Dirty little secret: The F-22's computers, sensors, radar and avionics can easily be upgraded. Lockheed-Martin built this flexibility and systems enhancements into the F-22 platform, long ago. In spite of what you might have heard.
The F-22 was constantly upgraded and it almost immediately got the APG-77v1 upgrade to the radar, which makes it the most powerful fighter jet radar on Earth currently. They actually prototype to the technology for the f-35s radar on the F-22 lol. And this thing was originally built with the intention in mind that they wasn't sure what they were doing in the future, and if you notice how they're retiring the raptors and then making raptors, it's because they need the parts off the old F-22 to make new ones, they are going to take stuff like the radar antenna they literally can't make a better one right now, and there is a lot of classified systems that I know very little about that are also being converted over. I know the F-22 raptor can turn completely visually invisible to the eye, and it can super cruise at Mach 1.8 lol. I'm pretty sure they're adding massively larger engines to the aircraft as well. It appears the new F-22 is going to have 90,000 lb of thrust. And there is reason to suspect it can super Cruise a hell of a lot faster.
Chuck Yaeger said that the F-22 onboard computer can be constantly upgraded with its software without changing the hardware as much. It is scary to think that this aircraft has been around for more than 2 decades.
ATF already has IR signature VLO. F-117A and B-2A also have significant IR VLO features. It could be optical camo or something else, we just don’t know.
@@LRRPFco52 There’s supposedly some new RAM that was recently invented by researchers at NC State that is ceramic and much more effective and durable than what is currently in use. Still in the testing phase so it wouldn’t be used on the F-22s yet, but it looks very promising. If as effective as suggested in the article I read, it would eliminate a huge chunk of F-22 and F-35 maintenance, and could even make 4th gen aircraft semi-stealthy.
@@bluemarlin8138 F-35 RAM acts like a carbon fiber and doesn't require anything unusual. The maintenance-related work is on any panels that occasionally need to be accessed, where adhesive appliques cover the seams. F-22 RAM is older, requiring lots of maintenance, RAM re-painting, and things that push its MMHPFH into the 50hr range. F-35A has hovered between 4.1-5.9hrs, which is lower than any USAF jet with Radar in history. Even the F-35B with all its doors, lift fan, and tight routing of lines around the lift fan is easier to maintain than an F-16, with far less MMHPFH. That doesn't include all the pods for the F-16 either.
@@bluemarlin8138 There are exciting things happening with programmable carbon materials that are extremely lightweight, with very interesting conductive properties.
You will not see it at all, the radar noise filtering will likely not display it. You don't want to see Birds on your radar, it would be very distracting. Add a slight jamming signal, and you may not even notice the radars auto filtering has increased. Trust me no one will notice that 800 mph bird except on the most advanced radar systems, even then it may already be in it's weapons range and released weapons before you can engage it.
@@rogersmith573 People mistake this often for ''Filtering'' but birds are not made out of alloys or composites and don't reflect almost any radar that is shot at it (at aesa frequency). What the F-22 does is it absorbs the radar waves so they dont reflect back. The most sensitive signature part of the F-22 is it's nozzles. They are not painted in the ram coating because of the heat that comes free of the engine.
@@bertg.6056 What's the point of shared technology with the F-22 if they are going to retire it. Why not give it to F-35 instead? Do you see my point? 6th gen will also be limited in numbers like the raptor, and there will be a bunch of F35s and other 4th gens.
Personally, I doubt the F-22 will be retiring when NGAD enters service. One thing about the United States military is that they can’t replace anything. Imo that isn’t a bad thing. A successful platform that can be modernized is always good to have at your disposal. For example, the M16 and M60 is still in service despite the M4 and M240 being in service, the Bradley IFV has survived numerous replacement attempts, the Abrams survived a replacement attempt, the F-16, F/A-18, and A-10 never got replaced by the F-35 like everyone said they would, and finally the F-15 never got replaced by the F-22. And now they’re claiming the F-22 is going to be replaced by a jet we can’t even see yet while they’re still dumping billions into the F-22 fleet. The only thing the US has been able to successfully replace within the last few decades is the F-14 and we were only able to replace it effectively because it’s replacement had already been in service for almost 20 years by the time they decided to retire the F-14. I could be wrong, but I don’t think Raptor fans have anything to worry about.
