time.

Just goes to show that the Air Force "spokesperson" was correct in saying that NGAD technology would be tested on F-22s, and the Raptors would be keeping those that worked for them. There is little to keep designers from putting fancy electronics in the pointy part of the weapons pod...

I can still remember when they announced the short production run of the F-22. It broke my heart. I understand how they came to that decision, but had they kept production up, it would have been a whole different story. Hind sight is 20/20. Still it gladdens my heart to see they are giving the Raptor a reprieve for the time being.

Alex, you deserve every award you get for military technology journalism. Every one of your videos are so well researched and detailed. You are my go to guy on military systems. I just hope today's warriors are as well informed, intelligent and level-headed as you. Our military needs brilliant, informed soldiers to safeguard our country. You and Cappi at Task and Purpose are a tremendous credit to all men in uniform.

NGAD is still a big question mark. Raptor upgrades is money well spent! I can imagine several repurposing alternatives for Raptor+ once NGAD is operational.

The F-22 was supposed to have an IRST set in the nose to begin with. It was cut due to "budget concerns". And now we're paying 4 times as much for the added capability a decade later in a format that reduces RCS while taking up stores space. Part and parcel for the US defense acquisition system.

F22s spamming missiles Ace Combat-style is a nightmare scenario for anyone 😂

My favorite part of driving home from work is speaking along (in a deep voice) “This is AirPower” then head banging a bit to the aggressive music drop. Thanks for the great content, Alex.

The fact they didn’t design stealth drop tanks 20 years ago is weird

Nice work Alex, Airpower is making it's way to the top of heap for civilians interested modern combat aviation. I wouldn't be surprised if a great number of military aviators find your information even more valuable. Keep up the good work.

Cool! Been waiting to learn more about this! It's cool that Raptor is gonna be even more of a beast!

i wouldn't be surprised if the phase out of F22 gets extended quite a bit. doesn't make sense to put such expensive upgrades on a plane that's heading to the boneyard.

You know if the US wouldn't have spent over a trillion dollars (ADDED COST) fighting a needless war in Iraq we'd probably have another 100 - 200 Raptors. In other words I don't like CONSTANTLY hearing about what the US felt was needed and what wasn't. It was a budget cut, and it came during the Iraq war which cost a small fortune.

Hey Alex, here's an interesting thought: What if the NGAD won't even have conventional weapons onboard? As in no missiles or guns. Leave that to the drone wingman. This would allow the NGAD to be extremely thin and reach a new level of stealth. Maybe only have stuff on board for defence like directed energy weapons for taking out missiles. The ultra stealthy NGAD could be used mainly for protecting all of the other aircraft in the sky that do the actual attacking.

Alex, congrats on your shoutout from Simon Whistler talking about Aurora!

Another benefit of carrying weapons in stealthy underwing pods is that they could carry larger weapons than will fit in the internal weapons bay. So a new AAM doesn’t have to be designed with the same envelope as the AMRAAM.

The Stealth pylon and IRST pods is one of the most important programs of the last 30 years.

Had no idea an upgrade was in the works.. Thanks for the video!

I'm glad to hear about the helmet cuing system finally. They have always said the Raptors' cockpit canopy design wouldn't allow it.

It's incredible how much more advanced F-35's skin is compared to Raptor. On the Raptor you can see pieces of aircraft skin joined to the body with rivets. They look like patches and seem very crude.. On the other hand the close ups of the F-35's skin show a smooth surface without any visible joints. Over 20 years of advance in stealth coatings and joining technology is more than visible in those 2 examples... One can only imagine how advanced, smooth and jointless the skin of the B-21 Raider will be. Can't wait to see some close up photos of the production model..

I thought this would happen, but now that its more or less confirmed, I expect it will be in service longer than they say.

Thank you for the information. A lot of it went over my head. But pride in my country's abilities never gets old.

I wonder if the stealth fuel tank will one day be used on the f35 even though it already carries alot of fuel

Drop tanks can be just made from polymers. No need to waste any coating.

Make a drop tank that acts as a decoy when jettisoned! 😜

I see the Raptor is taking a page outta good old Grandpa BUFF's book. That begs the question: will Uncle Sam use the Raptor for SEAD operations now? That's a scary thought

Simon whistler recently quoted you as an expert aviation source in an episode of Mega Projects. Kudos

I am 30 years old and I would almost bet money by the time I'm 50, we will still be using F22 in one way or another

Thanks Alex....great video......just like everybody thought the ARRW was dead......now im curious about the Aim 260...it has to fly at mach 5 at least....

