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I recently came across this detailed image of a proposed pod design for the F-22A Raptor. I was wondering if there is real work underway into such a system and how different form this image it might be.

Also, do you think such pods (the ones in the image) are realistic for the F-22/F-35 and would they be effective or still increase RCS, drag, and limit flight performances?

Link to image...

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PhillyGuy wrote:

I recently came across this detailed image of a proposed pod design for the F-22A Raptor. I was wondering if there is real work underway into such a system and how different form this image it might be.

Also, do you think such pods (the ones in the image) are realistic for the F-22/F-35 and would they be effective or still increase RCS, drag, and limit flight performances?

Link to image...

I know that a stealthy fuel tank is being discussed (but very preliminary right now), and when the F/B-22 was proposed, it would have entailed the external carriage of stores in stealthy pods. I'm not sure if the latter is being worked on, however. As for the image, it is the work of a fanboy, like the stuff dwightlooi likes to work on in his spare time.

Elite 1K Joined: Jul 20, 2005 Posts: 1035 Status: Offline

Stealth pods are semi-in the works. Not a priority right now though. Image above is interesting though, but not any sort of production concept imagery...Check

Very good the idea of employing both pilons of each semi-wings, so they can have the same angle of air intakes and tail plane (and no 90° angles) and stand more weight without need of using four pod instead of 2 so that drag and RCS are reduced.
I would put a bit more fuel and a bit less SDB's

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F-22 "Stealth Pods"