We only have 187 airframes, and the platform stopped being made. The tooling is gone. The aircraft cannot be remade anymore. This may have been a huge mistake at the time, but I think it would be an even bigger mistake to not have an aircraft that is able to be built in required numbers during a conflict. It wouldn't make sense to use the Raptor for that after the NGAD program is complete. We're talking about technology that is 30 years more advanced than the original raptor in an airframe that may potentially have capabilities the raptor never dreamed of. I love the raptor myself, but I just don't see it coming back, or sticking around much longer than 2035.
@@Oxide21 i think the M4 will stick around for a long time, but i don't think the 556 will be around much longer. I think it'll be replaced with the 300aac or blackout since it has better ballistics out of a smaller barrel.
On of the biggest mistakes the USAF made in the 2000s was to limit the Raptor fleet to 180 airframes....they should have atleast made 270, which was what the Airforce originally wanted at last......
@@jackusamdpurcell8181 Huh..... anyways the USAF is now paying the price for this.....now they don't have enough modern air superiority jets to face a 2 front scenario......And has to rely on the F 35(which is not meant for heavy air dominance) and the F 15s.......🙄🙄🙄🙄
@@randygravel2057 Ar first the plan was to buy about 700 airframes... Then it got reduced to 370 and then to 270....The Airforce wanted 270 at the end but had to settle for 187 due to pressure from the Pentagon
Kudos to this video. How many "super warthog" videos are there that don't actually describe the upgrades that make the plane "super"? I have yet to see one. At least the folks here are providing a list with benefits.
They’ve tried to replace the A10, the B-1 etc etc etc for decades , the F-22 won’t be retired for a very long time, $200M jet will be updated for yearsssss to come! It’s stealth , capability and open architecture systems assure it will have a very very long life!
F-22s computer has the ability to take over flight controls if the human pilot becomes incompacitated. This is old news. It's a Little scary. It's reality. The fact
So basically and finally they are installing F35 Helmet glass cockpit and computers plus the F35 stealth coating. Should have been started 15 years ago. I mean computers have changed since 1995 the F22 was designed to be plug and play computer upgradable.
Well the Air Force contractors with minor hiccups seem to be moving along nicely whereas the Navy is having major problems with the Zumwalt class and possibly 50% structural flaws with the Littoral class of destroyers.
The Navy is all sorts of messed up in a time when they are needed most for deterrence. The Navy plans to decommission 2-3 times more ships then are being built for years, makes zero sense when they supposedly keep saying they need more ships to do the job in the SCS. The NAVY wasted an incredible amount of money on ships that they now say are useless and don't work as advertised. The LCS is still being built while they decommission other LCS's less then 3 years old.
Your "thumb nail" states: "Zero radar signature" As far as I know, with modern computers that analyze every returning echo, THAT is not possible! But, of course, not every Enemy will have access to such Brand new and extremely expensive technology.
Raptor Plus. You have to subscribe to the stealth and to have an advertisement free HUD. This missile lock is brought to you by Arby’s, we have the meats.
In time those upgrades for warships are coming in about 7 to 9 years. Beam intensity about threefold stronger than the originals, siphoning very little energy from a weapons systems platform. 🌷
You'll see these in land based systems and naval ships long before you see them in aircraft due to energy supply issues. In other words putting a powerful enough powerplant for the electrical needs of directed energy weapon far exceeds what you could put into a current technology aircraft. Note how the Navy got rid of rail gun development, too much energy required for too little results. They mounted a laser defense system on one ship for testing, but even if it is implemented throughout the fleet it would be for a short range defensive system.
It's possible that they already exist. If it is to be believed, there is an online article called I believe horryfying U.S. secret weapon unleashed in Baghdad. It's an interesting read, if nothing else.
Nice to see all the enhancements that are paving a way toward future AI drone units. My sincere hope is we implement this in the development of our Gen6 fighters, bombers, AWACS, and more… aerial refueling could be 10x quicker, etc. An overall shift to unmanned AI drones in all disciplines across the board is highly advisable. Others are already making the changes. We need to gain advantages quickly and push anti-hacking tech to maximum. No more free rides for those who wish us harm. peace
Put our war birds on a different setting making them untouchable to anyone's threat to our forces. Future will be very exciting, Would it not be spectacular to have a six gen fighter controlling 30 fighter drones at once setting up war plans to negate adversaries in the air ground and sea
@@elias1208I've noticed alot of American military industrialists &American military Industrial complex stans have the EXACT same mentality those psychotic cowards who walk to grocery stores with AR15s cause they're so perpetually scared of their own shadows.. but try to hide behind 2A excuses 😂
@@thebuzz4108 Your English is very good, especially since it's not your first language. I'm impressed, and sorry for my comment. Please disregard it. I'm new to your channel, because of its topics and your research, I have subscribed. I'm 80 years old, living on a very limited budget, so I can't support you financially.
