Identification: F-22 Raptor Jet Fighters are recognized by the short, pointy nose with the cockpit far out front, rectangular air intakes on the sides of the fuselage (opening is almost vertical when seen from the side), deltoid wings (not triangular), twin vertical tail fins that are angled outward, and splayed horizontal tail fins that look like the feet of a water turtle (the F-35 has triangular horizontal tail fins).

Mission: The F-22A Raptor is the newest Air Force fighter (but others are on the way). The F-22A is a stealth fighter, but unlike the F-117 Nighthawk, it is based on a conventional, high performance aerodynamic design. In this case, stealth is achieved by materials and coating rather than design. The Raptor is capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

Characteristics:

• Size: Length: 62 feet; Wingspan: 44 feet; Height: 17 feet
• Crew: one
• Unit cost: secret
• Date Deployed: 2005

 
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© Jim Boone; Last updated 081231