Raptors never say die

I really enjoy your pod! Great job! Keep it coming! Semper Fi!

the Raptor will always be my favorite fighter jet, Great video as always Alex. Thanks good sir!

I think that when the next generation fleshes out and the F22 becomes "obsolets" there's a perfect role waiting for it: Domestic air defense. Right now we have relatively old and slow F15's on ready ramps for domestic intercepts. Trips where speed matters more than range, if you keep the aircraft well dispersed. The F22 could fit the role of domestic interceptors perfectly. Speed still counts.

Great update Alex.

Excellent stuff as always Alex

IRST most definitely has BVR capabilities. The F14D IRST is anecdotally capable of detecting a tanker and aircraft around it at ranges in excess of 200 miles with better resolution than the APG71 radar in the nose. The system was also capable of ranging tracks through angle tracking and crews could put an AIM-54C on it without the APG71. That was in the early 90s. The F14 Tomcast covers these systems at a high level with those anecdotes. The pod used in the F14D is the basis of the modern LEGION pod.

The thrust comparison to the SR-71 is deceptive. Due to the design of the engines, they actually make considerably more power as it gets faster and flies higher, so ultimate power vs power at sea level on a stand are very different.

Will the NGAD be mostly a 2 seater? It sounds like all the tech and drone wingmen will require a team of 2 per plane. One to fly and one to use 2-3 wingman drones and weapons.

I'm probably going to buy me one in a few years when I save up my money over a few Summers from lawns I cut. It should be pretty cool 😎👍

I still can’t comprehend how it was even possible to invent the F22 back then… and how it’s not possible for anybody else to come even close AS OF TODAY

Spitfire was an extremely adaptable platform constantly upgraded throughout WW2. The Messerschmitt 109 got fatter but had nothing like the potential for upgrades. F-22 follows the same pattern.

One looks forward with great anticipation to your examination of the AIM-260! :)

Nice video about upgrades F-22 raptor ...are its 5+ generation.....thank you Sandbox channel

Love to see Alexs face light up as he speaks about the AIM 260, its like a little child talking about christmas. You can see that he is passionate about what he makes his content. Thank you for a great video.

Long live the F-22, great video and very informative and one last thing thanks for the great aerial view shout out to the Cleveland Browns Stadium my hometown

*_”It all that ensures that the upgraded F-22 Raptor is likely the only aircraft on the planet that will be able to flat out, embarrass the old F-22”_* Now that is one hell of a statement which should drive a lot of fear into many of our adversaries…at very least, put the fear of God into the old F 22…DUNT DUNNT DUNNNNN!

F-22 went from retirement to upgrade at light speed. Too bad we have only about 170 operational.

These upgraded f22’s will likely be the next gen wild weasels.

Thanks for the update!

Any chance these pods, and tanks could be fitted to the F-15 and F-16. Would help their capabilities.

Ace Combat footage!!! Long live Erusea!!!

Taffy Two Three scored a home run with that image. Great update, Sandboxx!

Another great report ! Thanks.

It's said that restarting a Raptor production would be as many dollars as a new designing a new plane. But when has a new plane ever come in anywhere near the projected cost? I bet new Raptors would be cheaper given that we already know how to build them.

nothing on radar sir, just a lone fuel tank falling from the sky.

Love your channel. It's become one of my go-to channels, and I always immediately check out your latest posts.

Alex I love your platform and it's content. Thank you!

Would you intercept me? IIII'd intercept me.

"stealth fuel tanks" and still no free health care. HELL YEAHHH

Great video. So exciting. Love the Raptor ❤🎉

My favorite show... on any subject or platform. I don't even bother with other sources anymore because they're mostly just regurgitated content with poorly read presentation. This is always original content presented by the analyst (enthusiast/expert/av nut). Outstanding! My only complaint is that I now have a dependency... so please keep at it Alex!

Thank you, Alex! Your content gets better and better, as time goes by!

The F22 will always amaze me. A truly incredible looking plane with insane capabilities. Seeing the US upgrading it to maintain it's dominance for years to come is simply a joy to witness. I am nowhere near ready to see this plane grounded, even with the NGAD in the works. Great video. You should cover more about the upgrades to the F22 and how it will still maintain it's edge with drone wingman technology, even vs other countries who are working on similar tech.