Awwww well that's completely okay. I know it's weird for people who speak English as their first language to hear me speak . Well ,just doing mg best here . Have a good day . Also nobody asked for financial support 😅 its all good. Good day sir
WILL most of these upgrades make it into the entire F-22 fleet?? The US F-35 fleet and new F-35s going to allies will SUPPOSEDLY get the new GE dual mode engine for 20% more speed and 20% more range, depending on mode. Will this upgrade from the current Pratt and Whitney engine ruin the F-22 upgrade budget?
I'm still an A-10 fan. It's saved plenty of our troops. It may be ugly and slow but to hear it fire its gun is like hearing when Eddie Van Halen plays. Both have a distinct sound and you know it when you hear it. I wish our aircraft was named after famous guitar players. Now that would be a cool thing to do with us fans. Determine which plane for which guitar player.
Can it fly itself on a multirole mission and take on and deal with new threats without pilot input, that’s a pilot who doesn’t touch a thing as it starts to take off for the mission . Tried tested on the felon , that’s just one advantage over anything that’s being produced in the world
@@robertmuller5039 not many do know but it’s probably because Russians don’t glamourise their tech as other countries do . It’s full of groundbreaking tech and then more they can’t disclose. Such as built with enhanced AI to aid individual pilots cope with multifunction tasks
I don't have much faith in anything Russia says they can do. They are using mountain dew bottles for gas tanks on their drones. Get outta here with that bs
Not sure if this is a wishlist or a serious upgrade list... Given that the F-35’s Block 3 upgrade with reasonable upgrades (new processor, adaptation of weapons etc.) will be only ready in 2029 (as per Lockheed Martin), this list of new features, seems to be very very unlikely to be possible to implement into the F-22 in the next years - probably not in the timeframe the DoD is planning to implement these things. Alone the DAS system (helmet cueing) is extremely difficult to adapt - same applies to all the processing tasks. The Raptor would need a whole new integrated system (like the F-35 got) - and millions of lines of code would need to be written. And we are not even talking about flight testing and combat readiness. It seems that at this point, the Raptor already closed into its end cycle of its operational lifecycle. Maybe it is just me, but this doesn’t seem to make a lot of sense.
I'm rather surprised that the "best fighter jet" of the world actually lacks these features. Specially when many of them - like AI assisted suggestion, communication among systems, and network security stuffs are mainstay among many civilian industrial systems.
Because the F-22 Raptor's concept was the product of the late 90's design. Think of it as the ultimate expression of the F-15 Eagle but Stealthy and advanced
Someone will be saying the same thing when they start talking about anti-gravity and laser weapons. What we have is still leaps and bounds better than whatever else has.
Last year the USAF announced to retire the F22 throughout the 2030s. I dont know if they backpaddled on that though. I dont really follow this closely.
@@kennethfears9254 lol, they will likely stay in service for a time, but I can see them being gone in 10 years. something better will be out by then, or better be!
@@rogersmith573 well they also placed an order for a new Version of the F15 called F15EX which will probably mean that at least this New Version of the F15 will outlive the F22 which was supposed to replace it. And i think thats funny 😄 i also like the F15 better especially the looks. Looks like a fighter jet not like some streamlined boring Ufo
The new F-22 raptor? Why would the government go and spend more money and time on the jet they're going to retire? The sixth generation fighter is not that far away and the F-22 Raptor doesn't need any more upgrades. Where are you getting your information?
Priorities did not Russia threaten to use Nukes....Therefore, F22 should be certified to carry the standard Nuclear Bomb ..... A lot of people would feel safer. Right now...probably a waste of operational funds...
@@rogersmith573 We don't need a sub to triggered a global nuclear war. Tactical Nuke is just limited use option toward a battlefield...Of course F35C is better suited but F35c does not have "experience" toward ground and pound yet....
Pilots and program managers don’t seem to think it’s that important. They cite “other things” that are far greater priority for F-22A modernization upgrades.
@@stealthtomcat4739 There's a recent interview with the Demo pilot where he said they have more important things on the list. They also look at their buddies with neck problems from JHMCS in F-15C and F-16C and are kind of happy to have a lightweight helmet still. Raptors aren't really going into WVR, but if they could get a light HMD that didn't mess with the balance, they want that.
