F-22 2019, the best year yet?
- Elite 5K
- Posts: 5331
- Joined: 20 Mar 2010, 10:26
- Location: Parts Unknown
So if I'm not mistaken, the AIM-9x block 2 and AIM-120D will be integrated. That and from what I can gather, more "classified" avionics upgrades. Still no helmet mounted sight, but one article I read say LM is working on a visor display ala the F-35, vs. modified scorpion sight.
Obviously, nobody can comment on what's classified. But the newer 9x and AIM-120D will clearly give the Raptor claws with a much greater reach. Even near BVR for the 9x, so 8 BVR AAM's in total. I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of this thing, this thing I can't see lol.
Also, weren't there plans to bring at least some of the block 20 jets used primarily for training up to a combat coded standard? Think that would bring the combat coded birds from 120 or so closer to 150??
Obviously, nobody can comment on what's classified. But the newer 9x and AIM-120D will clearly give the Raptor claws with a much greater reach. Even near BVR for the 9x, so 8 BVR AAM's in total. I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of this thing, this thing I can't see lol.
Also, weren't there plans to bring at least some of the block 20 jets used primarily for training up to a combat coded standard? Think that would bring the combat coded birds from 120 or so closer to 150??
- Elite 4K
- Posts: 4482
- Joined: 23 Oct 2008, 15:22
The -9X Block 2 and -120D are 3.2B upgrades. The F-22 is also currently undergoing an MLU, which includes new computers, new sensors, new displays, more AI, HMD, new EW/EA capabilities, etc....
- Elite 5K
- Posts: 5331
- Joined: 20 Mar 2010, 10:26
- Location: Parts Unknown
wrightwing wrote:The -9X Block 2 and -120D are 3.2B upgrades. The F-22 is also currently undergoing an MLU, which includes new computers, new sensors, new displays, more AI, HMD, new EW/EA capabilities, etc....
This is good. Very good...
Demonstrates the F-22 is getting the funding it needs to stay ahead of the threat (primarily J-20, as I don't see the PAK FA/Sukhoi SU-57 as a real, operational aircraft). I doubt the USAF does either, at least until such time as they have more than.. 12.
I'd think the "new EW/EA" capabilities are the most important, perhaps even moreso than the AIM-120D/9x. Let's just hope they bring the number of combat capable airframes up to around the 150 mark!
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