Another outstanding video sir. Thank you

Outstanding report Alex.

These sound amazing. RAF Lakenheath is not too far away and often get to see these flying around and F-35.

If it aint called the King Raptor, I'll riot.

Awesome video! Very informative and quite comprehensive for OSINT.

Enjoyed, thanks.

GREAT insights in this video! Love it!!

After two decades the true beauty of Raptor finally shines

The USAF has already "unofficially" awarded or at least heavily suggested that the 6th-Gen NGAD (Next Generation Air Dominance) goes to BDS Air Dominance Division's "Phantom Works" as the official replacement to the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. F-22 Raptor. The NGAD will be utilizing the newest and most sophisticated radar known as the AN/APG-85 AESA radar with TRM's (transmit/receive modules) comprised of GaN (Gallium Nitride) versus the current Gallium Arsenide. It'll be outfitted with a BAE Systems AN/ASQ-239 "Electronic Warfare Suite" with ALE-70 ECCM and a Lockheed Martin AN/AAQ-40 Advanced "Electro-Optical Targeting System" (EOTS) which will allow it to scan 320 miles ahead with intense detail without giving away it's location with an energy signature. The 6th-Gen NGAD will be a larger platform measuring 70 feet in length. It will utilize a pair of General Electric XA-100 "Adaptive Cycle Engines" (although Pratt & Whitney is still competing for the engine contract with their XA-101 "Adaptive Cycle Engines.") Both models provide exceptional thrust vectoring with 45,000 ft-lbs of maximum thrust EACH! In other words, a pair of either model of these engines promises a combined maximum thrust of 90,000 ft-lbs. For this reason, the top speed of the NGAD is estimated to be at Mach 2.61 (or 3,000 mph) with the ability to Supercruise at an even Mach 2.0. Each NGAD will also come with two CCAs (or "Loyal Wingman drones) by Kratos or General Atomics which are piloted by AI to assist in the overall mission. Notice this aircraft has no vertical stabilizers. It's ability to supercruise at Mach 2 over great distances with two CCAs puts it in a position to get from Guam to Taiwan within 45 minutes. It is a versatile aircraft with a wide scope of mission potentials. It will also be weaponized with two, AIM-9X sidewinder missiles; up to possibly 8 - 12 AIM-260 missiles; and later models will include a DEW (Direct Energy Weapon) or ultra-pulsed, 500-kw laser capable of 700+ shots without the added weight of installing a heavy 20mm cannon w/ bullets that are less precise and deplete too rapidly. Advances in Femtosecond Science are leading the way for this eventual incorporation onto the NGAD. It will truly embody the next-generation of weapons platforms to come over the remainder of the 21st century. However interesting enough, the 6th-Gen NGAD seems wholly a better version of the F-35 than it does a purely physical Interceptor with raw dogfighting ability. But it boils down to money and since the F-35 is being sold to other countries, it can never have a marketed replacement. And ergo, the F-22 which is not available for sale takes the wrap for being that which inevitably gets replaced down the road (i.e. after 2034).

Alex i love your channel and it's almost always the first one that I open each day.Ithink it's great with what they are doing to the F-22 may it always lead the world in technologies and it's abilities. Long live the king of the sky!!!!!!! 22:55

Love your videos Alex. Very informative. Thanks for the effort.

The F-22 is sleek, one of the best looking fighters period, but there’s nothing more menacing than a fighter jet with wings full of weapons. Now the F-22 gets some of that menacing look too.

"Carry more hate into the fight", love it :)

Alex, I love how you say your name, and this is AIRPOWER! Awesome.

Great! I confirmed a lot more about new IRST. Thanks.

Alex, Hi! Tell me if the below idea makes any sense at all: In order to stand for the Russia/China challenge, my thought is the following: Take the F-16 plataform and create teo new versions: 1. Already in course, an unmanned version. 2. Create a stealh, supersonic version of it. Mass produce these two while keeping up with the F-35 and existing F-22. This way the US would have a robust overall capability in order to face its adversaries.

Awesome video Mr. Hollings love your show!!!

Theres just something about the F22 Raptor its always been my fav. Maybe the combo of design look and name ?

Loved this video thank you can we have a video on the uk 🇬🇧 jets 😊 the f22 is honestly the best of the best

Cover anything you want! I love it all!

So much for the Raptor looking badass

The F-22 got an upgrade? This is like a real-life cheat code.