@@stealthtomcat4739 He would avoid dogfight with Su-27s because they would be splashed way before any chance of getting WVR. Su-27 has a trash radar and sensor suite. Wouldn't be any different against Su-30SM or Su-35S either. These guys are talking on open plain text, non secure RF. We're so far away from a conversation about Helmet HOBS at this point, it's really sad.
F-22 leads 3 drones to a "drop off" 1st drone ghoes after air defense, kicking down the door for the F-22 and friends. The second another goes after 'frointline' units desi9gnated by the human in the fighter. The third is the strategic deep strike, going for the dam or tank factory maybe even taking out ballistic missile defenses ahead of that sort of strike..... What can a squadron backed by datalinked drones do?
Some kind of computer generated arial combat engineering, competitive with the Soviet "Checkmate" would probably be a wise upgrade for the F-22, as much as computerized piloting. The heart of the Soviet "Checkmate" is a computer program that "thinks ahead of it's initial response to an encountered threat. Well enough ahead to plan for engagement in combat, (with a planned KILL) or disregard engage notice to a human pilot. It's a For/Next Loop program in the BASIC language, but if done properly, can be written in assembly code. And at today's switching speeds in the Ghz. it's quite possible to at least put up a good fight. And a Raptor with zero radar cross-section has an extreme advantage over the Checkmate. Because that system is highly dependant on seeing your adversary. The USAF isn't stupid, neither are our personnel.
The new Russian "Stealth" Fighter is a joke. There are gaps and rivets all over the jet, which is bad if you want to be stealthy lol. Also, Russia can't even afford to maintain the tires on their ground vehicles.....how is Russia going to afford to keep re-painting the Stealth skin paint and afford to replace a panel because if there I just a crap or wrinkle than the entire panel has to be replaced and all painted again. So Russia can afford to do all of that but cannot afford to keep the tires maintained on their vehicles to keep them from cracking open and leaking air.......lol. seeing that all over Ukraine right now. Russia even had to admit that one of its Generals that putin fired was in charge of the maintenance on it but was only given 400k to replace ALL tires and to keep vehicles moving around for a few miles a few times a month.....lol yeah, ok 👍
Your narrator needs to learn how to properly pronounce the words she’s saying. It makes your channel lose credibility if you constantly keep making mistakes. Either fix the issues or change to another narrator who speaks the language fluently.
Thankyou for your feedback as a person for whom english isnt the first language I' am learning everyday . But I believe there is room for improvement for me so I will improve myself. Good day to you Sir.
@@thebuzz4108 I want your channel to succeed as you have some exciting content; I wouldn't want you to think I'm here only to bring you down. Good luck to you sir!👍🏻✌️🏻
It's public now, and Zumalt and Littoral ships are junk. You had to know something was wrong when the Navy passed them over for older styled ships the last few years.
Hmmm...did I lose that plane, damn the representative from Let's spend to much and hose our great, great, great, great.....great grandchildren. Has put a kick me sign on that offspring and so now we get an even more expensive version of the Fight Falcon, no the King Kobra, no the Might Mouse. F...what was it call Napotor.
F-22 is crap, we have plenty of planes that can do the job. It looks like an F-15 that plane could have been put in production to be even better than the F-22. It's all politics Lockheed gets all the contracts. I hope the rest just close down and the military will be screwed, a pure fighter isn't even needed anymore f/a planes are the future.F-35, several F-15's f-18 f -16. F-22 never fought in anger , great investment. B-2 is another plane we didn't need.A whole bunch of F-22's got destroyed by a hurricane, sweet!
Seems the tax payer takes it in the rear. A 5th Gen fighter, best in the world, that can be upgraded to 6th gen. But have your buds in the government cancel it so you can build a 6th gen fighter.
It's important to keep advancing technology and aircraft....older something gets the more of a nightmare maintenance becomes. Cannot keep making parts for the same aircraft for 40 plus years. That's how a country stays stuck in technology.
Way to prep that War Bird 🦅. God’s speed Lady’s and Gentlemen. Move out the way we have a Country to Save. Giddy up little Doggie way to drive that Mule. All day long Yahoo
So then, all this modern marical technology but nothing to deal decisely with the stall/spin, killer cycle. What gives? Diverting a bit of thrust to the side of the tail could easily stop the spin and then full throttle, nose down could deal with the stall but first, the spin has to be stopped so its time for air frame designers to get off their ass and fix the 50 year old problem.
How do you restart your engines if you can't get air flow to them? You need the help of steady air flow through the engine to restart it. Nose down could do that, but you need proper air flow over the wings, and flight control surfaces to nose down. Something you don't have in a spin. if you have a large flat body surface, like F22, and even F-14 the body of the plane will be generating lift (normally this is a good thing) that may not let you nose down without Thrust, that you likely don't have if you are already in the spin. Keep in mind without engines you also lose power and hydraulic power and are now on emergency systems that maybe not as effective. How much time do you have now? If it was easy, it would have been fixed long ago. Most of the time flight control computers take actions to prevent this condition in the first place, but they can't account for the unknown, like jet wash from another plane. Sometimes you are just screwed.
Why did these commentators start off saying that the F-22 is no doubt the best fighter jet in the world that is not true at all it's not any better than the su57 or the j20. In fact that j20 is 10 years younger and has much more sophisticated technology in it it because it's much newer and they used a lot of the design off of the yf23
There’s like 10 su 57 if that in Russia today, they also don’t have heat signature reducing exhaust meaning they’re much more visible than f22 or f35. Which coincidentally have almost 1000 units produced of both by now, meaning they aren’t just vapor ware while being much more stealthy. The j20 is heavily based upon Russian tech, it’s almost certainly still behind American tech but the Chinese are closing the gap. Russian tech capabilities are inflated, if you just read what the Russian or Chinese put out they will of course look superior.
The 6th Gen is flying and being tested but it will not be ready until the 2030’s and then the F22 will fly with Gen 6 until the new fighter has enough numbers to phase out the F22!
The American are very modest. I don't understand why this raptor is not yet transparent if it not invisible yet. I mean who is going to fight USA in their motherland ? I m afraid but this F22 is only to make trouble outside the US borders. I don't understand how can they stop missiles flying at 2 milles / second at the hight of the USA Navy fleet? So far the maximum speed is Mach 1 for the F22 at this altitude!!!!
They were both meant to compliment each other to replace the F-15C and F-16C fleets. Both are on separate tracks for manning and fighter squadron population. They were never an either/or set of designs. Anyone who says the F-35 series are rubbish is an ignoramus of the highest order.
@@LRRPFco52 this might have been true if the F35 running cost is comparable to the F16 with the same ratio of f22 compared to the F15 but this is not true second USA is working on a six generation jet pair so why build another fifth generation jet now while it was already achieved a decade ago with perfection they should have just upgraded the superior F22 Third do not mistake my opinion as not appreciating the great technology built in the F35 it is just that I do not think that shoving all of this technology in a body and an engine that are way much inferior to the great F22 is a wise move both technically and financially so compared to an upgraded F22 super raptor it is still rubbish ;)
@@mohammadsalah3319 They're on totally different acquisition and force structure tracks. You can't mass-produce twin-engine fighters by the thousands anymore. The JSF airframes are superb at what they do, not mediocre, not just good enough, but superb. Combat radius is one of the biggest things with JSF, let alone the kinematic performance. As to the technology paths, these are things that were going into whatever airframes were coming off the production lines. Propulsion, avionics, sensors, DFLCS, VLO, cockpit, structures were all going into the MRF, CALF, A/F-X, ASTOVL, and SSF. The McDonnell Douglas designs all had the same basic fuselage as the Lockheed ones. The only outliers were from Boeing, and they were atrocious.
@@LRRPFco52 totally true and I totally agree Now note that the no. of F35 requests from the marines the navy and the air force went down and they did this for a good reason ;) Also reopening the F22 Raptor lines with updating the current version with the already present infrastructure would have been easier and more economic ..... remember that there should have been 700 F22s and the dissolution of the soviet union and the loss of the most powerful enemy was the reason for the big mistake of cutting cost in the technology in the F22 and in there production number. I think that it would have been much better to put the technology into the greatly successful F22 frame although she has two engines and build 500 of it than to go for a new design with so much complications and problems that will take long and cost much to be solved while the Sixth Generation fighters are to be started only in 10 years time with nothing globally close to the F22
The F22 Raptor is without a doubt the most talked about fighter in the world but it has never seen real combat. Upgrading a fighter that has no evidence in combat so that a new 6th generation fighter is coming? The US is so stupid!
It performed missions in syria and the reason why it hasn't been in actual air to air combat is because no one is stupid enough to go to war with the USA
They expect the F-22 to be in service for years to come so upgrades are needed. Plus, you always have to be upgrading your military equipment and vehicles to deter enemy threats and to stay on top. 6th-gen wont be coming out till 2030 and still even then they wont be in mass quantity. 5th gen fighters will be used for a long time so they need to contnue upgrading the best fighter in the world